Re: [ECOLOG-L] peer review
Can't resist to share this one about the importance of drinking beer for scientific productivity. A paper from the Czech Republic, of course! A recent paper suggested that alcohol consumption might deal a blow to a very sacred cow – scientifi productivity (Grim 2008). Great numbers of comments followed. As noted by Sheil et al. (2008), the ‘‘Grim’s study cleverly highlights a more *general lesson*. His analyses and presentation follow accepted practices in evolutionary ecology. These are too seldom challenged. It appears we only notice failings when we are motivated by fiding ourselves in the study population.’’ http://www.web-ecol.net/9/24/2009/we-9-24-2009.html http://www.web-ecol.net/9/24/2009/we-9-24-2009.pdf On Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 2:54 PM, Gary Grossman gross...@uga.edu wrote: I'm looking for funny articles published and a few come to mind that I can't remember citations for so I thought I'd ask here. I don't really want to page through J. Irreproducable Results or Worm Runner's Digest but there are a few I'm hoping someone can help me with (vice vis pdfs) In either the late 70's or 80's there was a note in Nature that comprised the poem and reviewers comments on Shelley's *Ozymandias* Then at about the same time someone published a paper in Limn. Ocean. estimating the biomass of the Loch Ness monster. And also at some point someone published a satirical paper on if no one heard it, did the tree in the forest really fall? Of course any other humorous gems would be appreciated. Please remember the list doesn't allow attachments, so please respond to my university email. TIA, g2 -- Gary D. Grossman, PhD Professor of Animal Ecology Warnell School of Forestry Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA 30602 http://grossman.myweb.uga.edu/ http://www.arches.uga.edu/%7Egrossman Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish -- --- Daniel Montesinos Researcher (IF) Centre for Functional Ecology DCV - FCTUC - Universidade de Coimbra Calçada Martim de Freitas 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal T: (+351) 239 855 223 (ext. 156) http://cfe.uc.pt/daniel-montesinos Editor-in-Chief Web Ecology www.web-ecology.net ---
Re: [ECOLOG-L] listservs for sustainable development etc
I recommend http://www.scidev.net/global/ Great science community information overall; strong enphasis on sustainable development. They have a subscription service you can tailor to your interests and a website. http://www.scidev.net/global/register.html *Annie Simpson, biologist and information scientist* *BISON project (http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov)Eco-Science Synthesis Branch* *Core Science Analytics, Synthesis, Libraries Program* *U.S. Geological Survey, MS 30212201 Sunrise Valley DriveReston, Virginia 20192=asimp...@usgs.gov asimp...@usgs.gov703.648.4281 desk* On Wed, Mar 25, 2015 at 5:39 AM, Wendee Nicole wendeenic...@gmail.com wrote: Does anyone know of any good forums or listservs for things like sustainable development, poverty alleviation, Elinor Ostrom¹s concepts (³Design principles², sustaining the commons livelihoods ecosystems working hand in hand that kind of thing)? Wendee Wendee Nicole, Founder Director, REDEMPTION SONG FOUNDATION (http://www.redemptionsongfoundation.org) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redemptionsongfoundation ³Spreading Hope by Growing Healthy Communities and Sustainable Ecosystems in Africa M.S. Wildlife Ecology * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian (http://www.wendeenicole.com)
Re: [ECOLOG-L] listservs for sustainable development etc
Hello, I should note that the results of the quoted paper were disputed in another paper (again from the Czech republic :-) that shows that the conclusions found for ornithologist perhaps do not apply to plant ecologists: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12224-013-9170-4 And again, it is just for fun :-) Best regards from Petr Smilauer Faculty of Science, U.S.B. Ceske Budejovice, CZ --- International course Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data (January 2016): http://regent.jcu.cz Book by course lecturers: Multivariate analysis of ecological data using Canoco 5 at http://www.cambridge.org/9781107694408 Canoco 5 http://www.canoco5.com and http://www.canoco.com On 25 Mar 2015 at 8:12, Simpson, Annie wrote: I recommend http://www.scidev.net/global/ Great science community information overall; strong enphasis on sustainable development. They have a subscription service you can tailor to your interests and a website. http://www.scidev.net/global/register.html *Annie Simpson, biologist and information scientist* *BISON project (http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov)Eco-Science Synthesis Branch* *Core Science Analytics, Synthesis, Libraries Program* *U.S. Geological Survey, MS 30212201 Sunrise Valley DriveReston, Virginia 20192=asimp...@usgs.gov asimp...@usgs.gov703.648.4281 desk* On Wed, Mar 25, 2015 at 5:39 AM, Wendee Nicole wendeenic...@gmail.com wrote: Does anyone know of any good forums or listservs for things like sustainable development, poverty alleviation, Elinor Ostrom¹s concepts (³Design principles², sustaining the commons livelihoods ecosystems working hand in hand that kind of thing)? Wendee Wendee Nicole, Founder Director, REDEMPTION SONG FOUNDATION (http://www.redemptionsongfoundation.org) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redemptionsongfoundation ³Spreading Hope by Growing Healthy Communities and Sustainable Ecosystems in Africa M.S. Wildlife Ecology * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian (http://www.wendeenicole.com)
Re: [ECOLOG-L] peer review
This one came across my radar this morning (apologies if it has already been mentioned): Myers, K.A. (2010). Cigarette smoking: an underused tool in high-performance endurance training. Canadian Medical Association Journal 182(18):E867-E869. -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Mickey Jarvi Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:08 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] peer review Jones I.R. Allen E. (2002) Detection of large woody debris accumulations in old-growth forests using sonic wave collection. Transactions of the important tree scientists 120(2): 201-209. Synopsis: results show strongly that if a tree does fall in the forest, and no one hears it, it does indeed make a sound. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 24, 2015, at 10:54 AM, Gary Grossman gross...@uga.edu wrote: I'm looking for funny articles published and a few come to mind that I can't remember citations for so I thought I'd ask here. I don't really want to page through J. Irreproducable Results or Worm Runner's Digest but there are a few I'm hoping someone can help me with (vice vis pdfs) In either the late 70's or 80's there was a note in Nature that comprised the poem and reviewers comments on Shelley's *Ozymandias* Then at about the same time someone published a paper in Limn. Ocean. estimating the biomass of the Loch Ness monster. And also at some point someone published a satirical paper on if no one heard it, did the tree in the forest really fall? Of course any other humorous gems would be appreciated. Please remember the list doesn't allow attachments, so please respond to my university email. TIA, g2 -- Gary D. Grossman, PhD Professor of Animal Ecology Warnell School of Forestry Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA 30602 http://grossman.myweb.uga.edu/ http://www.arches.uga.edu/%7Egrossman Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish
[ECOLOG-L] Advice on catching snakes on trail cameras?
