[ECOLOG-L] duiker farming in Uganda... looking for contacts info ( Ebola)
Hi esteemed Ecologgers! I have recently moved to Uganda, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home of half the world¹s mountain gorillas), where I started a small (501c3 pending) nonprofit organization the REDEMPTION SONG FOUNDATION (http://www.redemptionsongfoundation.org or http://www.facebook.com/redemptionsongfoundation like us on FB!). The kids are now off to college, so I decided to do something a bit different :) I am looking for collaborators and will soon be applying for grant funding to farm duiker and/or bush pig. This will serve two simultaneous goals: to reduce poaching via snares that injure mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and to provide much-needed protein to impoverished and malnourished local peoples who have suffered since the park¹s creation eliminated their ability to hunt wild game (this particularly affected the Batwa forest pygmies who were evicted from the forest in 1991). Does anyone know of any contact names of researchers who might be helpful? I know of the Dambari (Duiker and Mini-Antelope Breeding and Research Institute) in Zimbabwe, which I hope to visit if I receive grant funds, but have not been successful yet getting in touch with folks there. I know different duiker species are bred and kept in many zoos, so I know it can be done, and some research suggests they become docile when bred in captivity. Bush pigs have more offspring per litter and locals like the meat even more than duiker, but they also have sharp tusks and I cant tell if anyone has ever bred them successfully. Has anyone worked on duiker or bush pig in the wild or captivity? Or on breeding micro livestock? (there¹s even a book online - http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=030904295X ). One study found that duiker have tested positive for Ebola. I think but do not know for sure if we are breeding them that they would not be exposed to it (the paper suggests that they ³lick² and eat carcasses, and great apes carry Ebola, and the ones in captivity wouldn¹t have any dead Ebola-laden carcasses to lick or eat), so we could theoretically be reducing the chance of bush-meat poachers to introduce a new Ebola breakout into the human population. I am looking for collaborators on this grant, too, and others as we hope to grow the project beyond the initial pilot phase, if successful. There are many steps in the process, but we are just in the initial investigation stages and welcome any feedback. Or grant suggestions! Wendee Wendee Nicole, Founder Director, REDEMPTION SONG FOUNDATION (http://www.redemptionsongfoundation.org) M.S. Wildlife Ecology * Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian (http://www.wendeenicole.com) Write for magazine! online class http://www.wendeenicole.com/nature.htm
[ECOLOG-L] Tomorrow! Cuahsi Virtual Workshop on Field Data Management Solutions - Corinna Gries and Don Henshaw
CUAHSI Virtual Workshop on Field Data Management Solutions Tools, tricks, and techniques for handling data in the field Jointly sponsored by the LTER Network Office, CZO National Office, and CUAHSI Water Data Center Tuesday, October 7 @ 12pm ET Corinna Gries, University of Wisconsin, Center for Limnology Don Henshaw, U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station Sensor Management Best Practiceshttps://www.cuahsi.org/Posts/Entry/11534 Wednesday, October 15 @ 12pm ET Mark Servilla, LTER Network Office, Department of Biology Duane Costa, LTER Network Office, Network Information Systems The Provenance Aware Synthesis Tracking Architecture Tuesday, October 21 @ 12pm ET Anthony Aufdenkampe, Stroud Water Research Center TBD Join the Talks! Connection Information: http://cuahsi.adobeconnect.com/cyberseminar/ Connect via phone line: US Toll Free Number: 1-866-398-2885 Participant Passcode: 4919257387 Additional Connection Informationhttps://www.cuahsi.org/CyberseminarInstructions Don't miss the Virtual Poster Session! Thursday, October 30th from 12-2:00 pm ET Posters will be available for viewing approximately one week before the poster session. For more information visit: https://www.cuahsi.org/VW-Solutions
[ECOLOG-L] ASLO Granada: Session 02 Composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) across landscapes
Dear colleagues, The next ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting will be held between 22-27 February 2015 in Granada, Spain. We are hosting session 02, called *Composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) across landscapes* and would very much like you to participate! Please note that the deadline for abstract submissions is 10th October 2014 (http://sgmeet.com/aslo/granada2015/). Looking forward to see you in Granada! Núria Catalán Dolly Kothawala Anne Kellerman Lars Tranvik *Session description: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is highly relevant to inland waters from an ecological perspective and is an important component of the global carbon cycle. DOM constantly changes in composition and reactivity as it passes through the landscape. Until recently, our understanding of how landscape elements influence the chemical composition and biological reactivity of DOM has been sparse. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that DOM quality and quantity is highly influenced by the landscape, not only by controlling direct terrestrial inputs of organic matter into aquatic systems but also through indirect controls on DOM transformations on its way to the sea (e.g. nutrient inputs). With a surge of methodological advancements in DOM characterization (including optical properties, FTICR, NMR, isotopes, and others), we aim to bring together studies interested in gaining deeper insights into how the landscape and DOM composition are linked. This session is intended to provide new insights into the links between the physical environment with DOM composition and reactivity. We invite contributions that explore DOM compositional changes throughout the landscape both in space and time. We are particularly interested in studies aiming to identify landscape controls on DOM quality either at local or regional scales.* *Núria Catalán* *Limnology/Dept of Ecology and GeneticsEvolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityNorbyvägen 18 DSE-752 36 UppsalaSweden* *Think about the environment when printing an email!!Pensa si realment et cal imprimir aquest mail abans de fer-ho!¡Antes de hacerlo, piensa si realmente necesitas imprimir el mail!*
[ECOLOG-L] Need help with our project - Pieris Project: Using citizen science to explore how insects adapt to environmental changes
We - a group of PhD students at the University of Notre Dame and University of Nevada, Reno - launched a citizen science project – Pieris Project (pierisproject.org)– to enlist the help of the public to collect an invasive butterfly (cabbage white) from across its range. We have now received about 800 butterflies from more than half the US states and 8 countries. In an effort to get the word out about our project and raise some money for our research, we are hoping that people from ECOLOG community (you) would be interested in helping. We still need: 1) Help collecting a few butterflies from states in the southern and central US (before winter arrives). Here is what we have so far http://www.pierisproject.org/learn.html If you know of anyone who might be interested in helping, please direct them to our website - pierisproject.org 2) Help funding our research. We want to share with the public how we as scientists explore how species adapt to changes in their environment. Therefore, we want to sequence as many of the butterflies that people sent in, so that each of their contributions can be part of our research. To do this we launched a crowd-funding campaign on Experiment.com in hopes of raising $6,000. Any help in spreading the word or donations would be extremely appreciated. Here is our crowd-funding campaign https://experiment.com/projects/pieris-project-using-citizen-science-to-learn-how-species-will-respond-to-climate-change One of our incentives for donating is what we are calling a “Backyard Genomics Explorer Kit.” These would make a great gift for a family member to get them out exploring the diversity in their backyard, and help us do some great science ;)
[ECOLOG-L] Position announcement
POSITION: Molecular Plant Physiologist, Department of Biological Sciences APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 31, 2014 APPLY TO: Dr. Thomas Canam, Chair of the Search Committee The Department of Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University (www.eiu.edu/biology) is seeking a Molecular Plant Physiologist at the rank of assistant professor (tenure-track), beginning August 2015. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, and postdoctoral experience is preferred. Teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate courses in cell biology, genetics and plant physiology, as well as a graduate course in an area of expertise. Successful candidates will be expected to develop an externally funded research program involving both undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) students. We invite applicants with research focusing on any area of molecular plant physiology, while those conducting research relating to biotechnology, pathology, pharmacology, or molecular ecophysiology are particularly encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, and a competitive start-up package will be available. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, two-page maximum statement of teaching philosophy and interests, two-page maximum statement of research interests (that highlights the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students), and contact information for three professional references. Application materials must be submitted as separate files using Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/25833). Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Thomas Canam, Chair of the Search Committee, at tca...@eiu.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 31, 2014. Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community. Scott J. Meiners, Ph.D Plant Ecologist Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920 It's not easy being green - K. Frog
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant or Associate Professor, Sustainable Water Resource Management
