MRes Applied Science (Wildlife Behaviour and
Conservation)
Behavioural Management of Bull Elephants in European
Zoos.
Supervised by Dr Matt Hartley
This study focuses
on the influence of management and social grouping on the behavioural
repertoire and social development of bull elephants. We shall investigate how
social experience during youth and adolescence influences future reproductive
success and social behaviours. We shall
establish which aspects of behaviour are learnt and how management in captivity
can influence learning opportunities. Methods will include behavioural studies
of elephants in European zoos and analysis of historical records. This
project has been commissioned by the UK Elephant Welfare Groups Reproduction
and Social Management Working Group. We are working closely with the BIAZA
Elephant Focus Group and the EAZA Taxon Advisory Group to develop a project
which will provide evidence to support best elephant management practices.
We are working with
partners at University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University as part of
on-going elephant behavioural research.
The project will be
undertaken at the University of Chester as a Masters of Research In Wildlife
Behaviour and Conservation.
Fees for this course
are £4126 we are negotiating with funders for project specific costs.
Applicants should
contact Programme Leader Dr Matt Hartley
on m.hartley@chester.ac.uk for
further information and application materials.
This project may be
suitable for zoo staff to undertake on a part-time basis.
Programme Information:
Modules
During Semester 1
(September to December) two taught modules will be delivered by our academic
staff in Chester. These modules are designed to equip you with the key skills
required for Masters level research. All
MRes students will study a Wildlife Research Methods module, which provides an
overview of field techniques, biodiversity data analysis, population models and
research project management. Your second module will then focus on either
Conservation Genetics or Behaviour and Welfare in Wildlife Conservation,
depending on which is the most relevant area for your chosen research project.
Compulsory Module
BI1743 Wildlife
Research Methods
BI7140 Dissertation
Project
Optional Modules
BI7130 Conservation
Genetics
BI7132 Behaviour and
Welfare in Wildlife Conservation
From January until the
following September, you will focus entirely on your research project, working
on an individual basis with close support from your academic supervisor.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