Dear all, A Masters student of mine and I are carrying on a study on nest predation on the tropical deciduous forest at the Chamela Biological Station, in Western Mexico. We are evaluating the role of snakes on bird predation. Last breeding season we used several Acorn LTl-5210 Wildlife Trail Cameras in motion-detection mode, and we were not able to catch any snake on it, even though the predation events did take place. At the lab we directed the cameras to an enclosure with a snake on it, to be sure that the animal was within range and moving, but even then the camera did not detect it. Do you have any recommendation or advice on cameras that in your experience have worked well with snakes? Any comment is welcomed. Of course, price is a concern for us. Thank you in advance, Jorge Vega Jorge Vega jhv...@ib.unam.mx
[ECOLOG-L] Invasive Plant Conference save-the-date
The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council is having an invasive species conference August 4th and 5th (the week before the Ecological Society Baltimore meeting): Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council 2015 Conference Research Applied in Invasive Plant Management Tuesday, August 4 Wednesday, August 5, 2015 Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA Join researchers and invasive plant managers as they come together to discuss the latest invasive plant research and how it can be used to increase the effectiveness of invasive plant management strategies. Keynote Speaker:Johnny Randall, Director of Conservation Programs, North Carolina Botanical Garden
[ECOLOG-L] REU Position: Agriculture Intensification and Amazon headwater streams
Position title: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – BrazilStreams Project Position type: Seasonal/temporary Duration: 10 weeks(June-August) Application Deadline:April 10, 2015 Project Description: The Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants forthe Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by theNational Science Foundation. The successful applicant will work as part of alarge-scale, multi-disciplinary project examining the effects of agriculturaldevelopment on the structure and function of headwater streams of the BrazilianAmazon. We will hire an undergraduate student to work as part of ourteam evaluating how soybean-maize agriculture affects the movement of nitrogen(N) from farm fields to headwater streams. The REU student will develop a project within this context focused onunderstanding the fate of N once it reaches stream channels (e.g., downstreammovement, food web uptake). The student will work at Tanguro Ranch, a large (800 km2)industrial soybean farm where we have field station and collaborate with Brazilianand U.S. researchers. The student willlive at the field station and work in stream watersheds on the farm propertywith a team of Brazilian field technicians and their MBL mentors. There will be the opportunity to both doon-the-ground field research and to use remote sensing and earth-systemmodeling approaches to scale the results. The project will begin at MBL withan orientation (1-2 weeks) to the ecology and agriculture of Mato Grosso,Brazil as well as the goals and objectives of the larger project. The studentwill live and work with their MBL mentor at the Tanguro Research Station for thesubsequent 3-4 weeks of their project. The student will also be required to presenttheir work to the Woods Hole scientific community at the MBL Annual UndergraduateSymposium held in August. Basic qualifications:Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry, andideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Someproficiency with Spanish and/or Portuguese and experience working in fieldconditions strongly desired. We willspend long hours working in hot, tropical conditions, which includes hiking tofield sites, carrying heavy equipment, and executing experiments in remotelocations. Applicants need to meet Brazilian Visa requirements,including passing a background check. REU positionsare available to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only who are currentlyenrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduatingseniors). How to Apply: Visit https://mbl.simplehire.com/postings/2963. The following items are required: 1) CoverLetter which includes a detailed statement describing your relevant experience,research interests and why this opportunity appeals to you; 2) CV/Resume; 3) Reference,list of 3 with contact information; and 4) Unofficial transcripts. Please contact Dr. Kathi Jo Jankowski with questions:kjankow...@mbl.edu.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humorous papers
Another paper that's tongue-in-cheek but has serious science at its core: Lozier, J. D., Aniello, P. and Hickerson, M. J. (2009), Predicting the distribution of Sasquatch in western North America: anything goes with ecological niche modelling. Journal of Biogeography, 36: 1623-1627. doi: 10./j.1365-2699.2009.02152.x ABSTRACT: The availability of user-friendly software and publicly available biodiversity databases has led to a rapid increase in the use of ecological niche modelling to predict species distributions. A potential source of error in publicly available data that may affect the accuracy of ecological niche models (ENMs), and one that is difficult to correct for, is incorrect (or incomplete) taxonomy. Here we remind researchers of the need for careful evaluation of database records prior to use in modelling, especially when the presence of cryptic species is suspected or many records are based on indirect evidence. To draw attention to this potential problem, we construct ENMs for the North American Sasquatch (i.e. Bigfoot). Specifically, we use a large database of georeferenced putative sightings and footprints for Sasquatch in western North America, demonstrating how convincing environmentally predicted distributions of a taxon's potential range can be generated from questionable site-occurrence data. We compare the distribution of Bigfoot with an ENM for the black bear, Ursus americanus, and suggest that many sightings of this cryptozoid may be cases of mistaken identity. PDF available through Google Scholar. Cheers, Alex Alex Wolf Resource Staff Scientist, Forest Systems Field Station Missouri Department of Conservation 2929 Co. Rd. 618 Ellington, MO 63638
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humorous papers
A good one! /Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate extensive morphological convergence between the yeti and primates/ Michel C. Milinkovitch; Aldagisa Caccone and George Amato Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Volume 31, Issue 1, April 2004, Pages 1--3 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2004.01.009 Cheers! Lhano -- Dr. Marcos G. Lhano Prof. Adjunto III, Ecologia Animal Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas - CCAAB Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia - UFRB Caixa Postal 177, CEP 44380-970 Cruz das Almas - Bahia, Brazil Email: mar...@ufrb.edu.br / lh...@fcien.edu.uy http://www.ufrb.edu.br/leti On 24/03/2015 14:31, David Inouye wrote: Here's one of them. I used to use this in ecology classes. Sheldon, R. W., and S. R. Kerr. 1972. The population density of Monsters in Loch Ness. Limnology and Oceanography 17:746-798. I think there was one about resource partitioning among fast food restaurants that was published in the Bulletin of the ESA about 30 years ago but I don't have the citation. David Inouye At 11:00 AM 3/24/2015, you wrote: I'm looking for funny articles published and a few come to mind that I can't remember citations for so I thought I'd ask here. I don't really want to page through J. Irreproducable Results or Worm Runner's Digest but there are a few I'm hoping someone can help me with (vice vis pdfs) In either the late 70's or 80's there was a note in Nature that comprised the poem and reviewers comments on Shelley's *Ozymandias* Then at about the same time someone published a paper in Limn. Ocean. estimating the biomass of the Loch Ness monster. And also at some point someone published a satirical paper on if no one heard it, did the tree in the forest really fall? Of course any other humorous gems would be appreciated. Please remember the list doesn't allow attachments, so please respond to my university email. TIA, g2
