Re: [ECOLOG-L] EcoTone: Speaking of species and their origins

[Matt Chew]

Hi all–

One point regarding Neahga Leonard's observations: Tamarisks (like
cottonwoods and cattails) are primarily anemochores, so seed dispersal
doesn't strongly depend on their position in any particular watershed.  They
may spring up in any damp patch, often many miles from a seed source, up,
down or across elevational gradients.

Our 'Nature' essay cites two papers regarding tamarisk, one describing what
we know about tamarisk introduction and identifying the moment and the
reason tamarisks were recategorized from being a solution (to accelerated
erosion) to being a problem (by the Phelps Dodge Mining Co.); the other
reviews the more recent literature and draws attention to a variety of
shortcomings in traditional tamarisk-related science.  Both can be
downloaded at my Academia site (below)

Matthew K Chew
Assistant Research Professor
Arizona State University School of Life Sciences

ASU Center for Biology & Society
PO Box 873301
Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA
Tel 480.965.8422
Fax 480.965.8330
mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com
http://cbs.asu.edu/people/profiles/chew.php
http://asu.academia.edu/MattChew

[ECOLOG-L] Summer school: Advances in Species distribution modelling for ecological studies and conservation, 12-18 September 2011

[Achaz von Hardenberg]

The University of Pavia and the Alpine Wildlife Research Centre of the Gran 
Paradiso National Park  organize a Summer school on: “Advances in Species 
distribution modelling for ecological studies and conservation” (Pavia and 
Cogne, Italy 12-18 September 2011).

The summer school is organized by Prof. Giuseppe Bogliani (University of Pavia) 
and Dr. Achaz von Hardenberg (Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, GPNP)

Invited lecturers include: Jane Elith (University of Melbourne, Australia), 
Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita (University of Kent, UK), Marc Kery (Vogelwarte 
Sempach, Switzerland), Francesco Rovero (Trento Science Museum, Italy) and 
Roberto Sacchi (University of Pavia, Italy)

Content: Accurate estimates and prediction of species distribution is essential 
for the conservation and management of wildlife. Occupancy, defined as the 
proportion of sites occupied by a species, is a variable commonly used in 
ecology for the modelling of habitat relationships, metapopulation studies and 
wildlife monitoring programmes. However species detection is rarely perfect, 
leading to occupied sites erroneously classified as unoccupied based on survey 
data. If not accounted for, these false absences lead to underestimates of 
occupancy.  Recent years have seen a great development of occupancy models that 
take account of imperfect detection of species, using replicate surveys at 
samples sites for the simultaneous estimation of occupancy and detectability. 
On the other hand, large databases exist for presence data only, which contain 
potentially useful information for conservation and management. The aim of the 
summer school is to present the most advanced developments in the modelling 
approaches used to study species distribution, including the handling of 
presence only data (MaxEnt), the analysis of presence/absence data taking into 
account imperfect detection and Bayesian hierarchical approaches.

The summer school will be structured in a mix of frontal lessons and computer 
practicals using real example data provided by the instructors or brought in by 
participants.  An introductory facultative module of 4 hours on the use of the 
open source statistical environment “R” will be delivered on the first day. 
Frontal lessons and computer practicals will be held in Pavia, a pleasant and 
well connected university city rich in cultural and historic attractions, in 
Northern Italy.  The summer school includes also field activities in the Gran 
Paradiso National Park (Cogne, Aosta Valley), aimed at delivering to the 
participants an understanding of appropriate field techniques and study designs 
for the collection of  data amenable to the analysis with the presented 
statistical techniques.

Learning Outcomes: Participants at the end of the school are expected to have 
gained a broad overview and an understanding of the most up-to-date methods 
available for modelling species distribution. They are also expected to have 
gained a working knowledge of the available software packages currently 
available for modelling occupancy both taking into account imperfect detection 
as well as handling presence only data.

Prerequisites: The school is open to graduate students (Master and PhD level), 
Researchers, consultants and staff of governmental agencies  interested in the 
application of species occupancy models in ecological studies, conservation and 
management.

