[ECOLOG-L] Grant for course on Network Analysis, October 24-28, Barcelona.

[Soledad De Esteban Trivigno]

Dear colleague,

Registration is open for the course "Introduction to Network Analysis in Life
Sciences – 3rd edition". Webpage:
http://www.transmittingscience.org/courses/syst-bio/networks/

GRANTS: Thanks to the donations of former participants, this year there is a
place for free at the course for PhD students. If you want to apply please send
an e-mail to gra...@transmittingscience.org including: 1- Full name and country,
2- Short project (maximum 300 words), 3- Letter of your advisor stating if you
have any grant to develop your PhD. Deadline: March 31st. Please include the
name of the course in the subject line.

INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Diego Rasskin-Gutman (Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i
Biologia Evolutiva, Spain) and Dr. Borja Esteve-Altava (Institut Cavanilles de
Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva, Spain).

DATES: October 24th – 28th, 2016.

PLACE: Instalaciones de Sabadell del Institut Català de Paleontologia M. C.
Sabadell, Barcelona (España).

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In the last decades, network analysis has provided new insights into the
organization and functioning of complex biological systems such as brain wiring,
genetic regulation, or ecological dynamics.
A basic knowledge on network modeling and network analysis will provide
biologists a better understanding of cutting-edge research in their fields.
This course will introduce participants into the analysis of complex biological
systems using network models. Students will learn the basics of network
analysis: gathering information, building network models, and interpret the
outcomes of their analysis.
This course combines theoretical introduction and computing practices using the
free software environment R (previous knowledge in R is not required)
Participants are encouraged to bring their own data for practicing. Emphasis is
placed on offering participants a wide overview of network modeling in biology
and the many available software tools to do it.

Organized by: Transmitting Science and the Institut Catalá de Paleontologia
Miquel Crusafont.

Please feel free to distribute this information between your colleagues if you
consider it appropriate.

With best regards

Soledad De Esteban-Trivigno, PhD.
Scientific Director
Transmitting Science
www.transmittingscience.org

[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement - Wildlife Specialist II - Regional Habitat Specialist

[Brisa Daniel]

Please see below an employment opportunity with the Arizona Game and Fish 
Department:

WILDLIFE SPECIALIST II
"Regional Habitat Specialist"
FIELD OPERATIONS DIV / REGION 4 / YUMA BASED
FLSA- Exempt
SALARY GRADE 20 (salary grade range $36,814 - $65,827)
REQUISITION # 21243 / CLOSING DATE:  02/26/2016


Description of Duties:  Under direction of the Regional Habitat Program 
Manager, the Regional Habitat Specialist will be lead for day to day activities 
and liaison with Lower Colorado River Multi-species Conservation Program, be 
responsible for evaluating land and water projects for impacts to wildlife, 
including endangered species and habitats. Recommends Department actions on 
these projects and proposes mitigation when appropriate. The incumbent in the 
position will represent the Department in the evaluation, development and 
implementation of land management plans and activities, coordinates and 
conducts Department reviews and evaluations of projects, reports, and land use 
plans for potential impacts to fish and wildlife.

The position will facilitate the acquisition, management and restoration of 
fish and wildlife habitats in southwest Arizona and communicates the 
Department's position and concerns on proposed land management plans and 
projects.  Works with a variety of external entities and agencies to develop 
plans and actions that mitigate potential adverse impacts to fish, wildlife and 
habitats for wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation.  Negotiates 
and resolves habitat related conflicts and other resource issues with external 
agencies and organizations. Maintains official records and files on project 
development, environmental references and Department correspondence, monitors 
and evaluates changes to relevant laws, policies and regulations that affect 
the Department's ability to manage wildlife and their habitats. The position 
will be responsible for design, implementation and supervision of habitat 
restoration/enhancement projects.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must have knowledge of: 
wildlife and habitat management/enhancement/restoration techniques and 
requirements, data collection and design, identification of flora and fauna 
associated with major communities in Arizona, ecological relationships and 
requirements, environmental issues and public attitude toward wildlife, habitat 
and other environmental issues.

The candidate will be skilled in: use of computers, GIS, cameras and other 
necessary tools and equipment, data entry and analysis, developing program 
goals and objectives, negotiation, public speaking, conflict resolution, 
facilitation, field survey and habitat assessments to make sound biological 
recommendations.

