Ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat and its sensitivity to the impacts of fire

School of Science

Lead Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Chistopher Turbill

About the project

This project will investigate the ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat with respect to forest disturbance, especially fire and fragmentation. A significant proportion of the distribution of this species burnt in the megafires of 2019/20, resulting in a mosaic of fire impacts depending on the extent of unburnt forest and severity of fire. Past clearing and ongoing forest management practises also influence the suitability of habitat for the eastern horseshoe bat in these landscapes. The spatial distribution of subterranean roosting sites in caves and disused mines imposes further constraints on the distribution of this species. The study's objectives include describing the foraging activity, movement patterns and roosting behaviour of the eastern horseshoe bat in relation to environmental characteristics and specifically the impacts of fire. The project could also include relevant aspects of ecophysiology (e.g. torpor use) and genetic analysis of population structure.

This scholarship will support the development of a new research scientist in the ecology of bats and management of forest ecosystems. The PhD candidate will be co-supervised by leading experts in bat ecology including project co-investigators from the Forest Science Unit of NSW Department of Primary Industry (Drs Brad Law and Leroy Gonsalves). The project's outputs will contribute knowledge to improve forest management for the conservation of the eastern horseshoe bat and other wildlife. The project team has a strong track record in applied ecological research on the responses of bats to habitat disturbance. Given past and ongoing disturbances and fragmentation of forest habitats, and the increase in frequency and severity of wildfires associated with global warming, an improved understanding of the ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat is critical to inform conservation of the species, including management of habitat affected by forest disturbances such as fire.

What does the scholarship provide?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,512 (AUD) per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
• Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in animal ecology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in behavioural ecology, ecophysiology, bats and the conservation management of forest-dependent wildlife.

The successful applicant should:

• Hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to animal ecology, including behavioural and physiology ecology.
• Possess experience or a willingness to develop skills in field-based ecological work.
• Have an understanding of the importance of conditions and resources on wildlife ecology, impacts of fire and other causes of disturbance in forest ecosystems, and the diversity and ecology of Australian bats.
• Be willing to learn field-based methods to study bats including capture and handling, acoustic detection and telemetry technologies.
• Be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

How to apply

1. Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.
2. Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
3. Submit an online application for the project via the Online Portal. You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Assoc. Prof. Christopher Turbill - c.turbill@westernsydney.edu.au

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

• Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
• Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

Applications close 30 September 2025

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_157_SoSC