Application deadline: 31 July 2011 

For more informations about the summer school and the online application form 
please go to http://www.speciesdistribution.org



Dr. Achaz von Hardenberg

Centro Studi Fauna Alpina - Alpine Wildlife Research Centre
Servizio Sanitario e della Ricerca Scientifica
Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, Degioz, 11, 11010-Valsavarenche (Ao), Italy

E-mail: achaz.hardenb...@pngp.it
 fa...@pngp.it
Skype: achazhardenberg

[ECOLOG-L] 2011 Lotka and Volterra student prize competition

[Elizabeth Crone]

Dear Attendees of the 2011 ESA Annual Meeting:

The Theoretical Ecology Section of the Ecological Society of America is
proud to announce the 12th annual Alfred J. Lotka and Vito Volterra prizes
for the best presentations given by students during the ESA annual
meeting.  The award is open to undergraduate and graduate students who, as
sole or first author, present a talk or poster at the 2011 ESA annual
meeting on original research in theoretical ecology.  All suitable
approaches that yield theoretical insight to ecological phenomena will be
considered.  Prizes will be awarded on the basis of merit, originality,
and clarity of presentation.

To be considered for the Theoretical Ecology Section Award, students must
notify Elizabeth Crone, the Vice-Chair of the Theory Section, by 16 July
2011. Prospective candidates should
provide the following information:

Applicant's name:
Co-authors:
Title:
Talk or Poster:
Session:
Time/Date/Place of presentation/poster:

Please provide this information by email, and include 'Lotka-Volterra
Awards' in the subject line.

Please forward this announcement to any students that you know who are
giving talks or presenting posters on any aspect of theoretical ecology at
this year's ESA meeting in Austin TX.


Sincerely,
Elizabeth Crone
Vice-Chair, Theoretical Ecology Section of the ESA
ecr...@fas.harvard.edu

[ECOLOG-L] GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP – DISEASE ECOLOGY

[Winifred Frick]

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP – DISEASE ECOLOGY

A graduate student assistantship to start in the Fall of 2011 in the Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology Department at the University of California, Santa
Cruz, on a recently funded NSF grant is available for an outstanding student
interested in studying the impacts and transmission dynamics of a recently
emerged pathogen (*Geomyces destructans*) causing White Nose Syndrome in
hibernating bats.  White Nose Syndrome is a devastating new disease
affecting hibernating bats in eastern North America.  Dissertation research
will be focused on understanding disease dynamics of White Nose Syndrome at
multiple scales.  Graduate research will require intensive field study
efforts as well as quantitative analysis and a strong passion for
conservation and ecology.  The most qualified applicants will have
experience working in difficult field settings, a quantitative background,
and an ability to face challenges and think creatively.  Prior field
experience with bats or disease ecology is a plus, but not required.
Interested
applicants should submit the following items: 1) a C.V. with GPA, GREs, and
3 references, 2) a 1-2 page description of research interests and
experience, and 3) a 1-2 page statement outlining 3 potential research
questions for projects aimed at understanding the ecology and/or impact of
White Nose Syndrome.  Each of the three proposed thesis ideas should include
a testable hypothesis, justification or rationale for its importance, and a
brief description of methods for how the research could be carried out to
test the hypothesis.



Applications should be submitted in a single file (pdf, Word, or .rtf) by
email to: Dr. A. Marm Kilpatrick (m...@biology.ucsc.edu) and Dr. Winifred
Frick (wfr...@batresearch.org) with the Subject line: GRADUATE STUDENT
ASSISTANTSHIP – DISEASE ECOLOGY. Information about Drs Kilpatrick and
Frick’s research can be found at:
http://bio.research.ucsc.edu/people/kilpatrick/ and
http://people.ucsc.edu/~wfrick/wfrick/Welcome.html.

[ECOLOG-L] Help needed with spectrophotometer

[Jayanti R Mukherjee]

Hi!

If anyone has any experience in using the Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer from Shimadzu (AA 6200) for Na and K analysis, it would be
really helpful if you can reply to this email.

I am having some trouble running my samples and would really appreciate some
help!

Please reply to my email given below.

Thanks in advance!

Jayanti


-- 
*Jayanti Ray-Mukherjee
Postdoctoral Fellow

Ph: 786-512-3632
e-mail: jayanti...@gmail.com*

[ECOLOG-L] Professional Development Trails Internship

[American Conservation Experience]

American Conservation Experience: Professional Development Trails 
Internship

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation 
Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ is seeking Professional Development Trail 
Interns to dedicate four months to working on Trail Construction and 
Maintenance projects with the US Forest Service, National Park Service and 
various other land management agencies. This opportunity is intended for 
enthusiastic young adults with a background in an environmental field and 
a dedicated interest in pursuing a career with the USFS, NPS, or other 
land management agency. These volunteer internships provide the 
opportunity to learn and train among professional mentors while 
contributing to significant land management efforts.  Interns will also 
gain leadership skills while helping to supervise, train, and generally 
support ACE volunteers who are rotated into long term projects.  Interns 
will receive a $110 per week living allowance and food will be provided on 
work days.

Start date: July 2, 2011 
End date:  October 22, 2011.  

A four month commitment is required.  

Location:  Starting point of Flagstaff, AZ, with travel provided to 
assigned project locations.  Interns can expect to spend the majority of 
their internship camping outdoors for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:
Work is labor intensive and strenuous, performed outdoors in extreme 
terrain.  Interns may work and operate equipment in adverse conditions 
that include extended exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, thunder, loud 
noise, uneven terrain, mud, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and various stinging 
or biting insects.  

Living Conditions:
Interns will be camping outdoors in all conditions for long periods of 
time.  ACE provides a tent (if requested) and all necessary camp cooking 
supplies.  Comfort with primitive conditions and respect to Leave No Trace 
principles is a must.  On work days food will be prepared and enjoyed as a 
group.  Interns will usually still be based at camp for their off days, 
but will be free for personal adventure and responsible for providing 
their own food.

Internship Major Duties and Expectations: 
Trail Interns will support ACE, the US Forest Service, the NPS and other 
agency staff on projects.  Typical duties include:

•   Assisting ACE and agency staff with the construction of a variety 
of advanced trail structures such as stone staircases, dry stone retaining 
walls, rock check dams, waterbars, etc.Interns will also assist ACE 
staff in routine trail maintenance duties such as brushing trails, 
outsloping tread and clearing drainage structures. 
•   Completing work tasks as instructed by ACE staff, keeping daily 
work log and demonstrate proper work procedures and methods while working 
in the field with or near other volunteer groups.
•   Following strict guidelines in making safety a priority, including 
the responsible use of personal protective gear and insuring that all 
tools, equipment, vehicles and other co-workers are working safely in all 
conditions.
•   Following instructions from all ACE, USFS, NPS, and other agency 
staff and understanding and respecting all wilderness regulations and 
policies. 
•   Working with a professional demeanor as a part of a team.  Good 
public communication skills are a must. 

Qualifications:  Applicants for ACE’s Professional Development Trails 
Internship must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have an established 
interest in conservation issues and/or a background in Forestry, 
Conservation Biology, or similar field, and should take evident joy in 
tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset.   Applicants must 
be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and 
terrain, and to participate as a team member, dedicated to ACE’s mission.  

ACE’s Professional Development Internship Program is meant as a stepping 
stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement 
within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend 4 months 
working in beautiful locations.  Drug users, including recreational 
smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the 
right to require drug testing and generally abhors the presence of drug 
users in our program.  

Other Requirements:  
•   Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders 
only.  
•   Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of 
their participation with ACE.  
•   ACE will provide tents to all interns (upon request) but all other 
camping items such as sturdy boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, and raingear 
must be provided by successful applicants.

Position available immediately and open until filled.  Please apply ASAP.

***To Apply***
Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional 
references to i...@usaconservation.org with “Professional Development 
Trails Internship - ECOLOG referred” in the

Re: [ECOLOG-L] EcoTone: Speaking of species and their origins

[Steve Brewer]

Dear Katie and Others,

I can understand (and partially agree with) some of the negative 
reaction that many have had to the Davis et al. article in Nature. I 
do not share the authors' desire to extol the virtues of non-native 
species (except perhaps for agricultural and medicinal species). 
However, after reading the article, I came away with a very different 
impression of what the authors were trying to say than have many of 
the posters.


The main points I took away from the article were 1) there have been 
unsubstantiated claims of harm by non-native species 2) the costs of 
dealing with successful non-native species may in some cases outweigh 
the benefits, and 3) there should be no double-standard with regard 
to how we view native and non-native species that have negative 
impacts on ecosystems.


I agree with all three points.

