Postgraduate studies
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
MSc Conservation Leadership
Modules also delivered as standalone CPD units
University of the West of England
(Online; Delivered in partnership with Bristol Zoo)
University of Plymouth
Sparsholt University Centre
Other zoo-related PG courses:
Taught courses
MRes, MPhil & PhD opportunities
PhD: Understanding and mitigating the impact of the invasive Asian toad on Malagasy amphibian biodiversity (Manchester Metropolitan University)
Madagascar is home to more than 300 endemic frog species, many of which have highly restricted home ranges. Accordingly, population declines can have drastic species-level effects, even if only small local areas are affected. The toxic Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) arrived in Madagascar in 2014 and has spread since then. The toad has been linked to increased mortality in predators, and is also likely to impact many endemic Malagasy amphibians. However, the extent of this effect is not understood. This project aims to shed light on the risks posed by the invasive Asian toad for endangered frog species in Madagascar.
This project will be conducted in cooperation between Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Zoo and the Madagascar Fauna & Flora Group consortium. The successful candidate will join a growing PhD community in Natural Sciences at ManMet, a department with a reputation for world-leading research in behaviour, conservation and ecology. Most of the work will take place in ManMet’ state-of-the-art new £117M Dalton building. They will further become a Chester Zoo Conservation Scholar and will be part of a cohort of students from different Universities all working on research designed to have a direct impact on the Zoo’s mission of Preventing Extinction.
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The aim of the PhD project is to examine the impact of the highly invasive Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) on frog biodiversity in Madagascar. In particular, we are interested in:
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Elucidating the impact of Asian toads on changes in amphibian community ecology, particularly on micro-endemic species in Parc Ivoloina.
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Understanding the impact of Asian toads on the calling and social behaviour of native amphibians and how this feeds back on population viability.
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Exploring the potential to use acoustics for monitoring Asian toad presence and abundance
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Determining potential conservation measures to limit the impact of invasive Asian toads.
Funding notes:
Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. The student will receive a stipend payment. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.
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Deadline: August 20