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Passerine Banding and Point Count Technician (1)
Job Description: Technician needed approximately May 1 –Jul 31 2015 to assist M.S. graduate student from Colorado State University (CSU) to investigate the effects of an invasive shrub on riparian bird habitat use and food web interactions. Fieldwork is located in the Piceance Basin on Colorado’s western slope. Primary duties will include conducting bird point count surveys, mist netting, bird banding, taking weight and body measurements, fecal and feather sample collection, aging/sexing using a Pyle guide, and vegetation surveys. Additional duties may include assisting with passerine nest searching and monitoring, acoustic bat monitoring using detectors, and invertebrate sampling. Applicants must have an interest in avian biology and conservation, strong bird ID skills, and high proficiency with mist netting and banding. Accommodation (likely mobile home or field house) will be provided for the duration of the field season, and the schedule is expected to consist of 10 days of fieldwork with 4 days off in between. A field vehicle will be provided during work hours but applicants may want a personal vehicle for use on days off. Salary will be $1300-1600/month, depending on experience. This position provides the opportunity to work in beautiful riparian areas of western Colorado, contribute to conservation on private lands, enhance field research skill sets, and interact with researchers at CSU, a highly-respected institution for natural resources research. Required Skills: Extensive mist-netting and banding experience (banding ~500 passerines), preferably in riparian areas and/or in the western US. Competitive applicants will have more than one season of mist netting experience, with high proficiency extracting birds from nets, banding, aging and sexing using a Pyle guide. Applicants should possess enough banding experience to qualify as a sub-permittee on a federal banding permit. Must possess an ability to identify western birds by sight and sound, with previous experience conducting bird surveys (point count or transects) and estimating detection distances. Additional Preferred Skills/Qualities: Experience nest searching and monitoring passerine nests, riparian vegetation identification skills, experience using bat detectors. Desirable personal qualities include an ability to take initiative, attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to work long hours and live in a remote field setting. TO APPLY: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF document with file name “applicant’s last name_riparian” to: Lani Stinson (lani.stin...@colostate.edu). Letters should highlight the specific qualifications mentioned in the posting (including # passerines extracted/banded, # seasons/duration mist netting, # seasons/duration bird survey experience). Applications will be reviewed as received but will not be considered after 31 March 2015. Website: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/fwcb-home
[ECOLOG-L] humor
Thanks to the list I now have the articles I'm looking for and about 30 more g. My own interest in this topic stems from two factors, first, concerns I have about the current state of the reviewing process (the Ozymandias paper is a fake review of this famous poem describing the needed measurements, with a rewritten version), which are described here http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/volum-37-1-2014-abc/improving-the-reviewing-process-in-ecology-and-evolutionary-biology/?lang=en as well as the development of innovative teaching methods for ecology/evolution. Here is a recent article on the second area in which I use original music videos that recapitulate class materials on speciation, natural selection, competition, the Linnean hierarchy, habitats and rat snakes http://naturalhistorynetwork.org/journal/articles/the-use-of-original-music-videos-to-teach-natural-history/ and the music videos are on this channel www.youtube.com/user/assortedpieces . Not sure if anyone is interested in these things but I thought I'd provide the links anyway. I'm continuing my efforts in teaching methods with a quantitative evaluation of the actual effects of the videos on learning and retention and also working on other techniques as well. Live long and prosper, G2 -- Gary D. Grossman, PhD Professor of Animal Ecology Warnell School of Forestry Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA 30602 http://grossman.myweb.uga.edu/ http://www.arches.uga.edu/%7Egrossman Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish
[ECOLOG-L] Career Opportunity - Resident Lecturer in Tropical Coastal Ecology
Program Objective: The central theme of The School for Field Studies (SFS) Panama study abroad program is islands as a delicate system, with emphasis on the resources of Panama's spectacular coastal and marine environments. Students will explore several key interfaces: human and natural systems, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and conservation and development. The goal of this undergraduate study abroad program is to assess the state of the archipelago's fragile natural habitats, define the main environmental issues, and understand the community goals in natural resource management. Our ultimate goal is to help islanders maintain balance and harmony between people and nature in this fragile ecosystem. Course Overview: The Tropical Coastal Ecology is a course that will provide fundamental knowledge necessary to understand the main ecological processes and interactions in a fragile marine island ecosystem. Basic ecological principles will be paired with field observation and measurement to understand the interdependencies of species, populations, communities and ecosystems in the coastal and marine environment, and with particular attention to the management of resources and environments for consumptive and non-consumptive use. Our studies will focus on the benthic, neritic, and on-shore coastal environments of Bocas del Toro with emphasis on coral reef, seagrass, and beach and intertidal zone, and mangrove habitats. Coastal terrestrial environments, such as swamps, streams and forest will also be considered for their interactions with the marine environment. We will also study the biology, ecology and behavior of important marine and coastal species in the area. These include the leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, reef fish, lobster, and marine mammals. Finally, we will consider the impact of anthropogenic disturbance and global climate change to the fragile island ecosystem and the habitats and species upon which the livelihood and well-being of island residents depends. The successful candidate will provide high quality, modern and experiential teaching in critical environmental issues in an interdisciplinary curriculum and participate fully in the implementation of the program's research plan that addresses these issues. The publication of research results is critical. The successful candidate will work closely with the other program lecturers to deliver an interdisciplinary program through