Human dimensions of Whooping Crane conservation in North Alabama M.S. Research Assistantship School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University
The Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) is a federally endangered bird that was nearly extirpated in the first half of the 20th century due to unregulated hunting and loss of habitat. The Whooping Crane population was reduced to approximately 21 individuals by the early 1940s, but through active intervention over the last 75 years the species has rebounded to approximately 600 individuals. As part of the species recovery there have been several attempts to re-establish new populations in several locations across the US. In particular, 34 of the 95 Whooping Cranes in the eastern migratory population spent part of the winter of 2014-15 in northern Alabama. Successful species recovery often requires public support, particularly in the case of far-ranging and migratory species that are unlikely to remain on public lands, but are likely to come in contact with humans. Resolving many human-wildlife conflicts rests at least as much with managing human behavior as managing wildlife. As a result, social science approaches can facilitate effective management by providing information on public values, beliefs, attitudes, awareness, affective/emotional perceptions, social norms, and importantly, through understanding human behavior related to potential conflicts. In the case of Whooping Cranes, this sociological information can help to mitigate human-crane conflicts, predict public response to management initiatives, and inform outreach programs and lead to improved management decisions. One M.S. assistantship is available to conduct research on human dimensions of Whooping Crane conservation in Alabama under the guidance of Dr. Wayde Morse and Dr. Christopher Lepczyk. Applicants should possess B.A./B.S. in Human Dimensions of Wildlife, Conservation Social Sciences, Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources Management or related social science or natural resources field. Additionally, work or research experience with migratory birds, and/or experience with a wildlife or natural resource agency is preferred. Undergraduate research experience is also preferred. Applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and a strong independent work ethic. Peer reviewed publications are expected as a product of this research. A stipend is available and pays $16,540. The full start date will begin August 2015, however, it may begin this summer depending on student availability. A tuition waiver accompanies this assistantship. Details for application to the graduate school are available at: http://www.grad.auburn.edu/ Review of applications will begin on June 8th and review will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send: a 1 page cover letter (outlining their qualifications for the project and how this specific social science position will further their career goals), resume/CV, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, earliest available date, and 2 reference contacts to: [email protected] Additional information may be obtained by contacting Dr. Wayde Morse at: (334)-844-8086 or [email protected] Auburn University is an equal opportunity employer/educational institution.
