Studying Dingoes in the Great Sandy Desert with the Nyangumarta Rangers

A PhD opportunity exists in the study of dingo ecology, behaviour and cultural importance for an independent and self-motivated Australian domestic postgraduate student with a 1st Class honours degree in the biological or social sciences. The proposed project will focus on the wartarji (dingo) residing in the Great Sandy Desert (GSD) region of Western Australia. The three main aims and outcomes of the funded study include: 1. To learn about the population dynamics, diet, genetics, and movements of dingoes within the GSD. 2. To determine the interaction between dingoes and mesopredators (foxes and feral cats) within the GSD. 3. To document the cultural significance of dingoes within the GSD region. The project will involve remote fieldwork in and around the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). The beginning of the IPA is located 4 hours drive south of Broome, where the ranger head office is located. The primary supervisor is based in Adelaide, but there is no restriction as to the candidate’s location when not engaged in fieldwork. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) (project partner) and the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Ranger team, who are actively involved in managing the IPA, setting the research agenda, and running field trips. The project is part of a long-term objective to further our collective understanding of dingoes and their relationship to First Nations People and to a Healthy Country. We are seeking applicants with a demonstrated ability to work safely and independently in a remote field setting. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and detail oriented. Relevant previous experience includes general ecological field work, camera-trapping, wildlife tracking and monitoring, behavioural observation, social sciences, and the ability to produce publication quality scientific writing. The candidate is expected to work and communicate effectively with the Nyangumarta community, Traditional Owners and rangers. The successful applicant will receive a stipend (scholarship), and funding support for fieldwork. Open to Australian residents or permanent citizens only. Project to commence asap.