The ideal candidate will be able to develop effective and positive working 
relationships with a wide variety of audiences including external agencies and 
organizations, have the ability to communicate both orally and in writing, 
train and evaluate other specialists, work irregular hours including weekends, 
holidays and at night and work outdoors in extreme and isolated conditions, 
identify wildlife in less than optimal conditions, and operate boats, four 
wheel drive vehicle and ATV's.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management or closely 
related field, plus a minimum of two years of professional work experience in 
wildlife management or research. A Master's degree will substitute for one 
year's experience.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical 
examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

Position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid 
state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.  Employees who 
drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must 
maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver 
training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.).

All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment 
Eligibility Verification program.   Our work environment offers training 
opportunities and encourages career development.

The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package 
including:

* 13 days of vacation
* 12 sick days with accumulation benefits
* 10 paid holidays
* Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
* Superior health care options
* Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account 
(options available)
* Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are 
available
* Many more benefit programs are available

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer


TO APPLY CLICK AZSTATEJOBS.GOV

CLICK SEARCH FOR JOBS, SELECT GAME AND FISH DEPT FROM AGENCY DROPDOWN



Direct link: https://azstatejobs.azdoa

[ECOLOG-L] Job ad: Postdoctoral Associate- Forest Elephant Behavioral Ecology & Conservation

[Aaron N. Rice]

Postdoctoral Associate- Forest Elephant Behavioral Ecology & Conservation

The Bioacoustics Research 
Program at the Lab of 
Ornithology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate with experience in behavioral 
ecology to work extensively in Central Africa studying forest elephants and the 
human pressures impacting their conservation.  This position will work within 
the Elephant Listening Project 
using acoustics and direct observation to study forest elephants in Central 
Africa.

This is annual appointment, with renewal based on performance and availability 
of funding, and requires extensive fieldwork in western and central Africa.

For a complete position description, requirements, and application 
instructions, see:
https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10161/jobdetail.ftl?job=31044&lang=en

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to 
work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an 
uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the 
university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, 
NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses 
on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Doha, Qatar, as well as the new 
Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York 
City.

Diversity and inclusion have been and continue to be a part of our heritage. 
Cornell University is a recognized EEO/AA employer and educator.

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Seasonal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Conservation Technician, Boulder

[David Inouye]

Seasonal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Conservation Technician

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Positions Currently Available: 3

Open until filled

Term of Employment Start Date on or around: April 25, 2016

Term of Employment End Date on or around: October 21, 2016

Hourly Pay Range:  $12.00- $15.00

Hours of Employment:  40 hours per week.  Hours 
vary - usually Monday - Friday  7:00 am to 
3:30 pm.  May change to four 10 hour shifts as 
appropriate. Some weekends.  Overtime as needed.


--
Overall Objective:
Under general direction, performs a variety of 
integrated pest management (IPM), wildlife 
management, and maintenance tasks on natural 
lands. Performs related duties as assigned.




Position Duties by Ranking of Importance:

·   Works within a crew to maximize safety, 
project completion, team cohesion and individual contribution




·   Removes noxious and invasive weeds by 
utilizing assorted mechanical methods (digging, 
hand pulling, whipping, tractor and mower 
operation, chainsaw, etc.) and by chemical 
control (spot spraying, wicking, stump treatments 
etc.).  May assist with biological control methods




·   Performs prairie dog management tasks 
including surveys, colony monitoring, mapping, 
installing and maintaining barriers, passive 
relocation, and potentially trapping and removal




·   Performs cultural IPM/restoration projects 
such as native tree/forb planting, re-seeding, 
seed collection, mitigation work and wildlife habitat enhancements




Position Duties by Ranking of Importance (continued):



· Assists with maintenance and 
construction of park infrastructure and trails and installation of signs




·   Utilizes GPS technology to collect data 
points in the field for annual map creation




·   Leads volunteer, jail crew, youth crew and 
community service projects and assists with 
public environmental education and outreach programs




·   Maintains detailed records of work performed and resources used



·   Assists with research, monitoring, and data 
collection associated with various natural land 
management tasks (IPM, wildlife, etc.), performs 
data entry and provides information for annual reports




·   Performs various urban wildlife management tasks



·   Prioritizes arising needs and solves 
operations related problems in the field




·   Operates and maintains equipment for safe and 
effective use. Clean and organize supplies, 
vehicles, equipment, and storage facilities




·  Operates a city vehicle; possibly four-wheel 
drive; possibly on rough terrain




·  Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates 
unsafe circumstances and acts accordingly to 
prevent accidents/injuries. Uses all proper 
safety equipment.  Reports all accidents, injuries and damage to property




·   Responsible for knowing and complying with 
all city and department policies, participating 
in professional trainings and development and 
adhering to attendance and workplace policies




·   Other duties as assigned (such as 
trash/dumping removal, restroom maintenance, etc.)




