The ecological implications of alternative deer management strategies

Summary

The absence of carnivores such as wolves and lynx across the islands of Britain and Ireland, has resulted in man adopting the role of apex predator to manage deer populations. Since the 18th century deer management has arguably focused on sporting and utilitarian interests. However, the climate and biodiversity crises, and increases in deer populations, has led to calls for management to focus on ecological outcomes rather than human interests.   In the 19th century, red deer (Cervus elaphus) were introduced to an estate in Glenveagh, Co. Donegal for the purposes of sport. This site was purchased by the Irish state in the 1970s and now forms the core of what is now known as Glenveagh National Park, one of seven such protected areas in Ireland.

Deer numbers within the site threaten the important nature conservation features for which the site is designated. In 2024, a new woodland management strategy was adopted in an attempt to reverse the fortunes of the North Atlantic Temperate Rainforest occurring on the site. Unlike traditional management strategies, which results in the removal of deer carcasses from the landscape, the plan at Glenveagh National Park will result in culled deer remaining where they fall to support a closed ecological system. This meets the sites aims of fulfilling its status as a IUCN Category 2 protected area where no natural material is removed from the site.

As a student on this project you will examine the social and ecological impacts as well as the efficacy of this approach.  Extensive fieldwork will be combined with remote sensing approaches to provide the evidence base justifying adaptive management strategies being developed and implemented.

Please note:

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.