education and research in a field setting. Each lecturer is expected to provide high quality, inquiry-based teaching and will lead students in Directed Research projects defined in the program's research plan. Applicants are encouraged to review the course syllabi and programs descriptions on the SFS website: www.fieldstudies.org/panama Resident Lecturer - Duties and Responsibilities: Teaching * As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach one course and co-teach 1/3 of a second course on undergraduate research (minimum 67 lecture hours per semester) * Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum * Organize lectures and prepare course materials in a timely and professional manner * Adhere to the daily academic schedule * Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, mid-term and final examinations * Supervise and mentor up to 8 students in Directed Research projects * Actively support and counsel students on academic issues * Maintain records of lectures, exams, quizzes, readings, field experiences and homework assignments Research * Conduct designated research according to the program's research plan * Identify appropriate components of the program's research plan suitable for student Directed Research projects * Prepare research results for clients and partners and for publication and conference presentations * Assist in the creation and implementation of program research policies, priorities, budgets as required * Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems * Present research findings at local and international conferences (budget dependent) Administration * Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in review and analysis following students' departure * Participate in training activities for new program staff prior to and during the program, particularly interns * Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program period * In cooperation with other program staff, provide day-to-day coordination of interns as delegated by the program director * Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems * Participate in preparation of the final reports, academic handbook revisions and other required reports * As requested by the
[ECOLOG-L] MS opportunity in Stream and Riparian Ecology at Arizona State University:
A research assistantship position for a masters student is available at Arizona State University in the Applied Biological Sciences program (https://cls.asu.edu/graduate/proginfo/tsapbiosms) to start in the Fall of 2015 with Dr. Daniel Allen (www.public.asu.edu/~dallen15). The student will have the opportunity to develop their own research on topics related to food webs, biodiversity, and surface/groundwater hydrology in stream and riparian ecosystems. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have some previous research experience in field ecology, an interest in working in stream and riparian ecosystems, a strong work ethic, be able to work in rugged field conditions, be able to work independently and with others, and be available to begin in the summer of 2015. The position offers a stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits through a research assistantship for 2 academic years. Please send a brief letter of interest, a CV/resume that includes contact information for three references, and copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial is fine) to daniel.c.al...@asu.edu with MS Position in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately.
[ECOLOG-L] IMMEDIATE NEED: Land Health Assessment Field Technicians in Northern NV
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, is recruiting three field technicians for land health assessment teams. Each team will consist of three members, including the district LHA lead and technicians with diverse areas of training and expertise able to work cooperatively in a field-based setting. The overall objective of the team is to perform land health assessments through inventory and monitoring of geomorphic, vegetative and hydrologic characteristics of the landscape. Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methods are implemented to collect quantitative landscape data, while Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (IIRH) methods are implemented to collect qualitative landscape data. Analysis of soil pits dug on site will be used to confirm Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) to aid in accurate assessments. All data collected is entered into an electronic database, and will be utilized for adaptive management decisions, restoration projects, and/or to improve wildlife habitat to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. *Duties: *General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field technicians will collect GPS and photo points, identify soil characteristics, and vegetative demographics and distribution. Office tasks may include assisting with data organization, plant identification, processing and QA/QC; post-processing GPS points; and contributing to report writing. Overnight camping will be required for up to eight days at time. This position will require travel to and from field sites and field camping in order to ensure that all transects are successfully completed during the field season. Implementation may require long hours including early mornings and weekends. The timeframe for field data collection will generally be either 4 days on (Mon-Thurs) or 8 days on (Wed‐Wed) – followed by either 3 days off (Fri-Sun) or 6 days off (Thu‐Tue). *Field Course: *Participate in a field-based AIM and IIRH environmental methods and field protocols training and additional BLM trainings. *Compensation:* - $12,800 Living Allowance - $2,822 AmeriCorps Education Award - Student loan forbearance and interest accrual - Daily field per diem Contract length: 26-week appointment, beginning immediately *Location: *These positions will be based out of two Nevada BLM district office locations: Winnemucca and Elko. Terrain is typical of the Great Basin desert, with wide long valleys bordered by mountain ranges. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, and potentially cold, damp winter weather. Resources include Greater Sage-Grouse habitat, big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, active grazing allotments, abandoned mine lands, historic and prehistoric cultural sites, and wild horse management areas. *Qualifications:* - Bachelor’s degree in one of the major natural sciences; applicants with a background in soils or botany preferred; - Understanding of basic principles related to field science and data collection. - Be able to utilize dichotomous keys for plant identification, knowledge and/or field experience of plant ecology in the Great Basin Desert region. - Familiarity in describing and sampling soils, experience in soil texturing, identifying soil horizons, and soil properties. - Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map; - Ability to collect data using handheld GPS units, preferred; - Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; - Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting; - Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in an arid, desert environment for up to eight days at a time; - Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; and - Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. *How to Apply: *Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, Human Resources Coordinator at agladd...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include how you heard about this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. Please let us know how soon you are available! We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and
[ECOLOG-L] Why do local ecology?