·   May assists with large-scale mulching and tree/shrub removal and planting





*Required Minimum Qualifications:
   * Ability and willingness to perform a wide 
range of manual and physically demanding tasks in 
an outdoor environment, under a variety of weather and terrain conditions



   * Previous experience with and/or college 
level coursework related to IPM, restoration, 
ecology, biology, wildlife management or a related field



   * Effective interpersonal skills including 
conflict resolution skills and the ability to 
work and communicate effectively with diverse 
groups of people (coworkers and the public)



   * Ability and willingness to work efficiently 
with limited supervision or instruction



   * Familiarity with computers and office 
software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel



   * Ability and willingness to follow established procedures


   * Ability and willingness to evaluate 
conditions in assigned area and make judgments related to safety



   * Driving experience, skill and acceptable 
motor vehicle record:  Colorado license if employed longer than 12 weeks




*Desired Qualifications:
   * Training/experience with mechanical 
equipment use (such as a tractor, trailer, weed 
whip, chainsaw, gator, large mower, drill seeder, 
etc.) and/or equipment maintenance.



   * Training/experience with hand tools such as 
shovels, hammers, pruners, etc.



   * Training/experience with prairie dog 
management such as relocation and/or the 
installation and maintenance of prairie dog barriers



   * Training and/or experience in restoration, 
vegetation inventory, IPM practices and/or strong plant identification skills



   * Training/experience with wildlife management and/or surveys


   * Training/experience with GPS systems and/or 
GIS software and applications



   * Ability to keep accurate records and organize information


   * Tra

[ECOLOG-L] Register NOW for BioBlitz in Washington, D.C. May 20-21

[Seltzer, Carrie]

Greetings, fellow ecologists!

*We are currently recruiting field biologists and naturalists* to
participate in the National Parks BioBlitz - Washington, D.C.
,
and we invite you to register now

!  If you are interested in events in Maryland and Virginia further from
D.C., there is a separate registration form

. This is a great opportunity to help document the parks’ biodiversity and
to share your knowledge and enthusiasm in the field. If you're unsure where
you fit in, watch this short video
 to help you
find your niche in BioBlitz. *The deadline to register

is Friday, February 26.*
*We are also looking for enthusiastic nature novices and college students* to
serve as iNaturalist  Pro-Observers (link to
registration form
)
so please share this with appropriate groups and clubs (registration will
be open at least through March, unlike above).

Background: The National Geographic Society and the National Park Service
are teaming up for the 10th year to conduct a *BioBlitz
 *in parks in and around our nation’s capital
on *May 20-21, 2016. *BioBlitz is an *all-taxa inventory* in which teams of
volunteers, each led by a subject matter expert, find and identify as many
species as possible within a 24-hour period. The National Parks BioBlitz -
Washington, D.C. and concurrent Biodiversity Festival on the National Mall
is a cornerstone event of  the larger National Parks BioBlitz commemorating
the centennial of the National Park Service. More BioBlitzes will be held
in at least 100 national parks across the United States. BioBlitzes
happening in other National Parks will have separate registration. You can
see the growing list of parks here
.

*Please share this with others who may be interested to help make this
event a success.* You can email biobl...@ngs.org with general questions or
cselt...@ngs.org for questions about registering as an expert or amateur. We
hope to see you at the National Parks BioBlitz May 20-21!


---

*Carrie E. Seltzer, Ph.D.*

Program Manager, Experiences

t. 202.862.8239


[image: Nat Geo Logo Yellow_Black.png] 

1145 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036

[image: Email-Signature8.gif] 

[ECOLOG-L] Conservation Technology Consultancy

[Paul Glover-Kapfer]

We are looking for someone with applied and academic experience using a
conservation technology to prepare a combination consumer report/best
practice guide. Please refer to the following website for more details,
including how to contact me.

https://www.wildlabs.net/resources/news/consultancy-opportunity-developing-easy-use-guidelines-deployment-conservation

One technology we are particularly interested in is acoustic sensors.

[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Summer RA positions in Marine Ecology and Oceanography

[Scott Morello]

Hi everyone!

