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Students
Study descriptions/ thesis projects
Master’s program “Management of Fish and Wildlife Populations” at the Dept. of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, SLU
The programme covers different aspects of the management of fish and wildlife, but also international laws and conventions with regard to fish and wildlife, scientific theory and methods. The first year consists of four coordinated courses: Fish and Wildlife Census Techniques, Applied Population Ecology, Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management, Fish and Wildlife Management. During the second year the programme also includes an individual Masters thesis (30 or 60 credits (ECTS) project work), and time for optional choices of courses.
For more information, visit http://www.slu.se/?id=362&programkod=SM003
Can clearing around mature oak increase wildlife forage production?
The aim of this study is to increase knowledge about how forage production for deer is affected when light conditions are improved for mature oaks (Quercus robur). Clearing around mature oaks has been suggested as a habitat improvement measure for increasing acorn production but also the production of forage in the field and shrub layers. The competition from surrounding trees is decreased by a certain management action whereby competing trees close to the canopy of mature oaks are cut. The effect will be studied by using an experimental design in which forage production on and beneath cleared tress will be compared to forage production for untreated trees (controls).
The study can be divided into several parts 1) estimation of forage availability in the field and bush layer 2) estimation of forage utilisation 3) redistribution of wildlife caused by improved forage availability 4) acorn production.
Possibility to be done as two parallel thesis projects.
The study area is situated in South Eastern Sweden, Misterhult in Småland.
Driving license is required.
Suitable education background: Biology, Forestry
For more information: www.moose-research.se
Contact: Jean-Michel Roberge - 090-7868359; 070-5878359 jean-michel.roberge@vfm.slu.se
Johan Månsson - 0581-697325; 070-6638883 johan.mansson@ekol.slu.se
Göran Ericsson - 090-7868508; 070-6765012
Residues from forest logging - forage availability and utilization by deer
The aim of this study is to increase knowledge about how forage availability and utilization by deer is affected when special measures are taken to increase availability of logging residues during thinning and final harvest in stands dominated by Scots pine and deciduous trees. The effect will be studied by using an experimental design in which forage availability and utilization by deer is compared between stands where forage improvement measures have been taken and stands where conventional forestry operations have been conducted (controls).
The study can be divided into several parts 1) estimation of forage availability 2) estimation of forage utilisation 3) redistribution of wildlife caused by improved forage availability 4) browsing effects in surrounding forests.
The study areas are situated in Misterhult (Småland), Malingsbo (Västmanland), Furudal (Dalarna), Sorsele (Västerbotten), Råneå (Norrbotten).
Driving license is required.
Suitable education background: Biology, Forestry
Contact:
Jean-Michel Roberge - 090-7868359; 070-5878359 Jean-Michel.Roberge@vfm.slu.se
Johan Månsson - 0581-697325; 070-6638883 Johan.Mansson@ekol.slu.se
Göran Ericsson - 090-7868508; 070-6765012 Goran.Ericsson@vfm.slu.se
Supplemental feeding of moose: Utilisation and influence on moose behaviour
The study/studies aims to improve knowledge about 1) how often moose use supplemental feeding sites, and/or 2) how does the movement and activity patterns of moose individuals change when they visit feeding sites. I southern and central Sweden, the aim of supplementary feeding is usually not to attract moose, but rather to attract other ungulate species (roe deer, red deer, fallow deer and wild boar). Yet, our data have shown that moose also utilize supplemental feeding sites. There is little knowledge on the consequences of supplemental feeding on moose and the surrounding habitats. Moreover, we have very limited knowledge on how widespread this practice is.
We can address those questions by using some of the GPS/GSM-marked study populations included in the thematic program Wildlife and Forests. The work will include several aspects: 1) mapping of supplemental feeding sites in the landscape; 2) assessment of the rate of utilization of feeding sites by GPS-collared moose; 3) browsing impacts on the surrounding forest; 4) edge effects on browsing intensity; 5) wildlife species composition at the feeding sites; 6) comparison of movement and activity patterns of moose visiting a supplemental feeding site with the patterns for moose that do not use such sites; 7) Effects on landscape heterogeneity and species diversity among other taxonomic groups.
It is of course possible to plan other projects addressing the general aims of the study. Suggestions are welcome!
Possibility to be done as several parallel thesis projects.
Study areas: 1) Norrbotten (Överkalix, Nikkaloukta) 2) Västerbotten (municipalities of Sorsele, Storuman and Dorotea) 3) Södermanland (Runtuna, Östermalma) 4) Kronojaktområdet Misterhult, Småland, 7) Surroundings of Växjö, Småland.
Driver's license is required.
Suitable background: biology, forest management. Basic knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) is an asset.
Contact: Jean-Michel Roberge - 090-7868359; 070-5878359 Jean-Michel.Roberge@vfm.slu.se
Jonas Sahlsten - 090-090-7868685; 070-2589116
Göran Ericsson - 090-7868508; 070-6765012 Goran.Ericsson@vfm.slu.se |
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