The effects of released gamebirds on the lowland ecosystems of S England PhD (Industry Funded) Ref: 6005

Supervisors

Professor Joah Madden, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter

Professor Barbara Tschirren, Department of Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter

Relatively little is known about the ecological effects of gamebird release and shooting, which occur across roughly 60% of the UK. These practices may benefit wildlife through habitat management, predator control and supplementary feeding, but could also cause harm through disease, competition and increased predator populations. This PhD will quantify gamebird management, assess impacts on selected taxa, and test ecological models to evaluate overall biodiversity consequences. The focus of this project will be on effects on reptiles and ecto-parasites.

The fate of UK biodiversity is highly dependent on land use. We now understand how agricultural practice affects a range of species. Much less is known about how a second set of activities occurring on the same land at the same time affects populations. The release and shooting of gamebirds occurs over ~60% of the UK. This activity may benefit non-game species through habitat management, predator control and supplementary feeding but may also damage them by increasing disease, direct resource competition and boosting generalist predators. This PhD will explore a range of currently poorly studied potentially affected taxonomic groups to evaluate net ecological consequences of gamebird release and management. The student will work at multiple shoots to: a) quantify (surveying and observing gamekeepers) gamebird release and management; b) quantify (camera trap; field-signs; trapping; surveying) relative abundances of focal species; c) use a range of analytical methods to test multiple conceptual models of how gamebird release and management might influence key species of interest.

The project is funded by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences but supervised by independent Exeter academics. It will focus on ecto-paratises and reptiles. It will involve independent travel in S England and fieldwork in rural locations. Previous experience of UK ecology, natural history and fieldwork is an advantage. The work would best suit a robust, resilient and independent field-worker, capable of conducting research in adverse conditions.

The University of Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by BASC and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences to commence on 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time.  The student would be based in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following:

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £27,000.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
• Student visa fees
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  Full details will be confirmed at offer stage. 

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of ecology, behaviour, conservation, zoology or evolutionary biology.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents

• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 23 October 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 9 November 2026.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 6005 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary