ACCE+ DLA programme: Using species distribution models to investigate long-term changes in human-animal interactions in North Africa from rock art (with a focus on Predynastic Egypt)

BACKGROUND: Dramatic climatic changes took place in North Africa during the Holocene, with savannahs covering swathes of the Sahara during the Green Sahara phase. However, the timing, magnitude and consequences of these changes remain poorly understood. A largely untapped source of evidence in palaeoecological modelling of Holocene Sahara is the rich heritage of zoomorphic rock art found throughout the region. As a species-rich and ecologically diverse taxon, bovids (antelopes, gazelles, buffaloes, sheep, goats) are particularly suited as indicator species of the expansions and contractions of Africa’s humid and arid bioregions. On this cross-disciplinary project, you will use species distribution modelling (Guisan et al 2017) to integrate paleoclimatic and archaeozoological data and thereby establish likely scenarios for past changes in biodiversity and human-animal relations. As part of your investigations, you will get hands-on experience from collecting your own data from archaeozoological fieldwork in Upper Egypt. A broader aim is to establish the principles governing human responses to climate change in marginal arid systems more generally.

OBJECTIVES:

(1) You will use species distribution modelling to test hypotheses on climatic versus anthropogenic drivers of changes in biodiversity and human-animal relations in Holocene North Africa. You will conduct a Pan-Saharan study on pre-existing databases (regional scale) and an in-depth case study focused on Gebel el-Silsila, Upper Egypt (local scale), with the option of including also sociocultural/Egyptological analysis.

(2) As part of your study, you will conduct fieldwork on petroglyphs around Gebel el-Silsila to contribute to the compilation of a zoomorphic rock art data base and its descriptive analysis. This component includes dating and narrowing down lists of candidate species for depictions.

(3) You will engage in outreach aimed at local secondary schools, museums and other education centres in Upper Egypt to promote careers in science and archaeology (with translation as needed).

APPLICANTS: We encourage applications from all cultural backgrounds and all relevant disciplines. A requirement is an interest in – and aptitude for - quantitative ecological modelling, with experience in species distribution modelling (or similar) and/or rock art research distinct advantages (but not essential).

How to Apply

Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. 

All applicants to ACCE+ must complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of two referees.

Part-Time Study Options

All ACCE+ PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme. 

Project CASE Status

This project is a CASE project. Your project will be co-supervised by the non-academic partner organisation, and you will spend 3-6 months on a placement with your CASE partner in their workplace. You will experience training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting, and will build business and research collaborations. 

Candidate webinar

The project primary supervisor will hold a candidate Zoom webinar in December 2024 to discuss the project with interested candidates. Please register here if you would like to join!