[ECOLOG-L] Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth
I am excited to let you know about the publication of: Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth http://www.amazon.com/dp/1907962522/ref=nosim?tag=cranmorpublic-20 http://www.cranmorepublications.co.uk/73 Here is the amazon info: From the Author At the start of Chapter Two I quote an all too familiar view: The lesson we need to learn urgently is this: we cannot do without the rest of the planet's biodiversity, but it can do very well without us. My objective in this book is to make it clear why this contemporarily fashionable view is completely and utterly wrong. This view has been forwarded and propagated by a wide range of intellectuals, academics and environmentalists. I hope that through this book, and the rest of my writings, that these people will come to see where they have gone wrong. Some components of the view that I forward in the book are open to debate. However, that the human species is the saviour of life, rather than the destroyer which the rest of life on Earth can do very well without, is so obvious that it shouldn't be one of these debatable components. Book Description Publication Date: March 15, 2012 There are many ways in which humans can conceptualise the relationship between their species and their surroundings; these 'surroundings' can be taken to be the rest of the life-forms which exist on the Earth, or everything non-human that exists in the universe. In this book I focus on various possible relationships between the human species and the rest of the life-forms that exist (and those that have existed, and those that will exist in the future) on the Earth. Is there no deeply significant and meaningful relationship? Or, is the human species superior in some way? Or, is the human species inferior in some way? If you are familiar with my previous work you will be aware that I am particularly interested in how the relationship we are exploring relates to the 'environmental crisis'. I have suggested that the human species is superior in some way, and that the environmental crisis/human-induced global warming are positive events which indicate that the human species is fulfilling its role as saviour of life on Earth. I take this book to be a valuable addition to my previous writings. In it I consider at length the opposing view that the human species is an 'inferior destroyer' of the rest of life on Earth. I also outline the whole range of ways in which it is obvious that technology is in the interests of life on Earth. I also develop the view that the universe is a 'feeling universe' whose movements/evolution is directed by all parts of the universe seeking to move to higher states of feeling; and I explore how this plays out in the day-to-day lives of individual humans as they seek to live more happy and fulfilling lives. Furthermore, I describe how we live in an epoch which can best be described as a 'birthing process'; life on Earth is bringing forth the technological armour which will ensure its future survival. This is a birthing process, which like almost all births, entails a lot of pain and suffering. I suggest that this process will come to an end when the temperature of the atmosphere is being successfully technologically regulated. Finally, I outline the serious environmental problems that we face on the surface of the Earth and urge that we take both technological and non-technological actions to address these problems. If we can successfully do this then we can forge a sustainable and harmonious future for all life on Earth. There are both paperback and ebook/kindle versions available. Dr NPC http://neilpaulcummins.blogspot.co.uk/
[ECOLOG-L] New Vertebrate Field Manual available
Announcing “Field and Laboratory Techniques in Vertebrate Biology” a new text for field courses in Vertebrate Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology. With over 50 exercises for students in 9 chapters, this manual will introduce students to many of the modern field techniques used by today’s biologists. Pick up your copy today at Lulu.comhttp://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ryan/field-and-laboratory-techniques-in-vertebrate-biology/paperback/product-18944438.html for only $35.00. This manual is distributed solely through Lulu.com, a print-on-demand service. When a student or bookstore orders a copy on line at Lulu.comhttp://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ryan/field-and-laboratory-techniques-in-vertebrate-biology/paperback/product-18944438.html, the book is printed and shipped. This keeps costs down for students. A pdf brochure is attached and a detailed list of the exercises is provided below. Please consider adopting this manual for your course or pass along a brochure to other faculty who may teach appropriate course. Table of Contents Introduction .1 Chapter1 Monitoring Fish Populations .11 Collecting Fish in Wadeable Streams Measuring, Aging, and Sexing Fish Identifying Fish Using a Dichotomous Key Voucher Specimens and Preservation Techniques Stream Channel Assessment Measuring Stream Discharge Stream Habitat Assessment Water Chemistry Characteristics Relative Abundance and Catch per Unit