Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 25 Mar 2003 to 26 Mar 2003 (#2003-83)
There are 6 messages totalling 300 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Surveillance Equipment Grants Awarded
2. "Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern California" and other Workshops
3. Evolution policy
4. Fieldwork positions in plant ecology and deer impact research
5. PhD Assistantship at University of Tennessee
6. Job Posting for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 21:00:50 -1000
From: Bill Standley <standleyb@WILDLIFER.COM>
Subject: Surveillance Equipment Grants Awarded
Sandpiper Technologies issued Equipment Grants to students from the U.S. and
Canada for use in the spring/summer 2003 field season.
TreeTop Peeper Elevated Nest Surveillance Systems were awarded to the
following students:
Elizabeth DeVries, Eckerd College, "Assessing the success of replaci
g
fallen Least Tern chicks back onto rooftop nesting areas."
David Leput, Clemson University, "Habitat Use of Piedmont Bats in re
ation
to forest structure and composition: Influences for forest management."
Kirk Roth, Ball State University, "Cerulean Warbler breeding biolog
."
Burrow Video Probes were awarded to:
Chris Allender, Northern Arizona State University, "Locating dead pr
irie
dogs in their burrows following a plague outbreak."
Elizabeth Joyce, Utah State University, "The role of Parental attend
nce
and habitat heterogeneity in the reproductive success of Swift Fox (Vulpes
velox) in Southeastern Colorado."
Daniel Munro, Universite de Sherbrooke, "Influence of hoard size and
latitude on the hibernation pattern of the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias
striatus)."
Mazeika S.P. Sullivan, University of Vermont, "Links between the bio
ogical
integrity and geomorphic condition of rivers and streams: The Belted
Kingfisher (Megaceryle alycon) and aquatic community
composition."
Sentinel Time-lapse Surveillance Systems were awarded to:
Jeanne Hammond, Humboldt State University, "Identification of nest
predators at the Cosumnes River Preserve."
Tommy S. Parker, University of Missouri, "Ecology and behavior of native and
exotic urban populations of Eastern Gray Squirrels."
Sunny Scobell, University of Oklahoma, "Hormonal mediation of female
aggression in a sex-role reversed species."
Anne Duncan, University of Western Ontario, "How does food availabi
ity
affect nest predation?"
Sandpiper Technologies has loaned its rental fleet to U.S. and Canadian
university students since 1998 and recently added the AquaPeep Underwater
Surveillance System to the roster of available equipment. December 1 is the
deadline for applying for the Equipment Grant Program for the spring/summer
field season. Students applying for grants during the off-season can apply
at any time. For more information about this program go to:
http://www.sandpipertech.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 20:28:38 -1000
From: Bill Standley <standleyb@WILDLIFER.COM>
Subject: "Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern California" and other Workshop
The preliminary program for the Workshop "Ecology and Identification of
Sensitive Amphibians and Reptiles of Southern California" is now posted on
the Western Section of the Wildlife Society web site
(http://www.tws-west.org). The workshop is May 8-10, 2003, in Riverside,
California, and the web site has an online registration form (early
registration ends April 1) as well as information on the field-trips,
travel, and accommodations.
Other upcoming workshops are:
- Opportunities for Endangered Species Recovery and Habitat Restoration in
California's Central Valley, 2-3 April, 2003, Sacramento, California
- Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard Gambelia sila (silus) Identification Workshop,
15-16 April, 2003, Bakersfield, California
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 10:36:05 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Evolution policy
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 5:50 PM
Subject: Fw: Education Headlines: 03/25/2003
- [Cobb County, Georgia] Evolution critics argue free speech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA), March 25
http://www.enc.org/redirect/ehn/?ehn_id=21960
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 09:25:47 -0500
From: Chad David Kirschbaum <ckirschba@EMICH.EDU>
Subject: Fieldwork positions in plant ecology and deer impact research
Please feel free to post this job annoucement where you see fit.
Thank-you. -Chad D. Kirschbaum
Fieldwork positions in plant ecology and deer impact research
The Sand County Foundation and partners* are soliciting resumes for
three field botanist/plant ecologist positions for the summer of 2003.
