I’m seeking enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college graduates who are interested in a field research on the European Otter (Lutra lutra) in Portugal.
The overall objective of my research program is to study the behavioural ecology of the otters. More in detail, I’m trying to understand the relationships between the use of space of this species and the availability and dispersion of the resources, namely freshwater and food. This could be of particular interest in an ecosystem, like the Portuguese one, which is strongly influenced by summer droughts and heavily altered by humans (by creating many reservoirs). I’m carrying out a PhD of the University of Rome (Italy) with Prof Luigi Boitani (http://dipbau.bio.uniroma1.it/web/Docenti/Docente364/index.htm) as advisor, and I’m collaborating with the Prof Antόnio Mira, the head of the Conservation Biology Unit of the University of Évora (http://www.ubc.uevora.pt/). The field work started at the end of June 2007, at present we caught 15 otters (including escapes and recaptures), marked and followed 7 of them (of which 2 died), and many others will be hopefully caught and followed soon. Successful applicants will assist with fieldwork (consisting of trapping sessions, radiotracking, prey sampling and collection of environmental data) in our Study Area (Alentejo, South of Portugal), and with data entry. In addition, successful applicants could develop their own individual research projects on a topic related to the program and their own interests, with the opportunity to carry out their Final Degree/Master Thesis, and, if particularly motivated, to be involved in the publications. The position is unpaied. This means that successful applicants should provide by theirself for the logistic (accommodations and living expenses), with the only luck that here the cost of life it is not prohibitive. Strong motivation to work in extreme environmental conditions, during both nights (mainly) and days; English/Italian/Portuguese speaking skills and a valid European Driver’s license are required. Class background in animal ecology, zoology, statistics, and experience in radiotelemetry techniques would be an advantage. Competent, enthusiastic, and emotionally mature people desired! Students could apply starting from now and until July 2009, starting to work as soon as they could or as will be planned together with me. For more information, contact Lorenzo Quaglietta (PhD student): [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lorenzo Quaglietta ------------------------------------------------ Lorenzo Quaglietta PhD student Department of Animal and Human Biology University of Rome La Sapienza Viale dell'Università, 32 00185, Roma, Italy (0039) 06-49914763 phone (0039) 06-49914763 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] Posta, news, sport, oroscopo: tutto in una sola pagina. Crea l'home page che piace a te! www.yahoo.it/latuapagina