If you have an undergraduate or recent graduate interested in a paid research 
assistantship in Marine Science this summer please pass this information along! 
There are two positions available and applications are due March 7th. An 
assistantship would involve a combination of field and lab work in population 
ecology and oceanography, would be based just an hour north of Portland, Maine, 
and would involve multi-day trips to Maine's Acadia region.

Here is the link for the flyer 
(http://www.downeastinstitute.org/assets/DEI%20Sm16%20RA%20Ad.pdf) but for more 
information email Phil Yund (py...@downeastinstitute.org).

Best,
Scott Morello

[ECOLOG-L] Carnivory and herbivory

[Jorge A. Santiago-Blay]

Dear Ecolog-Listers:

In one of my courses, we'll discuss nutrition and, inevitably carnivory and
herbivory.

Question: Can someone suggest science-based, intelligible web sources that
discuss this topic.

Background:  For years, I have looked into this and the basic story (at
least for humans) seems to be that animal food on the average has a fuller
complement of aminoacids (particularly the so-called essential ones) than
non-animal foods. Yet, thus far, in none of the places consulted, the
chemical transformations of some aminoacids into others are addressed. In
other words, can the so-called essential aminoacids be produced chemically
in the body (or by symbionts) by chemically altering non-essential
aminoacids? Clearly, those mechanisms must exist in 100% herbivorous
organisms.

If you have some constructive suggestions, please email me directly:
blayjo...@gmail.com

Gratefully,

Jorge

Jorge A. Santiago-Blay, PhD
blaypublishers.com

1. Positive experiences for authors of papers published in *LEB*
http://blaypublishers.com/testimonials/

2. Free examples of papers published in *LEB*:
http://blaypublishers.com/category/previous-issues/.

3. *Guidelines for Authors* and page charges of *LEB*:
http://blaypublishers.com/archives/ *.*

4. Want to subscribe to *LEB*? http://blaypublishers.com/subscriptions/


http://blayjorge.wordpress.com/
http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/santiagoblay.cfm

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Seasonal Forestry Technician-advanced

[Laura Reuling]

Title: LTE - FORESTRY TECHNICIAN-ADV (2 Positions)

Job Description: Forestry Technician Advanced: The Wisconsin Department of 
Natural Resources, Bureau of Forest Management, Sciences Section, is hiring two 
seasonal 
forest technicians. The positions will work 40 hours a week assisting with 
field study establishment and forestry data collection. Duties will include 
forest 
cruising, plant identification, installing field data recorders, tree coring, 
soil sampling, girdling of trees using chainsaws and entering data into Excel.

Contact: Dustin R Bronson (dustin.bron...@wisconsin.gov)
Location: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rhinelander Service 
Center, 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501 
Telephone Number: (715) 360-6808 
Hourly Rate: $16.000 per hour. Flexible start date between May 2, and June 13, 
2016
Duration: Job starts approximately May 2, 2016

Duties:
80% Collect forestry related data: Cruise forest stands, collecting basal area 
by species. Conduct habitat type and forest understory regeneration 
assessments. 
Establish long-term forest study plots.

15% Data management: Prepare and manage datasets using Microsoft Office 
products. Enter and review data generated from forest silviculture studies.

5% Literature review: Assist forest ecology team in literature reviews using 
online web databases, journal access and electronic library resources.

Knowledge Required: Ideal candidates will have some experience in forestry or 
forest sciences. Candidates should have a strong work ethic and able to work 
outside 
daily throughout a range of weather conditions. Candidates should be able to 
work both in a team environment and independently. Additional qualifications 
include 
tree/shrub identification and knowledge of plant communities. Finally, 
candidates should be proficient with map and compass along with GPS technology. 

Application Deadline: March 11, 2016
To Apply: Submit Form 9100-162 LTE Application 
(http://dnr.wi.gov/employment/lte/9100162_fillExt.pdf, hard copy also available 
at most WDNR offices), resume, cover 
letter and references to:
Dustin R Bronson
dustin.bron...@wisconsin.gov
107 Sutliff Avenue
Rhinelander, WI 54501
RE: Job Code 10094 

Application materials will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will 
be invited for an interview.
Additional Information: Please email application materials to Dustin Bronson @ 
dustin.bron...@wisconsin.gov.

