Title: Exploring behavioural differences towards novel objects in medium-sized carnivores (red foxes, European badgers, raccoon dogs) along an urban-rural gradient.
Supervisors: Doctoral Student Mélissa Gagnière and Docent Martin Seltmann.
Duration: Starting from January or February 2027.
Location: University of Turku, Department of Biology, Turku, Finland.
Type of Internship: Master 2 Internship
Language: English.
Scientific context:
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), European badgers (Meles meles), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) have been observed exploiting anthropogenic food sources and shelters, becoming veritable city dwellers. However, no studies have assessed variation in behaviours towards novelty in these urban species in Finland so far. Therefore, it is essential to conduct such studies to mitigate potential future human-wildlife conflicts and develop effective wildlife management strategies to help prevent biodiversity loss in urban areas. We aim to study whether mammals/animals change their behaviours towards novelty along an urban-rural gradient. To do so, we are conducting behavioural experiments on free-living animals in private gardens and forests, using novel objects and camera traps. The master’s student will work with our group to explore if medium-sized carnivores display behavioural differences along the urban-rural gradient in Finland. Data consist of videos from previous fieldwork sessions that will be coded into quantitative and time variables. Statistical analyses will be conducted using R, with a focus on the animal’s physical interactions with the novel object. In 2027, fieldwork will start in June, hence there is a possibility for the student to participate if they are still in Finland at that time. The 2027 data will not be part of the thesis project. The student will also have the possibility to create their own research question using videos on other species of their selection (mammals or birds).
Internship objectives:
– Investigate if medium-sized carnivores display behavioural differences depending on their degree of urbanisation.
– Developing a new research question investigating behaviours or presence of other species along an urban-rural gradient.
Main tasks:
– Conducting a bibliography on carnivores’ ecology and animals behavioural responses in urban environments
– Coding of videos using BORIS (Behavioural Observation Research Interactive Software).
– Video and data management
– Statistical analyses using R (also via RStudio).
– Write-up of results in a master thesis in English.
– Possibility to organise and participate in the fieldwork session in 2027
– Developing an ethogram fitting the research question that the student wishes to study.
Required profile:
– Student needs to be comfortable in communicating and writing in English.
– Student in ecology, urban ecology, animal behaviour, or environmental sciences.
– Proficiency in basic statistical analyses using R or R Studio.
– Good skills in species identification, organisational skills, and scientific rigour.
– Driving licence is desirable if participating in fieldwork.
– Previous experience in creating ethograms, in using BORIS and in geographic information system (GIS) is a bonus.
Application: Please send your CV and motivation letter (1 page maximum) in English to Mélissa Gagnière (melissa.gagniere@utu.fi) or Martin Seltmann (martin.seltmann@utu.fi).
Application deadline: 30-11-2026.
Unremunerated work. Possibility for the student to apply to Erasmus+ or other type of funding by its own. Accommodation can be applied via TYS Student Village (https://tys.fi/en/how-can-i-apply) or various housing groups.
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