Effort (CPE) Length-Weight and Condition Relationships Species Diversity and Community Similarity Chapter 2 Monitoring Herptofauna 45 Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) Amphibian Auditory Surveys Artificial Cover Surveys Terrestrial Drift Fences and Pitfall Traps Aquatic Surveys - Dip-netting and Kick Sampling Basking Surveys and Funnel Trapping Species Diversity Using EstimateS Using PRESENCE to Estimate Occupancy Analysis of Frog Call Data Chapter 3 Monitoring Bird Populations 77 Timed Point Counts Strip Transects Sampling Habitat Structure Territory Mapping and Nest Densities Mist Netting Audio Recording and Playback Avian Diversity and Habitat Trends Estimating Density from Transect Data Using the Breeding Bird Database Chapter 4 Monitoring Mammal Populations .107 Using Track Plates for Small Carnivores Live-Trapping Small Mammals Camera Trapping Hair Trapping Surveys Analyzing Grid Trapping Data Analyzing Camera Trap Data Using CAPTURE for Camera Trap Data Analyzing Mammalian Hairs Quantifying Hair Structure Using ImageJ Software Extracting DNA from Hair Samples Chapter 5 Mark-Recapture Studies 147 Single Mark-Recapture (Lincoln-Petersen Method) The Schnabel Method The Jolly-Seber Model Using Excel Chapter 6 Mark-Recapture Using CAPTURE and JOLLY Software.167 Using the Program CAPTURE Tigers in India Using the Program JOLLY Chapter 7 GPS Tracking Using Google Earth Movebank ..183 Tracking Grizzlys with Google Earth and GPSVisualizer Exploring Movebank GPS Data Chapter 8 Recording and Analyzing Animal Sounds ...197 Field Recording Sound Analysis Using AUDACITY Playback Experiments Using Alarm Calls Chapter 9 Quantifying Animal Behavior ..213 Building an Ethogram Sampling Behaviors Creating a Time Budget Creating a Transition Diagram Creating a Dominance Hierarchy Dominance Hierarchy Analysis Instructor Resources ...227
[ECOLOG-L] Natural history workshops at the UWM Field Station
Please share this announcement with others who may be interested. 2012 NATURAL HISTORY WORKSHOPS at the UWM FIELD STATION The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station conducts a series of Natural History Workshops. These workshops offer an opportunity to study focused topics at college-level instruction under the guidance of noted authorities. We offer two-day and week-long workshops, and housing and meals are available at the Station. Enrollment is limited to 20, the atmosphere is informal and instruction is individualized. Workshops may be taken for graduate or undergraduate credit by enrolling in UWM, Topics in Field Biology. Fees vary. Please contact the Field Station for more information and a registration form, or visit our website at http://www4.uwm.edu/fieldstation/workshops/ for full descriptions of each course, fee information, and a downloadable Registration Form. The 2012 summer workshop schedule includes eight courses: Field Herpetology: Identification of Wisconsin Amphibians and Reptiles Instructor: Dr. Josh Kapfer June 1 2 (Friday Saturday). June 3 (Sunday) is optional Sedges: Identification and Ecology Instructor: Dr. Anton Reznicek June 15 16 (Friday Saturday) Vegetation of Wisconsin Instructors: Dr. James Reinartz and Marc White June 18 - 23 (Monday - Saturday) Methods for Description of Vegetation Instructor: Dr. James Reinartz July 16 - 21 (Monday - Saturday) Introduction to Insects Instructors: Dr. Gretchen Meyer and Robert Clare July 27 28 (Friday Saturday) Native Mussels of Wisconsin, an Amazing Resource Instructor: Lisie Kitchel August 10 11 (Friday Saturday) Spiders: Identification Ecology Instructor: Dr. Michael Draney Aug. 24 25 (Friday Saturday) Techniques in Mammal Censusing Instructor: Dr. Christopher Yahnke Sept. 15 16 (Saturday Sunday) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station 3095 Blue Goose Rd. Saukville, WI 53080 Phone: 262 675-6844 Fax: 262 675-0337 Website: www.Fieldstation.uwm.edu Email: field...@uwm.edu
Re: [ECOLOG-L] climate change video advice
You can try the Climate Literacy Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) at cleanet.org. The site has hundreds of educational resources for middle school, high school, and undergraduate students that are both scientifically sound and pedagogically effective. Several of the resources are videos (see http://www.cleanet.org/clean/educational_resources/index.html?q1=sercvocabs__180%3A5). Javier Monzón Dept. of Ecology and Evolution Stony Brook University 650 Life Sciences Building Stony Brook, NY 11794-5245 jmon...@life.bio.sunysb.edu http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/~jmonzon From: Jenn Adams Krumins Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 9:02 AM To: ECOLOG-L@listserv.umd.edu Subject: [ECOLOG-L] climate change video advice Hello All, I teach a sophomore level general ecology course. I need to show a climate change video, and I am having a hard time finding one that is a clear presentation of scientific/ecological principles. I do not want the video to cover broad environmental issues and advocacy - just the science of climate change. Any suggestions?? thanks for any and all help! Jennifer Krumins
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth
How can you claim that the idea that we cannot do without the rest of the planet's biodiversity, but it can do very well without us, is completely and utterly wrong, given that life did just fine for 4 billion years without us? I suggest that is a powerful and irrefutable empirical rejection of your claim. Later, Dave On 3/26/2012 9:32 AM, Neil Cummins wrote: I am excited to let you know about the publication of: Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth http://www.amazon.com/dp/1907962522/ref=nosim?tag=cranmorpublic-20 http://www.cranmorepublications.co.uk/73 Here is the amazon info: From the Author At the start of Chapter Two I quote an all too familiar view: The lesson we need to learn urgently is this: we cannot do without the rest of the planet's biodiversity, but it can do very well without us. My objective in this book is to make it clear why this contemporarily fashionable view is completely and utterly wrong. This view has been forwarded and propagated by a wide range of intellectuals, academics and environmentalists. I hope that through this book, and the rest of my writings, that these people will come to see where they have gone wrong. Some components of the view that I forward in the book are open to debate. However, that the human species is the saviour of life, rather than the destroyer which the rest of life on Earth can do very well without, is so obvious that it shouldn't be one of these debatable components. Book Description Publication Date: March 15, 2012 There are many ways in which humans can conceptualise the relationship between their species and their surroundings; these 'surroundings' can be taken to be the rest of the life-forms which exist on the Earth, or everything non-human that exists in the universe. In this book I focus on various possible relationships between the human species and the rest of the life-forms that exist (and those that have existed, and those that will exist in the future) on the Earth. Is there no deeply significant and meaningful relationship? Or, is the human species superior in some way? Or, is the human species inferior in some way? If you are familiar with my previous work you will be aware that I am particularly interested in how the relationship we are exploring relates to the 'environmental crisis'. I have suggested that the human species is superior in some way, and that the environmental crisis/human-induced global warming are positive events which indicate that the human species is fulfilling its role as saviour of life on Earth. I take this book to be a valuable addition to my previous writings. In it I consider at length the opposing view that the human species is an 'inferior destroyer' of the rest of life on Earth. I also outline the whole range of ways in which it is obvious that technology is in the interests of life on Earth. I also develop the view that the universe is a 'feeling universe' whose movements/evolution is directed by all parts of the universe seeking to move to higher states of feeling; and I explore how this plays out in the day-to-day lives of individual humans as they seek to live more happy and fulfilling lives. Furthermore, I describe how we live in an epoch which can best be described as a 'birthing process'; life on Earth is bringing forth the technological armour which will ensure its future survival. This is a birthing process, which like almost all births, entails a lot of pain and suffering. I suggest that this process will come to an end when the temperature of the atmosphere is being successfully technologically regulated. Finally, I outline the serious environmental problems that we face on the surface of the Earth and urge that we take both technological and non-technological actions to address these problems. If we can successfully do this then we can forge a sustainable and harmonious future for all life on Earth. There are both paperback and ebook/kindle versions available. Dr NPC http://neilpaulcummins.blogspot.co.uk/ -- -- David M. Lawrence| Home: (804) 559-9786 7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: d...@fuzzo.com USA | http: http://fuzzo.com -- All drains lead to the ocean. -- Gill, Finding Nemo We have met the enemy and he is us. -- Pogo No trespassing 4/17 of a haiku -- Richard Brautigan
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doc in microbial ecology
Post-doctoral Research Associate position is available in Rhizosphere Microbial Ecology/Microbiomics at Virginia Polytechnic and State University. The post-doc will study the microbial community associated with the plant root-zone using genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic tools. PhDs with expertise in microbial molecular methods (e.g. PCR, stable isotope probing, pyrosequencing, cloning, metagenomics) and analysis are strongly encouraged to apply. Possibilities exist for training at Virginia Tech and other locations. Salaries and research support are competitive. The 1-year project will come with up to two years of additional support upon satisfactory completion of 1 year of research. Salary will range from $36,000 to $46,000/year (plus benefits) depending upon the experience and qualifications of the researcher. Applications received by May 1, 2012 will be guaranteed full consideration, with a starting date in Summer or Spring 2012. The position is open to candidates with a background in plant molecular sciences, microbiology, ecology, agronomy, soil science, horticulture or experience in a related field. Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, VA (non-student population 50,000), a beautiful and growing progressive city nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains. Send a copy of C.V. and a one-page summary of interests to Dr. Mark Williams (markw...@vt.edu). C.V. should include contact information for 3 research related references.
