PhD-position

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of wildlife, fish, and environmental sciences, Umeå PhD-position Ecological consequences of spruce stump harvest Swedish forests harbour at least 7000 species that are wood-inhabiting.Many wood-inhabiting organisms are currently threatened, due to intensive forest management resulting in a severe reduction in coarse woody debris.About 25% of the species on the Swedish red-list are dependent on deadwood.Currently, measures to halt and revert this process are taken, e.g.leaving standing and lying dead trees, buffer strips along creeks and lakes, creating snags and burning clear-felled areas.However, recent efforts to find renewable alternatives to fossil fuels have resulted in plans to not only harvest the stems, but also the short stumps that up to now have been left.This may be problematic from a conservation perspective because short stump represent the majority of the coarse woody debris present in clear-cuts and young stand.Furthermore, we know very little about the role of short stumps for the biodiversity of managed forests.A quantitative assessment of the function of spruce stumps on clear-cuts for wood-inhabiting organisms (insects and fungi) is one aim of the project.The data from short stumps will be compared to data from high stumps and logs lying on the ground in the same clear-cuts.The sheltering function of short stumps for bryophytes that are intolerant to the climate on clear-cuts will also be studied.Another aim is to assess landscape scale variations in the studied functions of short stumps. Qualifications: A degree in biology, forestry or equivalent with focus on ecology and preferably also on conservation.Good knowledge of the subject (including the organism groups), an interest in laboratory work and field work, and good written and oral communication skills in English are qualifying.Ability to work in a team as well as capability to take own initiatives is important.Driving license is necessary.SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications, marked with ref no 1286/08, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.The application should include CV, a one page statement of research interests and the names of three referees.