We are currently looking for a highly motivated and exceptionally qualified graduate student to pursue an M.S. degree, contingent on funding, in Natural Resource Ecology and Management (Wildlife Ecology and Management option) at Oklahoma State University and to study relationships among predator community composition, visual and olfactory concealment, and survival rates of ground-nesting birds. The study species and system for this research will be the Northern Bobwhite in a grassland/savanna/woodland mosaic in eastern Oklahoma, a region of transition between the eastern forests and the Great Plains.
Most predators of ground-nesting birds rely primarily on olfactory cues to locate birds. However, investigation of habitat selection and nest/brood concealment has largely focused on visual factors. The student will investigate the relative contribution of visual and olfactory concealment to influencing predation rates, quantify avian and mammalian predator communities, and assess whether the relative importance of visual and olfactory concealment varies predictably based on the community composition of predators. This research project will not only have applications for the management of Northern Bobwhites, but will also contribute to advancing basic understanding of the ecology of habitat selection, concealment, and predation. The project may also include a component that investigates current and historical patterns of land cover in the study area to assess whether landscape changes (e.g. encroaching woodlands, changing land use practices) have influenced local distributions and population abundances of Northern Bobwhites. Applicants must possess a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management or a related field, a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and with a field crew. Because the student will supervise a field crew, applicants with supervisory experience will be especially competitive. Experience handling upland game birds, searching for nests, using radio-telemetry equipment, mammal track plates, and camera traps, and conducting bird point surveys is preferred but not required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. This position includes an annual stipend of $16,800 for 2 years plus benefits and tuition remission. Interested applicants should send via email (in a SINGLE ZIP FILE) a cover letter outlining how they meet the above qualifications, a resume or CV, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Scott Loss ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; view Dr. Loss’s lab web page at: http://nrem.okstate.edu/faculty/loss.html). Applications should be submitted by March 7th, 2014, and the position will begin in mid-to-late April (start dates somewhat flexible). Any questions regarding the position should also be directed to Dr. Loss at the above email address or at (405) 744-4067.