Hi all, I'd like to share this piece I wrote about why I do local ecology, and what I am teaching and learning by doing local ecology. I think it will resonate with many of you. I'd love to hear what you think, and feel free to pass it on to others who might be interested. Thanks! http://beltmag.com/this-is-a-place/ Kathryn Flinn Flinn lab website http://kathrynflinn.wordpress.com/
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humorous papers
I have to point everyone to the following paper. Moran R. (1962). Cneoridium dumosum (Nuttall) Hooker F. Collected March 26, 1960, at an Elevation of about 1450 Meters on Cerro Quemazón, 15 Miles South of Bahía de Los Angeles, Baja California, México, Apparently for a Southeastward Range Extension of Some 140 Miles, Madroño, 16 272-272. The title contains all the important information. The entire text of the paper is. I got it there then. And you might also appreciate the nearly page of acknowledgements ending with a call out to his parents! -- Tom Horton, Mycology 241 Illick Hall, Dept. of Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210 315-470-6794 On 3/25/15, 11:38 AM, Marcos Lhano lh...@fcien.edu.uy wrote: A good one! /Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate extensive morphological convergence between the yeti and primates/ Michel C. Milinkovitch; Aldagisa Caccone and George Amato Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Volume 31, Issue 1, April 2004, Pages 1--3 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2004.01.009 Cheers! Lhano -- Dr. Marcos G. Lhano Prof. Adjunto III, Ecologia Animal Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas - CCAAB Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia - UFRB Caixa Postal 177, CEP 44380-970 Cruz das Almas - Bahia, Brazil Email: mar...@ufrb.edu.br / lh...@fcien.edu.uy http://www.ufrb.edu.br/leti On 24/03/2015 14:31, David Inouye wrote: Here's one of them. I used to use this in ecology classes. Sheldon, R. W., and S. R. Kerr. 1972. The population density of Monsters in Loch Ness. Limnology and Oceanography 17:746-798. I think there was one about resource partitioning among fast food restaurants that was published in the Bulletin of the ESA about 30 years ago but I don't have the citation. David Inouye At 11:00 AM 3/24/2015, you wrote: I'm looking for funny articles published and a few come to mind that I can't remember citations for so I thought I'd ask here. I don't really want to page through J. Irreproducable Results or Worm Runner's Digest but there are a few I'm hoping someone can help me with (vice vis pdfs) In either the late 70's or 80's there was a note in Nature that comprised the poem and reviewers comments on Shelley's *Ozymandias* Then at about the same time someone published a paper in Limn. Ocean. estimating the biomass of the Loch Ness monster. And also at some point someone published a satirical paper on if no one heard it, did the tree in the forest really fall? Of course any other humorous gems would be appreciated. Please remember the list doesn't allow attachments, so please respond to my university email. TIA, g2
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Ethnobotany Summer Field Course
2015 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (July 15-August 9) FIELD COURSE IN TROPICAL ETHNOBOTANY (TEB C-15) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by lowland tropical wet forests. The juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems along with Panama's rich cultural diversity that include the Ngöbe and Naso indigenous peoples of the Bocas del Toro region, the indigenous Kuna of the San Blas Islands, Afro-Caribbeans, Mestizos and many other ethnic and cultural groups provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/ for details. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Lisa Aston Philander, Plant Sciences Department University of Wyoming. Email: lisaphilan...@gmail.com mailto:lisaphilan...@gmail.com Phone: (01) 612-961-8881. Specialty: Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, and Agroecology. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Tropical ethnobotany, the study of how humans utilize plants for ritual practices, medicines, ornamentation, farming, food, apparel and construction in the tropics will be the focus of this field course. Much of the course will be spent learning qualitative and quantitative field techniques and carrying out various class activities in the surrounding rainforest and local communities. Ethnographic and data collection techniques will be applied to the various cultures in the Bocas del Toro region that may include Afro-Antillean, Mestizo, Ngöbe Bugle and Kuna peoples. Travel away from the field station to other islands and to the mainland will be required to meet with various communities for demonstrations by local healers, artisans, chocolate farmers and other specialists who utilize plants. Formal lectures and readings will focus on the plant use and traditional cultures of Panama and the surrounding regions of Central and South America, as well as innovative methodologies and current theory in the discipline. FORMAL LECTURES: Formal lectures will take place in the classroom and will include the use of PowerPoint presentations and chalkboard. Lectures will generally be given in the evening so that more daylight hours can be spent in the field. Lecture topics will include: · Definition and Evolution of the Discipline of Ethnobiology · Ethnobotany and Culture of Bocas del Toro and Panama · Tropical Plant and Forest Ecology · Useful Plants Classification- Neotropical Plant Families · Ethnobotanical Research Project Development · Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights and Ethnobotanical Protocols · Role of Humans in Diversification of Plants and Gendered Knowledge · Qualitative Techniques and Quantitative Methods · Interviewing and Ethnographic Methods · Plant Collection, Pressing, Drying and Mounting Herbarium Specimen · Audio, Photo, and Video Documentation · Local Markets and the Commodification of Plant Resources · Wild Foods and Traditional Diets · Tropical Agriculture and Agroforestry · Entheogens- Psychoactive Tropical Plants · The Botany of Cacao and the Production of Chocolate · Traditional Medical Systems and Ethnomedicine · Medicinal Plants and Bioprospecting · Non-Timber Forest Products · Biocultural Conservation · Sharing Research Results and Development of Community Projects READINGS: Readings corresponding to lecture-topics will be assigned from the course text and from relevant articles in the primary literature. In addition, each student will read, critique, and provide oral reports on published papers from the primary literature. * Required Text: Martin, Gary J. 2004. Ethnobotany: A Methods Manual. Plants and People Conservation Series. Earthscan Publications: London and Sterling, VA. * Required journal articles will be provided to students before the field semester. FIELD BOOK: A field book will be required in the course. The field book will contain all data related to group projects and independent research project. The field book should also contain all other incidental observations such as species lists, behavioral notes, etc., and contain detailed location information. The field book must be waterproof and either pencil or waterproof ink used to record data. GROUP EXERCISES: The purpose of group projects is to familiarize students with an array of field qualitative and quantitative techniques commonly used in ethnobotanical studies. Students will practice techniques, collect and analyze data, present the results in class and/or write a report. Students will learn the following field techniques: · Market Surveys · Homegarden Inventories · Rapid Rural Assessment · Free Listing · Pile Sorting · Forest Walks · Forest Plot Analysis · Ranking · Consensus analysis INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS: Each student will be responsible for designing and completing an
