Do scents-based interventions for enriching dog walks attract wildlife?
To help reduce impacts of recreational disturbance by dogs on beach-nesting birds, we are investigating whether scents could influence dog movements. Using camera traps, we need the student to determine if these scents have unintended effects on the movements of wildlife, for example, attracting competitor or predator species.
Overview
To help reduce impacts of recreational disturbance by dogs on beach-nesting birds, we are investigating whether scents could influence dog movements.
Using camera traps, we need the student to determine if these scents have unintended effects on the movements of wildlife, for example, attracting competitor or predator species.
Contact: Peter Gooding: Peter.Gooding@rspb.org.uk
Closing date: Ongoing
Timescale: Ideally before April 2027
Location: Main tests on beaches with possible additional testing in heathland habitat. Location can be discussed with student; UK-wide possible but particularly interested in Norfolk or Suffolk sites.
Resources available: Access to RSPB reserves, travel and subsistence. We can provide equipment, funding for fuel and reasonable essential expenses.
Key rquirements: Own transport essential. Ability and confidence to undertake independent outdoor fieldwork, potentially in variable weather at isolated public places at unsociable hours. Confidence organising and classifying camera-trap images. Basic quantitative and statistical skills. Careful, reliable equipment deployment. A driving licence and access to a vehicle may be useful depending on site location.
Background
Recreational disturbance by dogs can negatively impact wildlife populations, particularly beach-nesting birds. The Sniffari project is exploring whether a scent-based intervention can reduce interactions between dogs and vulnerable wildlife. Before these measures are used, we need to understand whether the scents themselves could have unintended ecological effects.
Odours that interest dogs may also attract foxes, mustelids or other predator species, change how wildlife moves through a site, or cause avoidance of otherwise suitable habitat. Conversely, effects may be absent, short-lived or limited to particular scent types.
This project will provide the evidence needed to assess those risks and refine the choice, concentration, location and timing of scents. The results will directly inform the safe design of future Sniffari trials and ensure that measures intended to reduce disturbance do not create new pressures for wildlife.
Methods and aims
The research will assess whether Sniffari scent trails influence wildlife activity. Using camera traps to conduct a robust experimental trial, the research will examine impacts of scent on behaviour of different species at beach locations and, if feasible, a heathland site.
Images from treatment and control sites will be used to statistically examine species-specific responses by comparing presence, absence, visitation rates, behaviour and changes over time.
Work will include study design, field deployment, camera-data management, statistical analysis and recommendations for ecologically safe use of scents, with the aim of producing high-quality results for publication in a scientific journal.
Learn more about this placement
To learn more about this placement, or to express your interest, please contact Peter Gooding: Peter.Gooding@rspb.org.uk