Eilidh Smith

My research background has been focused on herbivore ecology and distribution. My MSc looked at the impact of artificial waterholes on vegetation in the Greater Kruger, South Africa and how this related to herbivore use of the waterholes.

In Canada I began working on deer, first as a field technician on the Ya Ha Tinda Longterm Elk Monitoring Project tracking calf survival and migration patterns, and then as a research assistant looking at how the behaviour and ecology of mule deer contribute to the spread of chronic wasting disease. Before starting my PhD I worked on a project studying reindeer behaviour in the Cairngorms, Scotland, using GPS collars and accelerometers.

This research neatly ties my academic interests in wildlife conservation and management, and personal interests in mountain activities and the outdoors in an exciting opportunity to contribute to effective landscape management in Scotland and reduce conflict between land users.

March 2022