 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
| Effects of UV-B and dietary supplementation on fitness and behaviour of frogs in ex situ conservation (CASE studentship) | ||||||||||||
Climate change, disease and habitat loss have resulted in a global decline in amphibian populations to the extent that a third of species are now at risk or threatened with extinction. One hundred and twenty two species are known to have gone extinct since 1980, and for most of these the specific cause is unknown. Conservation agencies are acting to preserve species where they live but it is now clear that the establishment of ex situ populations as a safety net is necessary. Unfortunately, very little is known about the ecology and behaviour of most amphibians in the wild and even less is known about appropriate diet and husbandry conditions in captivity. This joint project between the University of Manchester and Chester Zoo will examine field populations to determine natural diets and their nutrient composition. Complimentary studies in the lab will examine how to optimise lighting, especially UV-B, for ex situ conservation populations. Results will feed directly into captive management programs at Chester Zoo and will be disseminated globally through the Amphibian Ark network. This is a CASE studentship with Chester Zoo. Funding Notes This studentship is available to UK and other EU nationals (due to funding criteria) and provides fees and stipend subject to eligibility. Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a first or upper second class honours degree in a related area. To apply for this studentship please see: www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences/postgraduate/apply/ |
||||||||||||
|