The Wilcove et al. 1998 study claiming that the invasive species were 
the second leading cause of extinctions needed to be addressed. There 
was not much empirical data to back up this claim (at the time at 
least), and yet it and similar reviews get cited often. Empirical 
support is necessary for scientific credibility. Contrary to what one 
poster said, I do not agree that empirical evidence is not needed 
when there is observational evidence. Looks are deceiving, and most 
of the examples of observational harm he cited are in fact also 
supported by empirical studies. Purple loosetrife, on the other hand, 
is notorious for decimating native plant diversity, but the empirical 
support for this claim is at best conflicting. Furthermore, some 
species (e.g., Microstegium vimineum) may have greater *per capita* 
impacts on relatively species-rich ecosystems in which they are not 
the most productive or abundant (Brewer 2011, Biological Invasions). 
This would not have been revealed by simple observation. I think the 
numbers of studies showing negative effects of non-native species 
since the Wilcove et al. 1998 study have been increasing (judging 
from what I've seen in issues of Biological Invasions). But this may 
be in large part because an increasing number of ecologists have 
recognized the lack of data (or conflicting data) on harm for some 
notorious invaders and have taken it upon themselves to investigate 
the issue. I was partly inspired to investigate effects of cogongrass 
(Imperata cylindrica) on longleaf pine vegetation after reading 
Farnsworth's study of purple loosestrife, which surprisingly showed 
little effect of this species on native plant diversity. I don't 
think these efforts to obtain empirical data are a waste of time.


The limited supply of conservation funding requires that we take a 
cost-benefit approach to control of non-native species perceived to 
be invasive. In north Mississippi, a funding priority of the National 
Forest is the control of kudzu. While it almost certainly retards 
succession (although I'm not aware of scientific studies 
demonstrating this), I can find no evidence that it has displaced 
native species. It was largely planted in eroding, agricultural 
wastelands that were devoid of diversity in the first place. Yes, 
it's expanding into adjacent forests, but very slowly, as it is the 
least shade tolerant vine in the southeast US. It creates its 
preferred light environment by killing a tree at a time,  but this is 
not a rapid process. I'm not saying it shouldn't be controlled, but 
should its control be given priority over, say, reversing the effects 
of fire suppression in upland forests in north Mississippi (as is the 
case now)? The latter management activity would be much more 
effective at restoring native biodiversity and perhaps a better use 
of limited biodiversity conservation dollars.


I demonstrated that cogongrass dramatically reduced resident plant 
species diversity AND the abundance of plant species indicative of 
longleaf pine ecosystems (Brewer 2008, Biol Inv. 2008). I think this 
non-native species is certainly deserving of its bad reputation and 
control efforts. But what about native eastern red cedar (Juniperus 
virginiana)? In the black belt prairie of north Mississippi, fire 
suppression has led to a dramatic increase in its abundance, which in 
turn has resulted in catastrophic reductions in native plant and 
animal diversity and the displacement of numerous endemic 
state-listed plant and animal species. It has converted a diverse 
grassland ecosystem into a species-poor cedar thicket. Indeed, I 
would argue that it has had a greater impact on diversity and biotic 
homogenization in Mississippi than has cogongrass (certainly much 
more than kudzu). Yes, there is concern about this native species, 
and there are some efforts to control/remove it, but there is no 
Eastern Red Cedar Task Force in Mississippi. There is no Cooperative 
Weed Management Area formed around its control in Mississippi (as 
there is for cogongrass and kudzu). Is this a double standard? I'm 
not sure. I will say, how

[ECOLOG-L] Research assistantship available in stream ecosystem response to watershed disturbance

[John Kominoski]

Research Assistantship: Stream ecosystem response to watershed disturbance.

M.S. or Ph.D. assistantship available in the Odum School of Ecology,
University of Georgia, to study
aspects of watershed land use change and nutrient loading on stream
ecosystem structure and function.
This work will involve landscape-scale studies linking watershed
characteristics to biotic response
(microbial and macroinvertebrate) as well as opportunities in education and
outreach. The Ideal
candidate would have previous experience with multiple components of stream
ecosystems (carbon and
nutrient flux, micro- and macro-organisms, and quantitative analyses) and
excellent written and oral
communication skills. Spatial analysis skills are additionally desirable.
Research funding could begin as
early as fall 2011, with potential opportunities to defer until January
2012. Applicants should send a
letter of intent, with a CV, including 3 references with contact
information, GPA and GRE scores to Dr.
Amy Rosemond, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia (
rosem...@uga.edu) by July 15 for
consideration for fall admission.