[ECOLOG-L] spring wildflowers visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds?
http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html reports that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have already arrived in Canada this month (3 weeks earlier than last year). What wildflowers do they usually visit during their spring migration, and are they already in bloom? David Inouye
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteers needed: Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South Africa
3 volunteers needed from July / August to November / December 2012 as field assistants for the project: Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South Africa Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more experience in field work relating to evolution, ecology and behavior before starting an MsC or PhD project. Project: We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal nesting and social flexibility in the striped mouse. One focus this year is on personality traits of striped mice. As this species is diurnal and the habitat is open, direct behavioral observations in the field are possible. What kind of people are needed? Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as the study species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops its activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. Applicants must be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter, sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be prepared to live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to be part of a small social group. Work of field assistants: Trapping, marking and radio-tracking of striped mice; direct behavioral observations in the field. Volunteers will participate in a project on personality traits of striped mice, doing behavioral tests at the research station and in the field. Volunteers are also expected to help with maintenance of the research station (water pump, solar power, etc.). Confirmation letter: Students get a letter of confirmation about their work and can prepare a report of their own small project to get credit points from their university for their bachelor or masters studies. Costs: Students have to arrange their transport to the field site themselves. Per month, an amount of Rand 1250 (around 180 US$, 120 Euro) must be paid for accommodation at the research station. Students must buy their own food etc in Springbok (costs of about R 2500, approx. 360 US$ or 250 Euro/month). Including extras (going out for dinner; shopping), you should expect costs of about 600 US$, 450 Euros per month. Students get an invitation letter which they can use to apply for funding in their home country (eg. DAAD in Germany, SSJARP in Switzerland). Place: The field site is in the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok in the North-West of South Africa. The vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo, which has been recognized as one of 25 hotspots of biodiversity. It is a desert to semi-desert with rain mainly in winter (June to September). When and how long: At the moment we are looking for 2-3 volunteers starting in July / August 2012. Volunteers are expected to stay at least three months, but longer periods of up to 6months are preferred. How to apply? Send a short motivation letter stating why and for which period you are interested and your CV via email to mailto:carsten.schra...@ieu.uzh.chcarsten.schra...@ieu.uzh.ch. More information under http://stripedmouse.com/site1_3_5.htmhttp://stripedmouse.com/site1_3_5.htm http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/research/behaviour/endocrinology.html Contact via e-mail: mailto:carsten.schra...@ieu.uzh.chcarsten.schra...@ieu.uzh.ch Dr. Carsten Schradin Research Assistant, Department of Animal Behavior, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Tel: +41 - (0)44 635 5486 Honorary Researcher at the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Working as a field assistant in Goegap Nature Reserve A report by Romy Höppli, student at the University of Zurich, who staid in Goegap June to August 2008 Blue skies without a single cloud for six weeks rocky mountains with little vegetation yellow, orange and pink fields of flowers in whatever direction you look small mammals, lizards and birds in our front yard and Mountain Zebras, Springbok and Ostrich right next door... This was my time at the Succulent Karoo Research Station in Goegap Nature Reserve in South Africa! During six weeks from the beginning of July until the middle of August I've been living here, studying mice, experiencing nature like never before and being part of a small community where there was always something to laugh and joke about! After arriving in Goegap, right the next morning my scientific adventure in South Africa began: Setting and checking traps, nest observations and radio-tracking were our daily routine. While I got bitten by the mice quite often in the beginning and my right middle finger was scarred all over, I improved quickly shaking the mice out of the
