Senior Research Position in Ecology at University of East Anglia, UK 2011

A postdoctoral research ecologist is sought to lead a research programme that will develop an evidence-base for sustainable management of Houbara (McQueen’s) Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii), and ecosystem condition, in the southern Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan. The Kyzlkum desert is subject to intense grazing by livestock, but the consequences of this pastoralism for ecosystem function, habitat quality for Houbara and other range restricted
species are unknown.

Throughout its breeding range (spanning semi-deserts of central Asia to Mongolia) McQueens bustard is exploited for falconry by hunting parties from the Arabian peninsula. Hunting levels are currently unregulated and detrimental to the long-term viability of the species, which has experienced sustained regionwide population declines. The research programme aims to demonstrate and advocate a model approach for the long-term conservation and sustainable hunting of wild populations, with an emphasis on enhancing habitat and productivity. Evidence-based management requires improved understanding of: variation in abundance and productivity among habitat types, the direct (through disturbance) and indirect (through habitat modification) influences of pastoralism on abundance and productivity, the natural capacity for population recovery following hunting, the contribution of captive-bred released birds to this recovery and the spatial scale over which this operates, the derivation of appropriate offtake limits based on scientific evidence, and the optimal system of management zoning for population viability. This programme provides synergistic opportunities for novel research into mitigating pastoralism impacts on semi-desert ecosystems and other biome restricted species.

The research programme includes: satellite tracking of wild and captive-bred individuals (to examine migration, ranging movements, survival and home range
fidelity); distance transect surveys to establish densities of Houbara bustards and biome-restricted species in relation to habitat and pastoralism pressure; use of radio telemetry and nest cameras to relate breeding productivity to habitat quality, livestock and predators; assessment of vegetation responses and the
density, dynamics and management responses of small mammal prey, predators, and other biome-restricted species, to livestock and pastoralism management.
Scholarships deadline

10 Oktober 2011

Scholarships details of Senior Research Position in Ecology at University of East Anglia