Work includes collecting quantitative data on herbaceous and woody
plants as part of a long-term study to assess forest health responses
to managed changes in deer impact. The job will also include some data
entry and analysis, GPS, collection of plant specimens and
identification of plants using technical keys in the field and in the
lab. Fieldwork will take place in the Allegheny Nation Forest and
adjacent public and private forest lands in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS:
Crew leader (1 position): Responsible for managing a three person
field crew, collecting and managing vegetation data, planning daily
schedules, frequently reporting to project leaders, funders, landowners
and other key partners on progress, keeping preserved plant collections
of voucher and unknown specimens. This position is scheduled to start
May 12th and finish late Aug 2003. Pay is $15-20/ hour (depending on
qualifications)** and $20 per diem for food expenses. Housing for the
summer and transportation reimbursement to and from Pennsylvania will
also be provided.
Crew members (2 positions): Responsible for the collection of field
data including, herbaceous and woody plant species abundances and deer
browse estimates. Also includes using Geographic Positioning Systems
(GPS) to navigate to plot locations. These positions are scheduled to
start May 19th and finish late Aug 2003. Pay is $10-15/ hour
(depending on qualifications)** and $20 per diem for food expenses.
Housing for the summer and transportation reimbursement to and from
Pennsylvania will also be provided.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A course in vascular plant taxonomy and ability to key plants to the
species level is required. Courses in agrostology, orienteering (or
experience in compass work, pacing and map reading), plant ecology and
statistics would be beneficial. Past field/research experience and
experience using statistical and spreadsheet computer programs would
also be helpful. Drivers license required. Applicants should be
physically capable of working in challenging environments. Crew leader
should have familiarity with plants of the Northeastern U.S.
CONTACT: Send resume (including references) or questions to: Chad
Kirschbaum at ckirschba@emich.edu. Please specify which position(s)
you are applying for.
*USDA Forest Service, Penn State University, Collins Pine, Pennsylvania
Game Commission, and the Bradford Water Authority.
**Work will be done under contract with the Sand County Foundation.
-------------------------------------
Chad D. Kirschbaum
Biology Department, Eastern Michigan
University
(734) 487-4107
ckirschba@emich.edu
-------------------------------------
Chad D. Kirschbaum
Biology Department, Eastern Michigan
University
(734) 487-4107
ckirschba@emich.edu
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 14:06:53 -0500
From: David S Buckley/FWF/COL/UTIA <dbuckley@UTK.EDU>
Subject: PhD Assistantship at University of Tennessee
PhD Assistantship in Forest Ecology at the University of Tennessee,
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
A three-year PhD Assistantship covering tuition and paying a stipend of
$15,000 per year is available to conduct a study of effects of different
silvicultural practices (clearcutting, shelterwood cutting, diameter limit
cutting, wildlife thinning, and prescribed burning) on ecosystem properties
and processes such as decomposition, nutrient dynamics, soil moisture
regime, light regime, plant species composition and richness,
plant-herbivore interactions, and regeneration of oak and other woody
species. Treatments for this project are in place and replicated in each
of three regions.
The candidate selected for this Assistantship will be expected to develop
and complete an independent research project within the overall framework
provided, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. The candidate will also
be expected to assist in the teaching program within the Department of
Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries. Applicants that have successfully
completed an M.S. degree in forest ecology, silviculture, or a related
field, have experience in below- and above-ground resource measurement
techniques, and have skills in the identification of southeastern
herbaceous and woody plant species are preferred.
The Assistantship begins August 1, 2003 and ends June 30, 2006.
If interested, contact Dr. David Buckley (Phone 865-974-7978, E-mail
dbuckley@utk.edu) for more information.
The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race,
sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in
provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities
and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to
the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race,
sex or disability in it=s education programs and activities pursuant to the
requirements of Title VI of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities act
(ADA) of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI,
Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
(ADEA) or any of the other above references policies should be direct to
the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 2110 Terrace Avenue, Knoxville,
TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA
Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street,
Knoxville, TN 37996-4125.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 16:22:41 -0700
From: Emily Spencer <emily.spencer@RMBO.ORG>
Subject: Job Posting for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Mountain Plover Project Crew Leader
The Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) is a species of conservation
concern and is currently being considered for listing as a threatened
species under the Endangered Species Act. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
(RMBO) will be working with private landowners and managers throughout
eastern Colorado to assist with conservation efforts of this grassland
species. In an effort to reduce nest disturbance and/or destruction,
technicians will locate and mark Mountain Plover nests on private lands
throughout eastern Colorado to help landowners avoid nests during routine
spring agricultural activities. A random set of marked sites will be
re-surveyed to determine the success of the project.