Re: [ECOLOG-L] spring wildflowers visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds?
Hi David, I wonder what they are eating way up in Canada already. High bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) (yes, white flowers) and pinxter flower or pinxter azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides, syn: R. nudiflorum) are some attractions and they are not flowering yet in southern New England. Scott Scott Ruhren, Ph.D Senior Director of Conservation Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI 02917 Tel: 401-949-5454 ext. 3004 Fax: 401-949-5788 sruh...@asri.org Connecting People With Nature Stay informed all month long with eWing, Audubon's monthly e-newsletter. Follow us online: www.asri.org ~ Twitter ~ Facebook Consider supporting Audubon by making a donation today! -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of David Inouye Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 1:23 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] spring wildflowers visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds? http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html reports that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have already arrived in Canada this month (3 weeks earlier than last year). What wildflowers do they usually visit during their spring migration, and are they already in bloom? David Inouye
Re: [ECOLOG-L] spring wildflowers visited by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds?
DAVID . . . My guess is that this may be one of those years when sapsucker wells--those horizontal, sap-oozing holes made by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers--may be of more importance than usual in the northern part of the ruby-throat's range. (See images at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek060515.html ) Hummers may also take small amounts of sap from tree buds that likely will be bursting early. I suspect warm weather that allows hummers to be further north than usual also will cause earlier-than-normal emergence of insects that will provide needed fats and proteins. The big question may be what will happen if there is a sudden cold snap now that ruby-throats are so far north. Will adults survive? Will early nesters lose the first clutch or eggs--or even a first brood? We'll have to wait and see, i guess. :-) Cheers, BILL === On Mar 26, 2012, at 1:23 PM, David Inouye wrote: http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html reports that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have already arrived in Canada this month (3 weeks earlier than last year). What wildflowers do they usually visit during their spring migration, and are they already in bloom? David Inouye = RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA office cell (803) 684-5852 fax (803) 684-0255 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project at http://www.rubythroat.org ==
[ECOLOG-L] designing for migration routes
Hi, I have a grad student in China at the moment looking at ways of designing wildlife corridors through a national park. She has now realized she needs to find some way of designing migration corridors based upon the steep topography in the park. Does anyone have some good sources of information that relate migration corridors with topography? Many thanks. Andy Cole -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu 814.865.5735
Re: [ECOLOG-L] designing for migration routes
There is much excellent literature on corridor design for various taxa. Good places to start might be Machtans, C.S., M. Villard and S.J. Hannon. 1996. Use of riparian buffer strips as movement corridors by forest birds. Conservation Biology 10: 1366-1379. Naiman, R.J. and K.H. Rogers. 1997. Large animals and system-level characteristics in river corridors: Implications for river management. Bioscience 47: 521-529. Taylor, P.D., L. Fahrig, K. Henein and G. Merriam. 1993. Connectivity is a vital element of landscape structure. Oikos 68: 571-573. Good luck, Michael Cooperman -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Charles Andrew Cole Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 2:33 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] designing for migration routes Hi, I have a grad student in China at the moment looking at ways of designing wildlife corridors through a national park. She has now realized she needs to find some way of designing migration corridors based upon the steep topography in the park. Does anyone have some good sources of information that relate migration corridors with topography? Many thanks. Andy Cole -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] PetriDish - Are there estrogens in your backyard?