[ECOLOG-L] EEB One Year Masters Program Tulane University
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at Tulane University supports a one year non-thesis Master's degree program designed for students planning to enter more advanced professional degree programs (e.g., law, public health, medicine, veterinary medicine, natural resources management) and for students intent on pursuing additional academic training (e.g., Ph.D. degree programs). The program also will be useful for students interested in seeking employment with environmental agencies of federal, state, and municipal government; non-governmental organizations; and in private industry, including environmental consulting firms. The Plus One MS degree program is intended to provide foundational and advanced academic training in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Organismal Biology, and related disciplines. The program involves completion of coursework and recommended completion of an independent study with departmental faculty (see: http://tulane.edu/sse/eebio/faculty-and-staff/faculty/) or an internship with an approved off-campus organization. The opportunity to undertake independent study or to accrue on-the-job training with a governmental agency or private entity through an internship lends a unique character to this program and may provide students an advantage when seeking employment following graduation. Tulane Universityis a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, a select group of the 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada with 'preeminent programs of graduate and professional education and scholarly research.' Tulane is located in the historic Gulf Coast city of New Orleans, which is known for its culture, food and music. Applications are due May 1.Those interested in the program are encouraged to contact the program advisor (Dr. Richards-Zawacki, c...@tulane.edu mailto:c...@tulane.edu) or any faculty member whose research is of interest. More information can be found at http://tulane.edu/sse/eebio/academics/graduate/plus-one-ms.cfm -- Elizabeth Derryberry, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Ken and Ruth Arnold Early Career Professor in Earth Ecological Science Department of Ecology Evolutionary Biology Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 504-862-8285 (office) 504-862-8706 (fax) elizabethderryberry.tulane.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Employment Opportunity: AIM Vegetation Monitoring Field Leads, Lander, WY
In cooperation with the BLM-Wyoming Lander Field Office, GBI is recruiting two Field Leads to work cooperatively with BLM Rangeland Managers and GBI Vegetation Monitoring Field Technicians. Each Field Lead will coordinate a field crew (one Lead and two Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) protocol and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (IIRH), for which training will be provided. Duties include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation sampling and field data collection on new monitoring sites within central Wyoming. Field work will include navigating to sampling sites, establishing sampling transects and plots, collecting vegetation data (including species ID, foliar cover, canopy gap, and herbaceous and woody density), taking photo-points, and quality-checking data. During these periods of field work, camping will be required. Additional duties include coordination and oversight of field safety and logistics, scheduling, database management, and reporting. Field data will be used by BLM Natural Resource Specialists to inform management decisions. Please follow this link for a video that highlights the BLM’s national strategy for landscape-scale data capture across the western states using AIM: http://youtu.be/LciTBPG2-Ss *Location:* The Lander Field Office (LFO) is recruiting 2 Field Leads. The LFO manages 2.5 million acres of public lands within in Fremont County, the southwest corner of Natrona Country, and small portions of Carbon, Sweetwater and Hot Springs counties. These lands are multiple-use and offer a wide diversity of resources, including the National Historic Trails, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, historic mining areas, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, livestock grazing and wild horse management. *Compensation:* - $1360 bi-weekly salary - Additional $75.00/week housing stipend - $15.00 Field per diem - Health Insurance Option *Timeline:* · Mid-May – October (20-24 weeks)* · Full time, 40 hours per week minimum * Duration of position is dependent upon funding availability *Qualifications:* *Technical requirements:* - Leadership experience; - Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences preferred, such as: Botany, Wildlife Biology, Range Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Resources or related subject; - Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics (transcripts may be requested); - Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key; familiarity with native and invasive plants of central Wyoming/ Great Basin desert and associated natural resource issues preferred; - Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations; - Experience with data entry and analysis; - Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/monitoring summary reports/grant reports; - Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps; - Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection; - Experience working with GIS software; and - Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access). *Additional requirements:* - Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; - Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, mountain forest roads; - Experience and training to operate UTV and ATV equipment; - Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; - Ability to work independently; - Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public; - Good organizational skills; - Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field; - Willingness to sometimes work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights); - Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and - Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks. *How to Apply:* Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at agladd...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted and your preferred location. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
Re: [ECOLOG-L] peer review
Dear Gary, There is a paper by Munz et al from 2009 entitled: When zombies attack: mathematical modelling of an outbreak of zombie infection. The introduction references are zombie movies but then there is some serious modelling in that paper. That might be something you can use for teaching. Hope it helps, Stef On Tue, Mar 24, 2015 at 2:54 PM, Gary Grossman gross...@uga.edu wrote: I'm looking for funny articles published and a few come to mind that I can't remember citations for so I thought I'd ask here. I don't really want to page through J. Irreproducable Results or Worm Runner's Digest but there are a few I'm hoping someone can help me with (vice vis pdfs) In either the late 70's or 80's there was a note in Nature that comprised the poem and reviewers comments on Shelley's *Ozymandias* Then at about the same time someone published a paper in Limn. Ocean. estimating the biomass of the Loch Ness monster. And also at some point someone published a satirical paper on if no one heard it, did the tree in the forest really fall? Of course any other humorous gems would be appreciated. Please remember the list doesn't allow attachments, so please respond to my university email. TIA, g2 -- Gary D. Grossman, PhD Professor of Animal Ecology Warnell School of Forestry Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA 30602 http://grossman.myweb.uga.edu/ http://www.arches.uga.edu/%7Egrossman Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish -- Stefanie Broszeit