A Mountain Plover Project Crew Leader will be hired to coordinate
technicians, provide field training and support, and write an end of project
report. The position is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Crew Leader
and technicians may also assist with other prairie bird projects as needed
and as time allows, such as assisting with development of an outreach video
concerning Mountain Plover conservation.
The Crew Leader will be needed from April 14 through the end of July. The
Crew Leader will receive $2,000 per month; mileage for field work will be
reimbursed.
Applicants with an agricultural or wildlife background, especially
experience in wildlife surveying techniques and/or nest monitoring, are
encouraged to apply. Experience in project coordination, report writing,
map reading, orienteering, and using GPS units are highly desirable.
Please send your cover letter and resume along with 3 references to: Tammy
VerCauteren at Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, 1510 South College Ave, Fort
Collins, Colorado
80524. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, visit our
website
www.rmbo.org. Please call Tammy or Emily with questions regarding the
project at 970-482-1707. Position open until filled ^Ö qualified candidates
will be called for interviews immediately.
____________________________________________
Emily Spencer
Prairie Partners
Conservation Biologist
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
1510 South College St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970)482-1707
Check us out at www.rmbo.org
Conserving birds---Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
____________________________________________
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 23 Mar 2003 to 24 Mar 2003 (#2003-81)
There are 6 messages totalling 317 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. translation of "Wasserbleuthe"?
2. question about using birds as indicators (2)
3. Birds as biological indicators
4. World Wolf Congress 2003 EARLY BIRD REG DEADLINE
5. Update: EPA STAR Fellowships
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 10:22:21 -0600
From: Dave McNeely <dlmcneely@LUNET.EDU>
Subject: Re: translation of "Wasserbleuthe"?
No specific translation, but since "water bloom" is also a term that was
formerly widely applied in the U.S. for what we now call simply "bloom," and
the translation is also literal, why look further?
Dave McNeely
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Ruhren" <ruhren@ETAL.URI.EDU>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 8:51 AM
Subject: translation of "Wasserbleuthe"?
> I am teaching a phycology course and have several slides labeled
> "Wasserbleuthe" that are supposed to represent mixed freshwater
> planktonic algae. My limited German translation of Wasserbleuthe is
> water bloom/flower but I was wondering if any readers could offer a
> better translation? I have checked several online translation sites to
> no avail.
> Thank you.
> Scott
>
> --
>
> Scott Ruhren, Ph.D.
> Department of Biological Sciences
> Ranger Hall
> University of Rhode Island
> Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
>
> Phone: 401-874-2626 FAX: 401-874-5974
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 10:26:12 -0800
From: Beth Chase <chase@KOOTENAI.ORG>
Subject: question about using birds as indicators
I am currently working on a watershed plan and we are trying to establish
protocols for using birds as ecological indicators. I have seen Hutto's
work and a few others but am trying to compile as much literature and
documentation as possible. Any info list members can send my way would be
greatly appreciated. I will be happy to compile a list & send it to list
members later.
Thanks in advance for your prompt responses ;-)
Beth Chase
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Fish & Wildlife Dept.
County Rd 38A/P.O. Box 1269
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
208.267.3620
chase@kootenai.org
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 11:34:38 -0800
From: Erica Fleishman <efleish@STANFORD.EDU>
Subject: Re: question about using birds as indicators
Dear Beth,
What are you trying to use birds to "indicate," and why? For
example, are you trying to use birds as a surrogate measure of
environmental changes that are difficult to measure directly, or are
you hoping to monitor the response of birds to known environmental
changes? Are you assuming that the response of one or a few species
of birds will be representative of the entire bird community in your
watershed, or of other communities of animals and plants, or . . . ?
And do you have data to support that any such assumptions are valid?
Depending on your answers, the literature may be able to help shed
some light on whether use of birds as ecological indicators in your
situation is warranted and on appropriate methods. Your answers also
might help list members send you suggestions that are most likely to
be useful.
