Human Wildlife Conflict in Ireland: perception versus reality

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is a rapidly developing issue in biodiversity and conservation management. Increased frequency of contact between wildlife and people can lead to increased frequency of conflict. Of all HWC scenarios, livestock predation by mammalian carnivores is one of the most frequent types throughout the world. Current research indicates that HWC is linked to the perceived extent of predation as much as actual losses, particularly amongst those whose livelihoods are dependent on the resource lost, such as farmers. This in turn leads to inflated perceptions of risk, often outweighing actual economic losses. These inflated perceptions drive retaliatory behaviour, thereby driving the risk of carnivore extirpation.

While concerns over the impact of predators within a human landscape are justified e.g. predation of livestock and other protected species, determining whether perception of loss or impact, - within a naïve human population (i.e. one with no historic exposure to predators) - matches reality is essential to ensure appropriate management actions are employed. The goal of this project is to measure the impact of wild carnivores in Ireland on human interests and compare it to the perception of impact among human populations. This will be conducted via a combination of social surveys, dietary analysis and population assessments, which will inform whether the issues driving HWC in Ireland are comparable to those that are evident elsewhere in the world. The project will culminate in the production of predictive and practical management recommendations to help inform government agencies and affected stakeholders, towards practical management actions. This will be essential moving forward given the increasing desire for rewilding and re-introduction of large mammalian predators on these shores.

We do not require a project proposal submitted with this application.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Dickman, A. J. (2010). Complexities of conflict: the importance of considering social factors for effectively resolving human–wildlife conflict. Animal Cponservation. doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00368.x

Redpath, S.M, Gutierrez, R.J., Wood, K.A., Young, J.C. (eds) (2015). Conflicts in Conservation. Navigating Towards Solutions. Cambridge University Press.

Woodroffe, R., Thurgood, S., Rabinowitz, A. (eds) (2005). People and Wildlife. Conflict or co-existance. Conservation Biology 9. Cambridge University Press.