[ECOLOG-L] Eastern PA - Research Awards - Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station
Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station welcomes applications for the Moeller Research Fellow Award and the Watres Student Research Award. Lacawac is an independent, non-profit field station, nature preserve, and environmental education center located in the Poconos of Northeast Pennsylvania (www.lacawac.org). Features include Lake Lacawac, a well-protected natural lake listed as a National Natural Landmark, four experimental deer exclosures, long-term lake and weather data, residential lodging facilities, a new NSF-funded lab facility with analytical equipment, and two areas designated as Pennsylvania Wild Plant Sanctuaries. Robert Estabrook Moeller Memorial Fund - Research Fellow Award Applicants can be university/college students or faculty. The award supports scholars conducting limnological research on Lake Lacawac and other Pocono region lakes. Preference will be given to scholars who are new Lacawac users or are starting new projects, and who also request funding to cover Lacawac lodging, lab, and/or site fees. Awards generally range from $1,000 - $1,500. Review of applications begins April 15 each year and will continue until all funds are awarded. For more information about the award and to apply, please go to http://www.lacawac.org/assets/moeller_research_fellow2.pdf Isabel and Arthur Watres Student Research Fund Applicants can be university/college students. The award supports students conducting research at Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station. Preference will be given to students who are requesting funding to cover Lacawac lodging, lab, and/or site fees. Awards generally range from $300 - $700. Review of applications begins April 15 each year and will continue until all funds are awarded. For more information about the award and to apply, please go to http://www.lacawac.org/assets/watres_student_fund.pdf For more information: Contact: Dr. Lesley Knoll lesley.kn...@lacawac.org
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humorous papers
McNOLEG, O. L. E. G. The integration of GIS, remote sensing, expert systems and adaptive co-kriging for environmental habitat modeling of the highland haggis using object-oriented, fuzzy-logic and neural-network techniques. *Computers Geosciences* 22.5 (1996): 585-588. ftp://46.43.34.31/users/kami/humour/haggis_paper.pdf On Wed, Mar 25, 2015 at 11:13 AM, Alex Wolf alex.w...@mdc.mo.gov wrote: Another paper that's tongue-in-cheek but has serious science at its core: Lozier, J. D., Aniello, P. and Hickerson, M. J. (2009), Predicting the distribution of Sasquatch in western North America: anything goes with ecological niche modelling. Journal of Biogeography, 36: 1623-1627. doi: 10./j.1365-2699.2009.02152.x ABSTRACT: The availability of user-friendly software and publicly available biodiversity databases has led to a rapid increase in the use of ecological niche modelling to predict species distributions. A potential source of error in publicly available data that may affect the accuracy of ecological niche models (ENMs), and one that is difficult to correct for, is incorrect (or incomplete) taxonomy. Here we remind researchers of the need for careful evaluation of database records prior to use in modelling, especially when the presence of cryptic species is suspected or many records are based on indirect evidence. To draw attention to this potential problem, we construct ENMs for the North American Sasquatch (i.e. Bigfoot). Specifically, we use a large database of georeferenced putative sightings and footprints for Sasquatch in western North America, demonstrating how convincing environmentally predicted distributions of a taxon's potential range can be generated from questionable site-occurrence data. We compare the distribution of Bigfoot with an ENM for the black bear, Ursus americanus, and suggest that many sightings of this cryptozoid may be cases of mistaken identity. PDF available through Google Scholar. Cheers, Alex Alex Wolf Resource Staff Scientist, Forest Systems Field Station Missouri Department of Conservation 2929 Co. Rd. 618 Ellington, MO 63638 -- Kevyn J. Juneau, Ph.D., Certified Associate Ecologist Department of Biological Sciences 1400 Townsend Drive Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI 49931 KJJuneau(at)MTU.edu http://kevynjuneau.weebly.com/
[ECOLOG-L] Field assistant positions in pollination ecology
Location: University of California Davis, CA Multiple full time field assistant/research technician positions working on native bees, habitat restoration and pollination as an ecosystem service are available in Neal Williams’ lab at UC Davis. Assistants will provide support to projects relating to pollinator biodiversity, pollination service in agricultural landscapes, and the effectiveness of pollinator habitat restoration techniques. These projects are part of multi-region efforts to promote native bee populations and pollination service. This work provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in native plant restoration, bee biology, and sustainable agriculture. Our lab is part of a vibrant ecology and entomology group at UC Davis. http://polleneaters.wordpress.com/ or link through http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/Faculty/Neal_M_Williams/ Major responsibilities: In the field, assistants will assist with plot maintenance (weeding, herbicide spraying) , use emergence traps to monitor ground-nesting wild bees, survey bees and other flower-visiting insects, monitor establishment of native plants in experimental wildflower strips, in associated crop fields, and in established restoration sites. In the lab, assistants will curate insect and plant specimens collected in the field, process pollination data using microscopy, and assist with data entry and GIS analysis. Skills and Qualifications: • Strong interest in conservation biology, pollination biology, entomology and/or field ecology • Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with original data from multiple projects) • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a research environment • Previous field experience (preferably with native bees and/or flora of central California) • Basic computer skills (Word, Excel) • Basic wet lab skills, microscopy • Valid driver’s license • Ability to work in the field under hot sunny conditions for long hours • Completed, or working toward a degree in biology or related field (ecology, insect conservation, botany, restoration) Additional Desired Qualifications: • Knowledge of California Flora • Experience with/Knowledge of insects particularly bees • Experience with insect curation (pinning, labeling) • Interest in graduate or professional work in ecology, evolution, conservation • Basic facility with ArcGIS • Personal car to travel to field sites (mileage will be reimbursed at established federal grant rate). Two types of positions, pay for both is $14.57/hr: Short term: May – August. Focus is on bee nesting and crop pollination. Longer term: As soon as possible – Nov. Focus is on maintaining and monitoring plant and bee communities in habitat restorations. Apply through the UC Employment website before April 6: https://www.employment.ucdavis.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/search/Search_c ss.jsp; Search for Requisition Number 03013939 for short term position (May-Aug). Search for Requisition Number 03013955 for longer term position (through November). In addition to completing the online form, please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience, CV and a list of 3 references who are familiar with your scholarship, research ability, experience and potential. You must indicate in the cover letter the date of your availability. Only applications including a cover letter will be considered. Be sure to answer all questions on the on-line application. Incomplete applications are rejected without our ability to review them.
