Conservation Value Assessment of the Boreal Forest
We are seeking an energetic, dedicated individual to conduct biogeographic research on the conservation value of the Boreal Forest biome in North America, one of the last of the world’s large intact forest biomes. The Boreal Forest biome is increasingly recognized for its globally unique biodiversity and ecological features and for the world-leading conservation plans being undertaken by Indigenous governments and communities who live within it. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with an interdisciplinary team helping to better understand and describe one of the world’s most unique and special biomes.
The successful M.Sc. student will enrol in the interdisciplinary Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. James Schaefer (Trent University) and Dr. Stephen Mayor (Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources & Forestry), in close collaboration with Dr. Jeff Wells (National Audubon Society).
The goal of the project is to undertake conservation value accounting of the North American boreal forest — an evaluation the importance of this biome for various taxa, with a focus on mammals, trees, and insects. Using GIS, the student will assemble digitized range maps to estimate the proportion of the total range of each species in the biome, then apply relative abundance measures to estimate the numbers of individuals for each species in the boreal. The result will be a description of the conservation value and stewardship responsibility for each province and territory.
Stipend: Approximately $19,477 per year for 2 years (which includes a Teaching Assistantship of $11,177 per year for 2 years)
Email a letter describing your interests along with your curriculum vitae and an unofficial copy of your transcripts to Prof. James Schaefer, jschaefer@trentu.ca