Hi all, My lab mate, Geoff Giller, and myself are studying the effects of suburbia on endocrine disrupting pollutants in water and how these pollutants are affecting several frog species. We have a video up on the new science crowd-funding site, PetriDish.org. The video and page are on this link http://www.petridish.org/projects/estrogens-in-your-backyard-the-chemical-ecology-of-suburbia We would be very grateful of anyone who could pass this along to other interested parties! I would also be happy to answer any questions about our work if anyone has any. I'm hoping the EcoLog community can help us extend our reach a bit more. Thanks for your help! -Max -- Max Lambert MESc Student School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University Fellow, Hixon Center for Urban Ecology 2012-2013 619-990-7242 http://environment.yale.edu/skelly/max.html https://environment.yale.edu/sigs/rana/
[ECOLOG-L] SERDP Student Travel Awards to 2012 ESA Annual Meeting - Deadline May 1
Application Deadline: May 1, 2012. The Ecological Society of America (ESA) announces the availability of ten (10) travel awards of $500 each to students presenting papers at ESA's 2012 Annual Meeting in Portland, OR. These awards are sponsored by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). SERDP is the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) environmental science and technology program, executed in partnership with DOE and EPA. SERDP invests in basic and applied research, and exploratory development. Students with abstracts accepted in one of four areas are eligible to apply: 1. Ecological Systems Ecology and Management 2. Living Marine Resources Ecology and Management 3. Watershed Processes and Management 4. Species Ecology and Management ELIGIBILITY Please note that students whose research or research assistantship position is currently or has been funded by DOD SERDP in whole or in part are not eligible for this award. Students whose research involves ecological systems or species that are relevant to a DoD natural resource management concern have preference, though the research does not need to have been conducted on a DoD installation. Please visit http://www.esa.org/education_diversity/serdp_awards.php for full details and FAQs on eligibility and required documents. Teresa Mourad Director, Education and Diversity Programs Ecological Society of America
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth
Thanks for this. We seem to agree on quite a lot. However, I seek to persuade people in my books that the extinction of the human species would ultimately lead to the extinction of all life on Earth, rather than a new era of evolution (although my view is compatible with a very short new era followed by total extinction). I should point out that my claim that the human species is the pinacle of the evolutionary progression of life on Earth has to do with its position in the evolutionary process rather than to do with unique characteristics. All species have unique characteristics and there might be species of non-human Earthly life which are more intelligent than humans. Best Neil http://neilpaulcummins.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.cranmorepublications.co.uk/73 On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 7:25 PM, Brian West adventurew...@gmail.com wrote: I will respond to both posts, but given that I have not read Mr. Cummings' book. We, as a species, are intricately involved in a series of selective evolutionary events that have culminated to result in the biodiversity that we see today. We, as well as all extant life on planet, stand on the shoulders of millions of species that have come and gone that paved the way for our current biosphere. The planet did do just fine without the presence of Homo sapiens sapiens for the last 3.8 billion years, but now that we are here, we do play an important part in it--for better or worse. Would life go on without us? Of course. But if we went, in theory, so would many species that have coevolved with us. Dave, we are intricately involved in our biosphere and it is intricately involved with us. We are a cog in the machinery of our current biosphere. We are important in the current picture of our biodiversity and biosphere. We are but a still-shot in the whole reel of the film we call life, but our still-shot is still important. We are a keystone species. The loss of Homo sapiens as a species could cause a cascading extinction event. But, Dr. Cummings, we must not make the mistake of near-sightedness in this situation. Life on the planet would be affected by our disappearance, but it would not end by no means, but pave way for a new era in evolution (i.e. The Age of Reptiles paved the way for The Age of Mammals). I reject the notion that we are superior to all other species. We do have unique characteristics that allows for us to stand apart, but so do many other species. For one example in a sea of others, the polyextremophile Deinococcus radiodurans is a biological superman that has many characteristics that make it superior to Homo sapiens. I mention this not to perpetuate the idea of superior or inferior, but to caution in using the words and ideas behind superior or inferior. We are the ones who rank and order and categorize and value, which is to some extent why we treat the planet the way we do. Dr. Cummings, we must move away from the anthrocentric worldview that our forefathers perpetuated, which led to the abuse and destruction of so many aspects of our biosphere.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth
I'm sorry, but you'll have to offer more evidence than you have before I'll plunk down $20 for a book that might just be full of nonsense. Speaking both as a scholar and as a consumer, nothing I've seen here on or on the Amazon site entices me to spend either the money or time on your thesis. To me, 4 billion years of evolution before the hominid line arose speaks rather clearly as to the lack of necessity of our presence, much less our involvement, in the biosphere. And given that relatively few species have coevolved with us, and that our impact on the biosphere as a whole was quite limited until a few thousand years ago, I see little justification for the argument that our continued presence is necessary for the biosphere's health and/or survival. Dave On 3/26/2012 4:52 PM, Neil Cummins wrote: Just because life exists does not mean that it is doing just fine. Life existed in the past. Life exists in the present. Life will exist in the near future. The idea that the planet's bidoversity can do very well without us is a claim that humans have made in the very recent past concerning the NOT near future. It is this claim which I reject. This rejection is in no way refuted by your message below concerning the past. I hope this helps you to understand. If not the book might, much of it is viewable for free on amazon. Best Neil http://neilpaulcummins.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.cranmorepublications.co.uk/73 On Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 5:46 PM, David M. Lawrence d...@fuzzo.com mailto:d...@fuzzo.com wrote: How can you claim that the idea that we cannot do without the rest of the planet's biodiversity, but it can do very well without us, is completely and utterly wrong, given that life did just fine for 4 billion years without us? I suggest that is a powerful and irrefutable empirical rejection of your claim. Later, Dave On 3/26/2012 9:32 AM, Neil Cummins wrote: I am excited to let you know about the publication of: Saviours or Destroyers: The relationship between the human species and the rest of life on Earth http://www.amazon.com/dp/1907962522/ref=nosim?tag=cranmorpublic-20 http://www.cranmorepublications.co.uk/73 Here is the amazon info: From the Author At the start of Chapter Two I quote an all too familiar view: The lesson we need to learn urgently is this: we cannot do without the rest of the planet's biodiversity, but it can do very well without us. My objective in this book is to make it clear why this contemporarily fashionable view is completely and utterly wrong. This view has been forwarded and propagated by a wide range of intellectuals, academics and environmentalists. I hope that through this book, and the rest of my writings, that these people will come to see where they have gone wrong. Some components of the view that I forward in the book are open to debate. However, that the human species is the saviour of life, rather than the destroyer which the rest of life on Earth can do very well without, is so obvious that it shouldn't be one of these debatable components. Book Description Publication Date: March 15, 2012 There are many ways in which humans can conceptualise the relationship between their species and their surroundings; these 'surroundings' can be taken to be the rest of the life-forms which exist on the Earth, or everything non-human that exists in the universe. In this book I focus on various possible relationships between the human species and the rest of the life-forms that exist (and those that have existed, and those that will exist in the future) on the Earth. Is there no deeply significant and meaningful relationship? Or, is the human species superior in some way? Or, is the human species inferior in some way? If you are familiar with my previous work you will be aware that I am particularly interested in how the relationship we are exploring relates to the 'environmental crisis'. I have suggested that the human species is superior in some way, and that the environmental crisis/human-induced global warming are positive events which indicate that the human species is fulfilling its role as saviour of life on Earth. I take this book to be a valuable addition to my previous writings. In it I consider at length the opposing view that the human species is an 'inferior destroyer' of the rest of life on Earth. I also outline the whole range of ways in which it is obvious that
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Conservation, Permaculture Research Internship in Ecuador
A few years ago, a few of us ecology, economics, and business graduates founded a nonprofit organization called Third Millennium Alliance. We raised some money and bought a lot of land in a critically-endangered rainforest and established an ecological reserve. There was a small patch of previously-degraded land right in the middle, where we have built an innovative and surprisingly comfortable research station out of bamboo, by hand. Immediately surrounding the house we are designing/growing/building a living laboratory of sustainable resource management (i.e. permaculture). Our goal is 100% food self-sufficiency within 10 years. So far, were maybe 20% of the way there. Likewise this is a testing ground for appropriate technology, such as off-the-grid renewable energy, water treatment and management, organic pesticide production, etc. We are also in need of various biological research projects and inventories. Priorities for the Summer Internship include: Forest mammal inventory with photo trap cameras (on-going project) GIS mapping of the reserve Contour mapping of our agroforestry production zone Organic pesticide research and development (on-going) Low-tech mushroom propagation system Wild mushroom identification and photo inventory Misc. appropriate technology projects If you would like to learn more, please visit our Internship page on our website, where you can download a PDF file which includes a detailed program description, at: http://www.3malliance.org/index.php?id=320 After reading the PDF file, if you would like to apply, send an email to the address listed in the program description. We hope you work with you! Sincerely, Bryan Criswell, Isabel Dávila, Jerry Toth Directors, Jama-Coaque Reserve Third Millennium Alliance Jama, Ecuador www.3malliance.org
[ECOLOG-L] Grant writing volunteer opportunity in Quito, Ecuador
Third Millennium Alliance is a US non-profit organization based in Ecuador. Our mission is to preserve the last remnants of Pacific Equatorial Forest in coastal Ecuador and the wide range of endangered and endemic species therein contained. In 2007 we established the Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve, which protects one of the last major remnants of tropical rainforest and cloud forest in coastal Ecuador and is likewise one of the last refuges for endangered wild cats in the region. We are also working to restore habitat through our Micro-Forestation program with local landholders. Another critical element of our work is directly involving local communities in conservation activities, especially children, youth, and young adults, through ecological education, biological research, nature trail guiding, and reforestation activities. We are looking for someone to help write grants and develop new project proposals that are focused on biodiversity conservation and community development. As a young organization, we are seeking a professional individual that has a passion for conservation and wildlife, with a background in marketing and public relations. Experience in the non-profit sector and with grant writing would be ideal. You will be provided with a very comfortable apartment/office in the capital city of Quito, and all the resources and amenities with which to work, but you will be responsible for covering your own living expenses such as food and other personal expenses. Most likely you will be sharing the apartment with another intern. Although the position is on a volunteer basis, a commission may be awarded for successful grant proposals, as a form of compensation. Position overview: Research, write and follow up on proposals and project reports to institutional funders Work with executive director and program staff to ensure that all proposals accurately reflect the mission, policies, budgets and programs Manage scheduling process and ensure timely submission of proposals and reports Conduct research on existing and potential funders There will be an incentive for each granted proposal If you would like to learn more, please visit our Internship page on our website, where you can download a PDF file which includes a detailed program description, at: http://www.3malliance.org/index.php?id=320 After reading the PDF file, if you would like to apply, send an email to the address listed in the program description. We hope you work with you! Sincerely, Bryan Criswell, Isabel Dávila, Jerry Toth Directors, Jama-Coaque Reserve Third Millennium Alliance Jama, Ecuador www.3malliance.org
