This project is part of the DPhil in Biology at the University of Oxford
Canid diseases are a particular and growing concern for the conservation of many wildlife populations, as free-ranging domestic dogs act increasingly as vectors of rabies and canine distemper viruses. In Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) for instance, high population density and sociality result in close between and within packs, rendering them particularly susceptible to periodic outbreaks. This project will focus on the interface between dogs and wolves, the effectiveness of alternative interventions (e.g., managing dogs, vaccinating wolves, minimising contact) and cascading effects of dog vaccinations on human and livestock health. The results will contribute to build a case for One Health benefits for people and domestic animals as a result of disease control efforts.
The Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme is part of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. EWCP leads research seeking practical solutions to the conservation of this rare and threatened canid, a social carnivore endemic to the Afroalpine ecosystem of Ethiopia. Our research has strong empirical bases from our long-term monitoring efforts, which have been particularly relevant to inform emergency vaccination campaigns to control rabies outbreaks, but also protected area design and community-led biodiversity friendly livelihoods.
The student will have access to long-term data on Ethiopian wolf demographics, interspecific interactions with free-ranging dogs, and domestic dog vaccinations in and around Bale Mountains National Park. Additional data will be acquired through behavioural observations, reported cases of rabies in humans and livestock from local health centres, serological studies and questionnaire surveys.
The student will study domestic dog populations to measure responses to vaccination, population turnover (i.e., affecting dog vaccination efforts to attain a given protection against rabies and CDV), and dog husbandry practices affecting the risk of free-ranging dogs transmitting diseases to wolves (e.g., using behavioural change approaches).
This project is part of the Ecology & Conservation theme in the Department of Biology.
Funding
This project is part of the DPhil in Biology programme, and is not a funded course at the University of Oxford, as such, students are expected to explore options for funding. However, we anticipate being able to offer around 6 full graduate scholarships to incoming DPhil Students in 2023-24.
You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by 20 January 2023. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and potential to excel as a DPhil student.
For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit the University’s dedicated Funding pages.
Eligibility
For full entry requirements and eligibility information, please see the main admissions page.
How to apply
The deadline for applications for 2023-2024 entry is midday 20 January 2023. We will continue to accept applications submitted after 20 January 2023, but these late applications will not be considered for scholarship funding.
You can find the admissions portal and further information about eligibility and the DPhil in Biology Programme at the University's graduate admissions page.