A comparison of foraging strategies of the barn owl (Tyto alba) across agricultural landscapes

A comparison of foraging strategies of the barn owl (Tyto alba) across agricultural landscapes

The decline of birds of prey such as the barn owl in the 1950s has been well documented (eg. Balmer et al. 2013). However, despite several conservation and reintroduction projects facilitating the recovery of the barn owl, they are only present in the UK in low densities, representing around 3% of the European population (Toms et al. 2001). Little research has been conducted on the daily individual movements of barn owl, especially in relation to agricultural practices. Therefore, the aim of this research project is to employ radio-tracking technology to compare the movements of barn owls inhabiting agricultural land utilising different practices eg. organic and non-organic farmland. The movements of the birds will be mapped using GIS software to examine what land use types the birds are using in relation to survival and breeding success. This project will provide a timely insight into factors affecting barn owl success across the East Midlands. These findings will contribute towards the continued international conservation of the barn owl, and other similar species, via the promotion of a sustainable population.

The supervisory team have considerable expertise in the areas of wildlife conservation and ornithological research, particularly regarding the impact of agriculture on avian behaviour. As a member of the College of Science and Technology, you will belong to an active, vibrant and diverse research community that spans the Schools of Science and Technology and of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.

Specific qualifications/subject areas required of the applicants for this project
Entrants must have a first/undergraduate Honours degree, with an Upper Second Class or a First Class grade, in Zoology, Biology, or similar. Entrants with a Lower Second Class grade at first degree must also have a postgraduate Masters Degree at Merit.

This studentship competition is open to applicants who wish to study for a PhD on a full-time basis only. The studentship will pay UK/EU fees (currently set at £4,195 for 2017/18 and are revised annually) and provide a maintenance stipend linked to the RCUK rate (this is revised annually and is currently set at £14,553 for the academic year 2017/18) for up to three years. Applications from non-EU students are welcome, but a successful non-EU candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and UK/EU fees. (Fees for 2017/18 are £12,900 for non-EU students and £4,195 for UK/EU students). The studentships will be expected to commence in October 2018.