[ECOLOG-L] One Year Plant Ecologist Faculty Position

[Gregory Ruthig]

The Department of Biology at North Central College invites applications 
from broadly trained plant biologists for the 2016-17 academic year 
(September 1 – June 15).  Completion of the Ph.D. by the starting date 
is preferred, though ABD applicants will be considered. The successful 
candidate will teach introductory biology for majors and non-majors, a 
sophomore-level ecology course, and other courses that match his or her 
expertise.  The position will offer opportunities to contribute to a 
growing environmental studies program.   Applicants should exhibit 
potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching; teaching experience 
is highly desirable. A tenure-track search in this area of expertise is 
anticipated for Fall 2016.

North Central College, located 28 miles west of Chicago in Illinois’ 
research and development corridor, is a 150 year-old comprehensive 
liberal arts college of 3,000 students with a Biology program that 
features an investigative, research-rich curriculum. See 
www.noctrl.edu/biology for more information about the College and the 
department.

Applicants should submit a letter of application, vitae, a statement of 
teaching philosophy and three letters of recommendation electronically 
at https://secure.interfolio.com/apply/34144. There is no cost for this 
Interfolio service. Contact Cheryl Horton, Academic Affairs 
Administrative Assistant, at clhor...@noctrl.edu, for questions about 
the application process.  For other inquiries, please email Dr. Jonathan 
Visick, Chair, Department of Biology at jevis...@noctrl.edu. Review of 
applications will begin March 7 and continue until the position is 
filled.  Applicants who would enrich the diversity of the campus 
community are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE

[ECOLOG-L] Intensive Field-Based Conservation Science and Leadership Course - TWO WEEKS UNTIL APPLICATION DEADLINE

[Sarah Knudsen]

Pacific Biodiversity Institute, a conservation science non-profit
organization located in the North Cascades of Washington, is excited to
announce a new 4-week Conservation Science and Leadership Course. 

 

Students will participate in an intensive 4-week field ecology course
learning about relevant conservation biology topics, state-of-the-art field
ecology techniques, and delving into research protocols. Students will also
learn leadership, decision-making and communication skills from seasoned
conservation leaders. Students will conduct wildlife surveys using wildlife
cameras and hair-sampling methods, vegetation sampling plots, bird
point-counts, and use GIS mapping tools, while participating in PBI's
research focused on ponderosa pine forests and fire ecology, riparian
ecosystems, endangered wildlife surveys and restoration ecology.  Students
will also participate in community service projects, multi-day field trips,
and team research projects. 

 

The goal of this 4-week course is to enable young scientists and potential
conservation leaders to discover and pursue their educational and career
goals with a powerful skill set, knowledge, and passion for the environment.

 

What: Conservation Science and Leadership Course, field-based 

 

Who: Upper-level undergraduate students and recent graduates who are
preparing to be conservation leaders and professionals

 

Where: Eastern North Cascades and Methow Valley, WA

 

When: May 23-June 19, 2016

 

Cost: $1250 to cover lodging and food for the entire course at the North
Cascades Basecamp

 

More information and an application can be found at:
http://pacificbio.org/conservation_course_spring_2016.html. The application
deadline is March 5, 2016.

 

Please contact educat...@pacificbio.org 
with questions.

 

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Seasonal Field techs - western Montana

[David Wright]

The University of Montana Forest Ecology lab
(http://www.cfc.umt.edu/research/forestecology) is hiring field technicians
for summer of 2016.  Work will occur throughout western Montana in managed
and natural forests—primarily on the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests.
The position will include a 20-25 day remote backcountry trip into the Bob
Marshall Wilderness. Technicians will be working on various research
projects looking at forest stand structure and development; wildlife species
response to management; and effects of forest stand structure on snow
dynamics. Duties will involve plot installation, (re)measurement of forest
overstory and understory, assessment of snowshoe hare abundance, tree
mortality surveys, and fuels transects in a variety of forests. The crew
will work with investigators from the University of Montana and the
Wilderness Society.

Duration: Late May through August, with potential to work into September and
October. The non-wilderness schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. 

Salary: $8.50 to $15.00 per hour depending on experience. Housing is not
provided. 

Qualifications: Previous experience collecting vegetation/wildlife data,
working effectively and safely as a team in challenging environments, and
following complex data collection protocols is required. Good physical
condition with backcountry experience is required and critical for success
in this position. Candidates should be able to demonstrate problem solving
skills and be able to work independently or in small groups. Work will
include moving through rough terrain with heavy gear. Applicants with
Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification are preferred. 