-- 
John Stephen Kominoski
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia
140 East Green Street
Athens, Georgia 30602-2202, USA

Email: jkomino...@gmail.com
Phone: +1 706.542.4366
Fax: +1 706.542.4819
http://sites.google.com/site/jkominoski/

[ECOLOG-L] AGU session: Climate Change Science for Communities and Institutions

[David Inouye]

We welcome abstract submissions to our session titled 'Climate Change 
Science for Communities and Institutions' in the Public Affairs track 
at the upcoming American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San 
Francisco, CA, December 5-9, 2011. The session description is provided below.


This opportunity provides a highly visible platform combining 
scientific authority with public outreach.


Abstract submission is now open and extends to 4 August. To submit, 
review the Abstract Submission Policies at 
http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/submit-policies/ 
and choose 'Submit Your Abstract Now' on the right hand side (links 
to 
http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/). 
First Authors must be AGU members OR sponsored by a member. Authors 
who are not members of AGU may contact me regarding sponsorship for 
their submission. AGU limits first authors to 1 Contributed and 1 
Invited abstract, or 2 Invited abstracts, EXCEPT one additional 
abstract may be submitted to an Education or Public Affairs session.


---
Rosalind A. (Rose) Grymes, Ph.D.
Lead, Sustainability
NASA Ames Research Center
rose.gry...@nasa.gov
650.604.3239

PA11. Climate Change Science for Communities and Institutions
Description: NASA Earth science is providing information at 
appropriate geospatial scales to help businesses, institutions, and 
local and regional communities plan for and adapt to future 
environmental impacts of climate change. We invite submissions that 
present current Earth science data acquisition, research, and 
analytical methodology in contexts that bring climate science into 
focus for practical applications and actions stemming from 
sustainability policy and supporting strategies. Topics include 
research on physical and biological CC impacts, understanding 
regional and global linkages, adaptation strategies for natural and 
built environments, institutional approaches and case studies leading 
to mitigation and improved resilience.

[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral opportunity at the University of Nebraska

[Diego Riveros-Iregui]

The Watershed Hydrology & Watershed Ecology Lab at the University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln invites 
applications for a post-doctoral research associate position to work on topics 
related to stable 
isotope ecology and hydrology, watershed hydrology, land-atmosphere 
interactions, and eco-
hydrology of forested ecosystems.  The specific job description will ultimately 
depend on mutual 
interests between the candidate and the P.I., but it is expected that the 
successful candidate will 
work on field-based projects at research sites in Nebraska, Montana, and 
Colorado.  Particular 
expertise in isotopic techniques and methodologies, surface hydrology, 
biogeochemistry, soil 
physics, datalogger and MATLAB programming, and Geographic Information Systems 
is preferred.  
The position offers a competitive salary and benefits for two years, provided 
that satisfactory 
progress is made during each year.  Candidates must have a Ph.D. in watershed 
hydrology, 
biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, soil science, or related field at the time 
of the appointment.  
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the 
position is filled.  To apply 
please submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of three 
references.  Send 
these documents in a single PDF document to Diego Riveros-Iregui 
(driver...@unl.edu).

Please contact me directly for additional information.


Diego Riveros-Iregui, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Natural Resources
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
519 Hardin Hall
3310 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, NE 68583-0995

Phone: 402-472-8198
Fax: 402-472-2946
Email: driver...@unl.edu
http://snr.unl.edu/watershed

[ECOLOG-L] Last chance for research conducted during 1200 mile trek of Santiago de Compostela

[Gregg Treinish]

Dear Ecolog,

Just wanted to put out one last offer to have one of our athletes collect
data for you while she hikes 1200 miles along the Santiago de Compostela.
 Fern is especially interested in botany, but would be happy to collect data
including samples, observations, or deployment of instrumentation for any
research needs you may have.

She will be out of touch starting on the 20th, so please
respond immediately if you would like to utilize this opportunity.

Please note we also have several more expeditions leaving rather soon if you
have other needs, please do let me know.


Thanks,

-- 
Gregg Treinish
Executive Director
Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation
2008 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
406.579.9702
www.adventureandscience.org