Assistant or Associate Professor - Sustainable Water Resource Management Chatham University - Pittsburgh, PA https://www4.recruitingcenter.net/Clients/chatham/PublicJobs/controller.cfm? jbaction=JobProfileJob_Id=10076esid=az Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, has a long history of commitment to global understanding, womens leadership, and the environment. Chatham is the alma mater of environmental icon Rachel Carson, and is recognized today as a leader in the field of sustainability, having been named to The Princeton Reviews Green College Honor Roll, Sierra magazines list of top 25 cool schools, and mentioned in a Forbes article as one of the places contributing to Pittsburghs transformation into a destination for green living. Building on these accomplishments, Chatham opens in 2014 the worlds first fully sustainable campus in higher education, Eden Hall Campus, with completion of the first stage of construction on its 20-year master plan. Rising 19 spots in the US News World Report Best Colleges rankings over the last four years, Chatham works to prepare its 2,000+ undergraduate and graduate students in fields helping to drive tomorrows economy including health sciences, sustainability, business communication, and the arts sciences. To help support the work of the University we have an immediate opening for an assistant or associate professor of Sustainable Water Resource Management. Ideal candidates will have (senior hires) or show potential for (junior hires) collaborative interdisciplinary work leading to a compelling record of publication, teaching, and funded research. Candidates are expected to have appropriate academic backgrounds (e.g. hydrology, sustainability, engineering, environmental science, urban planning, aquaculture or other related fields), coupled with demonstrated experience in sustainable water management, planning, governance, and/or assessment. Practical experience outside of academia is also desirable; with, for example, water companies, consultancies, not for profit groups or conservancy organizations. The new 400 acre Eden Hall campus in Richland Township, PA will be the home for this post. A focus of the campus is innovative and sustainable water resource management, including aquaculture, on- site wastewater management, and storm water management. The new faculty member will develop and engage students in research and teaching focused on design, construction, and operation of these facilities. The position includes resources to support the development of collaborative teaching and research with other local academic institutions. A Ph.D. or appropriate terminal degree is required. Chatham University offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, including tuition remission for qualified personnel, and a generous retirement plan. Interested candidates should visit www.chatham.edu/careersand follow the instructions to complete the application process. Applicants should also include a cover letter and resume in the application process. To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter addressing the qualifications of the position, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Community Ecology at the University of Alabama
M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Community Ecology at the University of Alabama The Howeth Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama invites applications for a M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in community ecology beginning Spring or Fall 2015. A highly motivated student is sought to study (1) the influence of metacommunity dynamics on the establishment, spread, and impact of non-native species, using aquatic communities as a model system OR (2) metacommunity dynamics of aquatic taxa among forest ponds in different stages of succession. Interested students should send an e-mail to Dr. Jennifer Howeth (jghow...@ua.edu) with Graduate Assistantship in the title, and include their CV, statement of research interests, writing sample, GRE scores, unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for two references by November 5, 2014. Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama by the December 5, 2014 departmental deadline. The Department of Biological Sciences offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and competitive fellowships to support admitted students. Departmental Aquatic Biology Fellowships for Ph.D. students may be available to highly qualified applicants. Relevant Links: University of Alabama: www.ua.edu Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/ Howeth Laboratory: http://bsc.ua.edu/jennifer-howeth/ Center for Freshwater Studies: http://as.ua.edu/cfs/ Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a vibrant university community with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities available. The newly constructed Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, located on the banks of the Black Warrior River and just minutes from the UA campus, brings a variety of shows and musicians to the city. Recreational activities such as canoeing and hiking are quite popular in the nearby Black Warrior and Sipsey River natural protected areas, and the Talladega National Forest. The University of Alabama complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered by the University. For further information, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, 171 Rose Administration Building, Box 870300, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0300, 205- 348-5855.
[ECOLOG-L] Integrative Conservation Publication - Applied Biodiversity Science (ABS) Perspectives Series
Applied Biodiversity Science (ABS) Perspectives Series Texas AM University - Issue No. 4 http://biodiversity.tamu.edu/research/perspectives-series/ Hello, As editor of the ABS Perspectives Series I am proud to announce the release of our 4th Issue and cordially invite you to become part of our readership. The Applied Biodiversity Sciences Perspectives Series is a student-directed collection of contributions from graduate student and faculty members of the integrative, NSF-IGERT Applied Biodiversity Sciences (ABS) program at Texas A M University. The ABS Perspectives Series aims to highlight the application and practice of conservation science reflected in the experiences of ABS Scholars from both the social and biological sciences. Our online publication focuses on sharing our experiences with a diverse readership to raise awareness of biodiversity conservation issues and current research being undertaken at Texas AM University. A foundational component of the ABS Program is to communicate within, across, and outside of our scientific disciplines. The ABS Perspectives Series is intended to communicate to the general public, the communities where our research takes place, fellow academics and practitioners, and institutions that provide logistics, infrastructure, and support the who, what, where, how, and why of Applied Biodiversity Science. Sincerely, Kenneth E. Wallen wallen...@tamu.edu Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Laboratory Applied Biodiversity Science Program NSF-IGERT Dept. of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Climber Science Program Texas AM University
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Undergrad Courses in Field Biology
The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) offers two Field Ecology and Environmental Science Programs for the summer of 2015 Hands on field work … Paid tuition and housing… 3 credits/summer…and get paid $3,500/summer!! Applications due November 12th! UNDERC-East: (May 18 – July 24) Spend the summer studying northwoods ecology and conducting your own research in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where UNDERC encompasses more than 7500 acres with abundant wildlife, and includes lakes, streams, wetlands, and forests that have been protected for nearly a century. Course modules include vertebrate ecology, invertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology and forest ecology UNDERC-West: (June 6 – August 14): Explore more than a million acres on the Flathead Reservation with abundant wildlife, grasslands, montane forests, streams and lakes. Course modules like those at UNDERC-East include wildlife ecology, grassland ecology, and montane ecology, as well as an environmental history/Native American ecology module. Each student conducts an independent research project in collaboration with a faculty advisor that is more advanced given the skills learned at UNDERC-East. (Pre-requisite - UNDERC-East). These programs promote understanding of field environmental biology and how field research is conducted through 9 – 10 weeks in the field. Applications are accepted from students who will be completing at least their sophomore year at a 4-year college or university. Acceptance is based on past academic performance and a statement of purpose. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in environmental sciences. Four openings are reserved for students of Native American heritage and four openings are reserved for students from Puerto Rico. Additional information and applications are available online ( http://underc.nd.edu) or from Dr. Michael Cramer, UNDERC-East Assistant Director (mcra...@nd.edu) or Dr. Angela Laws, UNDERC-West Assistant Director (al...@nd.edu). Application deadline is Wednesday, November 12, 2014 and notification of acceptance will be provided by Friday, December 5, 2014.
[ECOLOG-L] Early Registration Deadline Extended!!
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!! Join the Kansas State University Ecological Genomics Institute for a three-day conference bringing together distinguished and renowned academics, students, postdoctorates, and others interested in the field. Participants will hear, present, and discuss research in a broad range of topics pertaining to ecological genomics. This year's event will showcase research on the latest ecological genomics topics. Packed with speakers, poster abstract presentations, and networking opportunities, the 2014 Ecological Genomics Symposium will be an exciting and invigorating avenue for cross-disciplinary interactions. Early registration discounts have been extended until Tuesday, October 14, so register now!http://ecogen.ksu.edu/symp2014/index.html Speakers include: Zac Cheviron, University of Illinois Cassandra Extavour, Harvard University Felicity Jones, Max Planck Institute, Tübingen, Germany Ari Jumpponen, Kansas State University Catherine Linnen, University of Kentucky Michael Lynch, Indiana University Sean Place, Sonoma State University Jesse Poland, Kansas State University John Stinchcombe, University of Toronto Alex Wilson, University of Miami DON'T DELAY, PRICES INCREASE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14! When: October 31 - November 2, 2014 Where: Marriott Country Club Plaza Kansas City, MO Early bird registration fee: $285 ($190 for graduate and undergraduate students) Registration fee after October 14: $360 ($240 for students) Jennifer Rhodes Program Coordinator Ecological Genomics Institute Kansas State University 302 Ackert Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 jenniferrho...@ksu.edu 785-532-0115
[ECOLOG-L] Primate Ecology Field Course in Panama
2014 WINTER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (December 20, 2014-January 9, 2015) FIELD COURSE IN PRIMATE ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR (PRE W-14) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a beach facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland tropical rain forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/index.html for details. There are three species of non-human primates available for study on Isla Colon. INSTRUCTOR: Alain Houle, Ph.D., Associate Researcher, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, ho...@fas.harvard.edu, or alain.ho...@gmail.com. Specialty: Primate ecology and behaviour, canopy access techniques. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is to give the student a foundation in primate ecology, primate behaviour, field techniques and analytical tools in a tropical setting. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level field course in primate ecology. The course is divided into five distinct components: classroom lectures, classroom presentations by students (based on assigned readings), discussions and exercises in the field, one written exam, and one individual project based on data collection techniques learned in the field and in the classroom. During the first few days students will become familiar with the many ecosystems found in our area and with the trail systems during ³orientation² walks. The bulk of the first 10 days will be spent learning field techniques and carrying out various group projects or exercises. Midway through the course the entire station community will take a 3-day field trip to cloudforests of Boquete (see details below). On returning to the field station, students work on their individual research projects. Towards the end of the course students will analyze their data, write a technical report and present their findings orally during a station-wide symposium. Lectures/Readings. There will be lectures on ecological concepts, primate ecology, primate behaviour, field techniques, behavioural sampling techniques, and analytical tools. Readings corresponding to lecture topics will be assigned from selected papers. Required Textbooks. Karen B. Strier (2010). Primate Behavioral Ecology, 4th edition. Prentice Hall. A set of papers derived from articles or book chapters will also be provided during the course. Group Field Exercises. Students will learn the following field techniques, which will assist them in setting up their own independent field project: -Constructing habitat profiles -Plant phenology profiles -GPS exercise (Garmin 12XL) -Behavioural observations (behavioural sampling techniques) -Statistics (SPSS) Individual Research Projects. With the assistance of the instructor, each student will develop and carry out their own field research project on a topic of their choice. Each topic must be approved by the instructor prior to beginning data collection. Each student will be required to write a research proposal, collect and analyze their data, write up their findings, and present their results to the class. A text about the art of publishing will be provided. Grading. All assignments must be completed before leaving the field station, so that a final course grade can be assigned. Course grades will be calculated as follows (the proportion of each section is negotiable, but an agreement must be concluded between the instructor and students before the beginning of the course): Individual Research Project - 40% Written Exam - 30% Classroom Presentation - 20% Participation - 10% Grading. Up to 6 units of credit will be given, 3 for the lecture portion and 3 for the field portion. A letter grade will be assigned based on exams, reports, proposals, attendance at lectures, as well as by less tangible such as personal attitude, motivation, and contribution to the course. A letter reporting a grade will be made available to the student¹s institution. The student will be responsible for providing direct evidence of participation (e.g., lecture notes, reports, exams, etc.). Course Schedule. The course schedule will be determined on site as a function of student needs and preferences. It might be also weather-dependant. Contact Dr. Houle for course details. BOQUETE CLOUD FOREST FIELD TRIP: This field trip will allow students the opportunity to visit other areas of Panama, to experience Panamanian culture, and to visit tropical cloud and seasonal forests first hand. We travel in ITEC boats to the mainland and then by chartered bus to Boquete which lies at the base of 11,000 ft Volcan Baru. The bus trip will take us up and over the central mountain range and through Palo Seco National Park. Several
[ECOLOG-L] CUAHSI Pathfinder Fellowship - Up to $5,000 in Travel Support - Submit Applications by October 17th!
2014 CUAHSI Pathfinder Fellowship Competition Graduate Student Travel Grants for multi-disciplinary water science research Go beyond One Site, One View. Graduate training in water science often focuses on a single field site, analytical, or modeling approach. The CUAHSI Pathfinder Fellowship provides up to $5,000 in travel support to enable students to travel to an additional field site to add a multi-disciplinary component to their current research. For more detailed information and application materials, visit https://www.cuahsi.org/PathfinderFellowships Application Deadline: October 17, 2014 Questions? Contact com...@cuahsi.orgmailto:com...@cuahsi.org Help us share this event! Download the 2014 Pathfinder Fellowship Flyerhttps://www.cuahsi.org/Files/Pages/documents/7880/pathfinder_flyer_2.pdf
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: conservation biology and community ecology
Conservation Biology Community Ecology. Funding is available for a post-doc to join an interdisciplinary project being managed by Paul Armsworth at U. Tennessee, Knoxville, and Jim Sanchirico at UC, Davis, that involves extensive collaboration with conservation practitioners. The successful candidate will help to evaluate the ecological benefits provided by a sample of protected areas in California. Key responsibilities will include surveying plant communities on protected sites, analyzing GIS data, and performing statistical analyses. For more information, please visit https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_knoxville/jobdetail.ftl?lang=enjob=140113https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_knoxville/jobdetail.ftl?lang=enjob=140113.
[ECOLOG-L] postdoc: Systems Modeling for Environmental Sustainability - USEPA
Systems Modeling for Environmental Sustainability - USEPA Post Doc position available at the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Lab, Corvallis, OR, USA. US citizenship required. Up to 3 yrs support. Applications taken until 31 Oct 2014. Application details at the following URL: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ordpd/PostDoc_Position.cfm?pos_id=462 **