Apply: To apply assemble into a single PDF file and email to
eryn.schnei...@umontana.edu : (1) a one-page cover letter describing your
reason for applying, specific dates of availability including any potential
mid-summer absences, your qualifications and any relevant coursework; (2) a
resume or CV no longer than 2 pages; (3) contact information (name, phone,
and email) for at least two references with firsthand knowledge of your work
experience (no need to send letters). Hiring preference will be give to
applications received by March 1, 2016.  Hiring decisions will be made by
the end of March. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. 

For more information please contact Eryn Schneider
(eryn.schnei...@umontana.edu) or David Wright (david.wri...@umontana.edu )

[ECOLOG-L] Amazonian Peru Internships

[Chris Kirkby]

Dear Ecologers

Fauna Forever, a non-profit organization working in the rainforests of 
the Peruvian Amazon, is looking for field research interns and 
volunteers to assist its international team of conservation biologists, 
photographers, geographers, and educators with numerous wildlife 
research and community development projects. 

At present we are particularly keen on identifying student interns who 
would like to take on the challenge of answering one or more of the 
research questions and themes summarized below, during periods of 
between 1-4 months (including periods in the summer). Successful intern 
applicants will need to cover their in-country costs associated with 
food, accommodation and local transport. Expert training and supervision 
of projects is provided by our team, and we encourage data to be 
published in peer-reviewed journals. A knowledge of Spanish is not 
required, as all staff speak English. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to 
detail, and working well as part of a diverse, international team, is a 
must!

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
MAMMALS
• How and why does the relative abundance of rodents (like agoutis and 
squirrels) vary within and between forest sites in Amazonian Peru, based 
on seed removal experiments?
• To what extent does primate group and home-range size vary with fruit 
resource composition and availability in Amazonian Peru?
• What are the effects of forest structure and fruit resource 
availability on primate abundance, group structure, and behavior?
• How does ecotourism, Brazil nut extraction, timber extraction, and/or 
bush-meat hunting affect the diversity, abundance and activity patterns 
of mammal species in Amazonian Peru?
• How habituated to the presence of humans are mammal species at 
increasing distances from ecotourist lodges, research stations, and 
local communities in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the geophagy (clay-eating) activity patterns in rainforest 
mammals vary from place to place in Amazonian Peru, based on camera-trap 
methods and direct observations?

BIRDS
• How do the characteristics (species composition, abundance, home-range 
size) of mixed-species bird flocks differ between forest types in 
Amazonian Peru?
• How does the abundance of oropendola, cacique, macaw, parrot and other 
flocking bird species differ as the distance from human settlements 
increases in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the diversity and abundance of nocturnal raptors (family 
Strigidae), based on transect and call-count station sampling methods, 
differ between sites in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the flower-visitation rate of hummingbirds vary between 
flowering plant and bird species, and between forest types (areas of 
differing forest structure and floristics) in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the density of pigeon and trogon nests vary within and 
between forest types, and the factors affecting nest density, based on 
unbounded line-transect techniques? 
• How does the species and colony size of army ants (e.g. Eciton sp.) 
affect the community of insectivorous birds that follow army ant swarms? 
• How does the ecology of Silver-beaked tanagers differ between lowland 
and highland rainforest, and between intact and impacted forest areas 
(requires a minimum 2-month stay, as research will be undertaken both in 
Tambopata [Madre de Dios] and in Quellomayo [Cusco]);

HERPETOFAUNA (amphibians and reptiles)
• How does the abundance of Dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus sp.) very between 
forest streams and what stream characteristics help explain any 
difference observed?
• How and why does the mean size and weight of amphibian and reptile 
species differ within and between sites in Amazonian Peru?
• How does forest structure and light gap characteristics affect the 
diversity, abundance and behavior of lizards in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the size and position of temporary ponds made from natural 
and artificial materials affect the amphibian species that use them?
• What is the herpetological conservation value of Brazil-nut midden 
piles in Amazonian Peru?

INVERTEBRATES
• Is there a relationship between dung-beetle biomass and mammal or bird 
biomass in Amazonian Peru?
• How abundant are phoretic mites on dung-beetles in Amazonian Peru, and 
what factors affect this abundance?
• What is the “perfect” bait mixture for attracting the most diverse 
assemblage of butterflies to Van Someron-Rydon-type live traps in 
Amazonian Peru?
• How diverse is the insect community (with an emphasis on a particular 
Order, like beetles) that inhabits Guadua bamboo thickets as compared 
with neighboring forest types (without bamboo) in Amazonian Peru?
• How does the community of microscopic animals and plants found in 
temporary water bodies (such as those found in bromeliads, tree trunks, 
the holes left by fallen trees) vary across sites in Amazonian Peru?

