Host Organisation: Field Projects International Course Dates: June 3-16, 2018 Location: Madre de Dios, Peru Application Deadline: May 1, 2018 Course Link:http://bit.ly/2oBVqei
Course Description: The goals of this course are two-fold. First, participants will receive advanced training in insect diversity, form, and function, as well as field techniques that facilitate entomological research and conservation in the tropics, covering groups ranging from butterflies to beetles, bees, and aquatic insects, among others. Second, students will be introduced to an astonishing array of terrestrial and aquatic habitats that shelter a greater diversity of plant and animal species than anywhere else on the planet. Above all, participants learn by doing: we will spend most of our time studying actual insects in the field, from the tops of towering tropical trees to the bottom of oxbow lakes. Our field activities will be supplemented by selected readings from the primary literature covering topics on theoretical and applied tropical biology and entomology, as well as conservation in the Andes and Amazon regions. Participants will also gain exposure to cutting-edge research in other tropical biology fields at two of the most active biological research stations in the Neotropics. This course will be held at Finca Las Piedras Field Station, operated by the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon. Located in the floodplain of the Las Piedras River, this site runs programs on primate demography, plant phenology and biological inventories of the community on site. Later, we will travel to the Los Amigos Biological Station, also known by its Spanish acronym EBLA (Estación Biológico Río Los Amigos), which is run by the Amazon Conservation Association. Situated between the Madre de Dios and Los Amigos Rivers on terra firme forest rising above the floodplain, this field station was established in 2000 and boasts incredible biodiversity that includes 11 primate species and 595 species of birds. Course Highlights: -Study insect diversity and biology in the world’s greatest rainforest -Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Amazon -Learn how to conduct field research in the tropics -Interact with biologists and other students from around the world -Learn about the processes that generate tropical biodiversity -Climb an emergent rainforest tree and explore the ‘last biological frontier’ -Observe more species of plants and animals than anywhere else on earth Course Topics: -Field Ethics, Safety Precautions, Rules, and Useful Tips -South American Ecosystems -The Los Amigos Conservation Concession -Forest Navigation -Working With A Trail System -Understanding Primary Scientific Literature -Neotropical Insect Diversity -Insect Ecology and Natural History -Field Techniques in Tropical Entomology -Fail-proof tree climbing. -Proper maintenance of a field notebook. -Upkeep of detailed and accurate wildlife sightings lists. Faculty Geoff Gallice finished his undergraduate degree in 2006 then immediately began working as a resident naturalist at the University of Georgia’s campus in San Luis, Costa Rica. In 2014 he received his doctorate from the University of Florida, after spending a year in the Madre de Dios region of Peru to produce his thesis on Neotropical clearwing butterflies. Since this time he has become increasingly engaged in not just entomological research, but also applied conservation in the Peruvian Amazon. He is currently president of the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon and lives permanently in Peru. Eligibility: -You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the course. -You must have medical insurance, and provide proof of such insurance to us to complete your reservation. -We have no citizenship requirements. Anyone is welcome to apply. You must obtain visas independently if necessary. -You do not need any training in biology – our course is structured to accommodate people from a variety of backgrounds. -Courses have a maximum capacity of 12 participants. Program Costs: The fee for this course is $2500 and includes the following: -Food and lodging for the entire course. -Round-trip travel to EBLA and Finca Las Piedras from Puerto Maldonado. -Experienced instructors and field equipment. This course fee does NOT include: -Air travel to and from Puerto Maldonado, Peru. -Travel or health insurance (proof of health insurance is required for course attendance). -Rubber boots, binoculars, flashlight and insect repellent (all of which are required to take this course). Peer-to-Peer Course Fundraising Support: https://fieldprojects.org/participate/peer-to-peer/ Scholarship (deadline March 15, 2018): https://fieldprojects.org/participate/courses-2/scholarships/ Course Dates: June 3-16, 2018 Application Deadline: May 1, 2017 Course Link:https://fieldprojects.org/course/entomology/
