Masters by Research Project, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus

 Masters by Research Project, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus


Project Title: Using cognitive and behavioural research to enhance UK reintroduction of red-billed choughs


Supervisors:

Professor Alex Thornton, University of Exeter (www.wildcognitionresearch.com)  

Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison), Anglia Ruskin University & University of Cambridge (www.drrachaelmiller.com)  

 

Start date and duration: Two years from September 2024

 

Project Description:

The red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, is Britain’s most endangered corvid and the focus of reintroduction and monitoring efforts in small pockets of Cornwall, Jersey and Wales. With annual releases from 2023-2028, the Wildwood Trust (Kent) is working with Paradise Park (Cornwall), Kent Wildlife Trust, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey) and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (Dover) to reintroduce chough in Kent.  

 

This MbyRes project aims to enhance reintroduction efforts through cognitive and behavioural experimental and observational approaches on captive and released choughs in Kent and Cornwall. It will focus largely on individual differences, behavioural flexibility and learning, in relation to fitness proxies, such as body condition/ weight. The aim is for findings to be implemented in reintroduction protocols, such as informing release decisions and targeted pre-release training.

 

Where you’ll study:

The student will be based in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus, hosted within Prof Alex Thornton’s Wild Cognition Research Group, with co-supervision from Dr Rachael Miller (Harrison) at ARU in Cambridge.  

 

Requirements:

Applicants should have a strong academic track record and be predicted to graduate from their undergraduate degree with a First or high 2.1.

Applicants should have keen interests in animal behaviour/cognition/conservation, strong analytical abilities and some relevant research experience (e.g. third year dissertation).

It is a strong advantage if you have a driving license and your own car.

 

Fees:

Standard MbyRes university fees apply (sorry!). See here for details: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/funding/fees/

 

How to apply:

In the first instance, please email Rachael (rachael.harrison@aru.ac.uk) and Alex (alex.thornton@exeter.ac.uk) by 18th March 2024 with a CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the project and any relevant experience (e.g. fieldwork, research, stats skills).