The School of Forestry | Te Kura Ngahere seeks potential PhD candidates for a $32k stipend + fees for three years position. This PhD is based at the University of Canterbury with fieldwork in the central North Island. This PhD will be supervised by Associate Professor Steve Pawson and Dr Sarah Wyse.
Background
New Zealand was predominantly forested and its fauna is largely forest adapted. Since human colonisation the cover of natural forests has declined substantially with most landscapes dominated by pastoral agriculture. Approximately 20% of the current forest cover is of exotic plantation forests, primarily Pinus radiata. This habitat is known to represent low-contrast matrix habitat that can support native fauna where suitable food is available, e.g., insectivorous birds. In addition to habitat loss the introduction of invasive mammalian predators, e.g., rats, stoats, cats, are a substantial threat to native fauna. This threat is comparatively well studied in natural forests, however the population dynamics and impacts of invasive predators in plantation forests remain poorly understood. The aim of this PhD is to understand the factors driving predatory mammal abundance in different aged plantations, quantify their seasonal diet, and their impact on insectivorous bird reproductive success.
Specific objectives:
- Monitoring predator activity with camera traps in different aged P. radiata stands and adjacent forest for 2 full years at a range of sites throughout New Zealand. Quantifying vegetation structure at sampling sites and its influence on predator activity.
- Trapping possums and rats at select sites over multiple seasons to assess diet. This is likely to include a molecular approach to gut contents analysis.
- A large-scale BACI (before, after, control, intervention) trial over a two-year period to determine the impact of invasive predator control on nest success of select insectivorous birds in plantation forests.
Skills
This opportunity will suit a student that has an affinity for field ecology and is comfortable undertaking periods of fieldwork by themselves. Potential candidates should have an interest in botany where 20 by 20 m RECCE plot experience would be an advantage. Familiarity with basic molecular laboratory procedures would be helpful, but not essential. Candidates must be comfortable with operating humane ‘kill traps’ to collect samples for their study.
Qualifications
- A research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level.
- Full New Zealand driver license.
Partners
This opportunity is partially funded by the New Zealand Forest Owners Environment Committee and the School of Forestry |Te Kura Ngahere. The PhD will involve substantial collaboration with environmental forestry managers throughout New Zealand to both access study sites and collect data.
Applications
To apply please send a copy of your CV, academic transcript and cover letter explaining why this topic is of interest to you to Steve.pawson@canterbury.ac.nz. Applications close February 28th 2026.
Notes
- Preferred candidates will be already eligible for study in New Zealand to facilitate a quick start to this PhD.
- To discuss or ask questions about this opportunity please email steve.pawson@canterbury.ac.nz .