Reducing ecosystem flammability

Using herbivores and other novel management tools to reduce bushfire hazard

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

Scholarship

$32,192pa + $5,500pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

Climate change is increasing bushfire risk, necessitating a broader range of tools for managing bushfire in the wildland-urban interface. Pyric herbivory – herbivory promoted through fire – coupled with mechanical thinning provide alternative options for transitioning ecosystems to lower-flammability states, while maintaining biodiversity values.

The project will involve field experiments in various locations, including the University of Tasmania's forested reserve in Hobart's wildland-urban interface. Hobart is Australia's most fire-prone capital city, with tens of thousands of houses located in bushfire-prone areas, demanding innovative fire management strategies. Field experiments will include manipulations that encourage herbivores to occupy and consume fuel in specific areas, small-scale patch burning, mechanical clearing of dense vegetation, turning removed fuel into biochar to maintain soil moisture and sequester carbon, among other potential interventions. Additionally, the project could investigate the use of artificial wildlife refuges to ensure modified habitats retain sufficient cover for smaller wildlife. The research will thus involve a combination of wildlife and vegetation survey techniques.

The goal of the project is to provide practical insights into the treatments that are most effective in achieving lower-flammability ecological states, while maintaining biodiversity values. The interventions will form a "living laboratory", where members of the public can observe best-practice fire management that is rooted in sound ecological principles. This research is supported by an ARC Laureate fellowship held by Professor David Bowman, who will co-supervise the student.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Calum Cunningham

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $5,500 per annum for 3.5 years.  This scholarship is funded by an ARC Laureate fellowship held by Professor David Bowman.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • An honours degree or equivalent in ecology, biology, plant science, or environmental science, or relevant discipline.
  • Experience conducting fieldwork in rugged outdoor settings.
  • Ability to help day-to-day supervision of volunteers and research associates implementing the field programs.
  • Ability to identify plant species using dichotomous keys or willingness to learn.
  • Experience with mammal survey techniques or willingness to learn.
  • Some familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS).
  • Basic statistical knowledge. Willingness to achieve a high-level of competence (with support) using statistical programs such as R.
  • Good written and verbal English and scientific communication skills.
  • A current driving licence.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • A strong research background in ecology or similar fields through a publication record or a high-quality thesis.
  • Strong analytical skills using R or similar software and a keen interest in developing those skills.
  • Practical skills to help design, establish and maintain outdoor field experiments.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Calum Cunningham to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience