Removing rabbits to restore ecosystems at large scale

Outside the Fence: How strategic removal of rabbit warrens could achieve large-scale restoration and connect natural habitat for wildlife

We have a PhD project available now, with a guaranteed scholarship, to work in a large-scale restoration program in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. The PhD project is imbedded in a broader project that will measure how strategic removal of large patches of rabbit warrens could achieve restoration of plants and soils, and vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife, and how strategic placement of patches in the landscape could connect habitat for mobile wildlife (reintroduced quolls) at large scale.

These projects will test a method for ecosystem restoration in large, unfenced landscapes, contributing to conservation and restoration of the vast areas of Australia that are ‘outside the fence’. High densities of introduced rabbits support feral cats, causing both broad-scale environmental degradation and native wildlife decline in Australia. In an ARC-funded project in the semi-arid South Australian Flinders Ranges, we are showing how rabbit warren removal leads to reduced browsing of vegetation by rabbits and decreased predation of native wildlife by cats, and how this in turn promotes recovery of vegetation, soils and wildlife. We will show how strategic removal of patches of warrens can be used to link isolated areas of intact habitat to achieve large-scale conservation outcomes. 

The wildlife PhD project will focus on the faunal responses to rabbit control, including the responses of feral cats and reintroduced western quolls, and other vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife. Methods include remote camera trapping, bird surveys and pitfall/funnel trapping for vertebrates and invertebrates. The project would suit a candidate with interest in wildlife and responses to ecological restoration interventions.

The PhD candidate will work alongside a second PhD student focusing on plants, soil seed banks and soils, and will be supported in the field by a postdoctoral researcher focusing on large-scale connectivity and quolls. These projects are part of an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Environment and Water and the University of Tasmania. Both PhD candidates and the postdoctoral researcher will spend significant amounts of time in a remote location. The field base is established and is comfortable. The project provides good opportunities for networking with conservation NGOs and land managers.

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.

Other funding opportunities and fees

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

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
• See: https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/what-is-a-research-degree. Candidates are expected to have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class Honours or Masters degree in a relevant discipline, with at least 6 months full time research thesis component, and mark >75%
• The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis
• Applicants must already have been awarded a First-Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
• Applicants must meet English requirements or be able to do so before commencement
• Applications are open to Domestic and International applicants

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:

• A good understanding of wildlife ecology
• Ability to conduct field work in remote locations
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Proven success in developing mathematical models and coding in R statistics
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent team and communication skills
• Current driver’s license and ideally 4WD experience

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with 4WD and remote field work

Application process

1.Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;

2.Contact Prof. Menna Jones including a cover letter detailing your interest in the project and your relevant experience, your CV, academic transcripts, a copy of your research thesis and any journal articles you have co-authored; 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 30 June 2025.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ‘How to apply‘ section at Research degrees.

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.