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Animal Behavior Summer Field Course
2015 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (July 15-August 9) FIELD COURSE IN TROPICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (TAB C-15) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by lowland tropical wet forests. Coral reef, sea grass and mangrove ecosystems lie adjacent to the station and limestone caves, rocky intertidal shores and beaches are accessible from the station. The juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research in animal behavior. See: http://itec-edu.org/tropical-animal-behavior/, for details. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Peter N. Lahanas, Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, 2911 NW 40th PL, Gainesville, FL 32605, 352-367-9128 file://localhost/tel/352-367-9128 , laha...@itec-edu.org mailto:laha...@itec-edu.org Specialty: Neotropical herpetology, forest ecology, animal behavior, biogeography, molecular genetics of sea turtles. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will emphasize animal behavior in the context of tropical rain forest and marine ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level course in animal behavior. The course is divided into three parts. During the first few days students will become familiar with the many ecosystems found in our area and with the trail systems during ³orientation². The bulk of the first 10 days will be spent learning field techniques in animal behavior and carrying out various group projects or exercises (see below). Midway through the course the entire station community embarks on a three-day field trip to the cloud forests of Boquete (see details below). On returning to the field station, students work on their individual research projects and continue to receive lectures or other activities in the evening. Students are encouraged to work with either terrestrial or marine organisms. FORMAL LECTURES: Formal lectures will take place in the classroom and will include the use of PowerPoint presentations and chalkboard. Lectures will generally be given in the evening so that more daylight hours can be spent in the field. Lecture topics will include: oStation policies, forest etiquette oAnimal behavior, an overview oBehavioral research design oNeotropical ecosystems and structure oBehavioral sampling methods oNeotropical amphibians and reptiles oNeotropical birds oNeotropical mammals oMating systems oPlant-animal interactions, symbioses oEvolution of polymorphism in poison dart frogs oConservation issues INFORMAL LECTURES: Informal lectures will be provided periodically during orientation walks, during group field projects or in discussion groups. These will cover a wide variety of topics and will generally be prompted by what we encounter in the field, or by the direction taken during group discussions. READINGS: Readings corresponding to lecture subjects will be assigned in the texts. We will also read and critique papers brought by students and faculty and additional readings may be assigned from time to time. In addition, each student will read, critique, and provide oral reports on published papers brought to Bocas. REQUIRED TEXT BOOKS: Martin, P. P. Bateson (1993). Measuring Behaviour, Cambridge University Press, 222, pg, ISBN: 0 521 44615 7. OR Lehner, Philip N. (1998). Handbook of Ethological Methods, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press, 672 pp, ISBN: 0 521 63750 3. AND Kricher, J.C. (1999). A Neotropical Companion. 2nd. ed., Princeton University Press, Princeton., ISBN: 0 691 00974 0. FIELD BOOK: A field book will be required in the course. The field book will contain all data related to group projects and independent research project. The field book should also contain all other incidental observations such as species lists, behavioral notes, etc., and contain detailed location information. The field book must be waterproof and either pencil or waterproof ink used to record data. GROUP FIELD PROJECTS: Group projects, exercises, demonstrations and excursions designed by the faculty and worked on in groups of four or six students. The purpose of these projects is to familiarize students with an array of field sampling techniques and equipment commonly used in field studies. With help from a faculty member, students set up projects, collect data, and generally (depends on the project), analyze data, present the results to the class, and write a report. Group Project, Demonstration and Excursion Topics oBehavioral sampling methods oEthogram exercise oEcological sampling methods oForest night hikes oHoming behavior in poison-dart frog oTail flicking behavior in geckos oSoropta Beach, nesting leatherback sea turtles oLekking in golden-collared manakins oCave ecology, bats behavior oSoropta canal, iguanas, caimans and
[ECOLOG-L] listservs for sustainable development etc
Does anyone know of any good forums or listservs for things like sustainable development, poverty alleviation, Elinor Ostrom¹s concepts (³Design principles², sustaining the commons livelihoods ecosystems working hand in hand that kind of thing)? Wendee Wendee Nicole, Founder Director, REDEMPTION SONG FOUNDATION (http://www.redemptionsongfoundation.org) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/redemptionsongfoundation ³Spreading Hope by Growing Healthy Communities and Sustainable Ecosystems in Africa M.S. Wildlife Ecology * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian (http://www.wendeenicole.com)
