témavezető: Székely Tamás
helyszín (magyar oldal): Life Science Building helyszín rövidítés: ÉTK
A kutatási téma leírása:
Domestic gazing livestock (ie., cattle, horses, sheep) have replaced the natural herbivores in several ecosystems in the world. Some of the most extensive grasslands occur in Centra Asia, ie Kazakhstan and surrounding countries, where extensive livestock breeding is part of the national heritage. Grazing herbivores can alter the grass composition in these habitats, they can create breeding habitats by creating special niches, and their dung can provide insects that are essential food for many steppe-breeding birds. Several endangered birds are associated with livestock grazing, eg Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni, Sociable plover Vanellus sociabilis, and hence understanding the variety of impacts on grazing is an important priority in Central Asian studies of biodiversity. The PhD project is using a combination of botanical, entomological and avian research tools to understand the implications of grazing by various livestock. It will also consider the veterinary practice, eg using ivermectin – an anti-parasite drug, and explore the effect of ivermectin-treated and control livestock for productivity of these livestock and for biodiversity of avian fauna. Taken together, the project will combine knowledge from agricultural practice with modern biodiversity studies to create an environmental-friendly husbandry protocols. The student will join an internationally leading research group at University of Debrecen that focuses on understanding the causes and implications of breeding strategies. The project will train the PhD student in field biology, ecology and demography and evolutionary biology. In addition, the student will receive training in transferable skills including communication skills, publications and research designs.
The candidate should have a good command of English (written and verbal). A condition of the application is a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, zoology, veterinary sciences or similar subject. The ideal candidate is willing to work independently and for long hours in the field and has experience with handling birds and/or data analyses.
For further information please contact Prof Szekely (T.Szekely@bath.ac.uk)
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