BOTANY AND CARBON
• How does the fertility of seeds and growth rate of seedlings from key-
stone tree species differ between forest types and dista

[ECOLOG-L] REU position on vector-borne disease modeling at Stanford

[Erin Mordecai]

The Mordecai lab at Stanford University is recruiting a motivated
undergraduate for a summer research internship on the ecology of
vector-borne disease through the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates
(REU) program. The REU project will be part of a larger NSF Ecology and
Evolution of Infectious Diseases project to model effects of climate, land
use, and socioeconomic conditions on vector-borne disease transmission. The
project explores a range of diseases, including malaria, dengue,
chikungunya, Zika, Rift Valley fever, bluetongue, and others. More about
the larger project can be found on NSF’s website:
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=137712
http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1518681&HistoricalAwards=false

The REU student will develop an independent research project that can
combine mathematical modeling with analysis of existing empirical data
collected from the field and extracted from the literature. For example,
the student could develop a mechanistic temperature-sensitive transmission
model for Rift Valley fever, use statistical models to address
environmental drivers of mosquito abundance and human chikungunya cases in
the field, or develop new mathematical models for predicting disease
outbreaks of Zika virus.

The position will be based at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
The student will have the opportunity to interact with other undergraduate,
graduate, and postdoctoral researchers in the Mordecai lab, at Stanford,
and beyond.

Start and end dates are flexible. The position runs for 13 weeks with a
stipend of $7500.

The ideal candidate will have a career interest in ecology, disease
ecology, epidemiology, or public health research. A background in ecology,
infectious disease biology, and mathematical modeling or quantitative
methods is desired but not required.

Applicants should send a CV, unofficial transcript, contact information for
two references, and a one page statement about research interests,
experience, and career goals to Erin Mordecai: emord...@stanford.edu.
Please include “REU position” in the subject line. Review of applications
will begin on March 14 and continue until the position is filled.

[ECOLOG-L] Conference, March 21st: Embedding Citizen Science into Wildlife Conservation Management

[Gitte Kragh (i7205585)]

Hello All,

Apologies for cross-postings. Please distribute in your networks, thanks!


We would like to invite you to this one-day conference on


Embedding Citizen Science into Wildlife Conservation Management


Bournemouth University, Monday 21st March 2016, 9.00-16.30


To view the full programme and book, please go to Eventbrite 
booking  or http://bit.ly/citsci_in_mngt

or see the attached programme.



This one-day conference is organized by the National Trust and Bournemouth 
University and will consist of talks and associated workshops and posters 
presented by a range of organisations including Amphibian & Reptile 
Conservation (ARC), Bournemouth University (BU), Centre for Ecology & Hydrology 
(CEH), Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), Footprint Ecology (FE), Field Studies 
Council (FSC), National Trust (NT) and Natural England (NE).


The following four key steps to enabling Citizen Science to impact positively 
on wildlife conservation management will be explored by presenters and 
participants:

1)  Engaging and recruiting motivated volunteers

2)  Effective skills training

3)  Appropriate data recording and management method
4)  Linking data collection with conservation management planning


The National Trust's Cyril Diver project will be presented as a case study as 
well as a range of other citizen science projects led by public and 
voluntary-sector organisations.

This conference is geared to conservation practitioners and other stakeholders 
in citizen science and is particularly relevant to public and voluntary-sector 
organisations involved in (a) harnessing the skills and time of volunteer 
naturalists in the surveillance and monitoring of biodiversity and (b) 
site-based nature conservation management.


There is a £20 fee to cover conference organisation costs. A buffet lunch and 
tea/coffee breaks are included in this cost.


To view the full programme and book, please go to Eventbrite 
booking  or http://bit.ly/citsci_in_mngt


We hope to see you there!


David Brown, National Trust, and Anita Diaz, Bournemouth University



Best wishes,

Gitte



Gitte Kragh
PhD Candidate

Department of Life & Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
Bournemouth University
Christchurch House, C232, Talbot Campus
Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB
Tel: +44 (0) 7922 876848

British Ecological Society Citizen Science SIG: 
https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=7440480