Dean of Postgraduate Research
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Extension: 7285
Email:
lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Summer Research Scholarship Scheme
2015-2016
Project Application Form
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to
summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
The Project
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Conservation management of an endangered ‘gravel-hopper’
Project Leader(s):
Dr Tara Murray
Host Department/Organization:
School of Forestry
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Affiliation to project
Dr Richard Maloney
DOC Science Advisor
Brief outline of project
Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type).
Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be
mindful of any Intellectual Property issues
The Robust Grasshopper, Brachaspis robustus, is an endangered insect restricted to a small number of braided
riverbeds in the Mackenzie Basin. All known populations are in decline. At present there is only limited understanding
of the threats to the grasshopper and its ecological requirements but this information is essential if practical methods
of conservation management are to be implemented to stop grasshopper decline and promote long term persistence in
the wild. We are seeking a student who is keen on the outdoors and conservation of native species to help improve our
understanding of grasshopper biology and threats by conducting field work in the Mackenzie (based in Twizel)
alongside an MSc Student and Department of Conservation staff. The project will include setting up habitat surveys to
assess habitat requirements and preferences, assisting with the monitoring of grasshoppers translocated to a field site
just outside Twizel and assessing population size and structure in the few remaining wild populations. There is
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additional scope for the successful applicant to develop their own research ideas based on their particular interests and
skills (including a possible honours project).
If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
The project will primarily involve fieldwork based in Twizel for two periods of up 4 weeks each (one before and one
after Christmas). There is some flexibility in field work timing and this will be discussed with candidates.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
Most work should be within standard working hours, however travel time to and from field sites may sometimes
extend daily hours. All sites are within 1 hour drive from Twizel.
Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project –
maximum of 100 words.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on one of very few specific insect conservation projects in
New Zealand. They will gain firsthand experience in developing and undertaking ecological field research for insect
conservation. They will learn skills in entomology and botany and if keen will have the opportunity to learn about
braided river ecosystems, species conservation management, insect biology and ecology and predation threats. They
will have the opportunity to work with postgraduate students and network with Department of Conservation staff,
hugely beneficial if this is an area in which they wish to pursue research or a career in the future. The student will have
the opportunity to improve their skills in developing a research project, scientific writing and oral presentation.
Specific student requirements
Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific
courses/experience are necessary.
Driver’s license essential. First aid certificate preferred.
Applicants must be willing to be based in Twizel and conduct field work for most of the duration of the scholarship.
Applicants who have completed courses in entomology, ecology and/or conservation will be at an advantage.
Applicants with an interest in pursuing research or a career in ecology, wildlife management or entomology will be
given priority.
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