Good luck
Erica
--
----------------------------
Erica Fleishman
Center for Conservation Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5020
Telephone (650) 725-9914
FAX (650) 723-5920
efleish@stanford.edu
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 13:01:05 -0800
From: Phil Nott <pnott@BIRDPOP.ORG>
Subject: Birds as biological indicators
Erica said ... For example, are you trying to use birds as a surrogate
measure of environmental changes that are difficult to measure directly, or
are you hoping to monitor the response of birds to known environmental
changes? Are you assuming that the response of one or a few species of
birds will be representative of the entire bird community in your
watershed, or of other communities of animals and plants, or . . . ?
Erica pretty much put it in a nutshell. Do you monitor avian communities
across habitats or "flagship" species of critical habitats. Are you
testing the effects of local management, disturbance, land use change, or
even (dare I say it) natural succession. What larger scale influences are
operating - is it appropriate to consider regional climate and weather, or
land use and climate/weather influences on overwintering grounds. Even
land-use changes within tens of kilometers of the study site may influence
locally observed dynamics.
Example - Consider a northerly latitude forest habitat that is used as
breeding habitat by two target species; A and B. You observe small but
demonstrable changes in the forested habitat over time. The dynamics of
species A also changes whereas species B remains stable. So, you draw the
obvious conclusions consistent the biology of both bird species.
But wait - species A is a neotropical migrant that overwinters in western
Mexico and species B is a resident species. In this case, it is quite
possible that the differential influences of the ENSO cycle and the North
Atlantic cycles may be mostly responsible for the patterns you observed.
See www.birdpop.org/climate.htm for further details of such influences.
Phil
______________________________
M. Philip Nott, Ph.D.
The Institute for Bird Populations
PO Box 1346
11435 State Route 1, Suite 23
Point Reyes Station CA 94956-1346
Voice: (415) 663-2050
Fax: (415) 663-9482
email: pnott@birdpop.org
Visit our website www.birdpop.org
Under US Code Title 47, Sec.227(b)(1)(C), Sec.227(a)(2)(B)
This email address may not be added to any commercial mail list with out
my permission. Violation of my privacy with advertising or SPAM will
result in a suit for a MINIMUM of $500 damages/incident, $1500 for
repeats.
______________________________
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:33:26 -0500
From: World Wolf Congress 2003 - The Wolf Project <congress@GRAYWOLF.C
>
Subject: World Wolf Congress 2003 EARLY BIRD REG DEADLINE
Members
Dear Members,
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE (APRIL 1, 2003)
WORLD WOLF CONGRESS 2003 - BRIDGING SCIENCE AND COMMUNITY UPDATE
This is a follow up email in regards to registration for the World Wolf Cong
ess 2003 and an announcement that the period for the 'Early Bird Rate' on re
istration finishes on April 1, 2003.
Special Note: Please forward this message to those who may be interested.
Please be reminded of the following information:
Early Bird Registration Rate - Until April 1, 2003:
Until April 1, 2003, we are offering an 'Early Bird Savings Rate' for regist
ation to the World Wolf Congress 2003. If you register prior to April 1, 20
3, you will save $50 (in Canadian dollars) on the regular registration fee.
hese savings are applicable for students, CRWP members and Non-Members. Plea
e take advantage of these significant cost savings.
Call for Papers:
The Central Rockies Wolf Project held a Call for Papers for the World Wolf C
ngress 2003. This ended March 15, 2003. Judging by the volume and quality of
the submitted papers, the World Wolf Congress 2003 will be high in quality,
oth in speakers and the nature of the presented papers. Paper proposals have
been submitted from throughout the world, suggesting that this will be truly
a world event. Stay tuned for more information on this once decisions are ma
e by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
The World Has Responded:
The World Wolf Congress 2003 has attracted international attention and that
egistration for the World Wolf Congress 2003 has been moving rapidly thus fa
. We have attendees registered from Switzerland, Mongolia, Japan, Germany, U
ited Kingdom, India, Poland, Slovakia, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Por
ugal, Canada, USA, and Mexico. We further expect attendees to register from
ountries such as Romania, Russia, Latvia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the N
therlands.
To see a map of the countries represented thus far, please visit http://www.
raywolf.ca/worldwolfcongress/worldmap.html
World Wolf Congress 2003- Bridging Science and Community
The Central Rockies Wolf Project is inviting the world community to share sc
entific and community approaches to wolf management and conservation. This c
ngress will bring together an international delegation of scientists, govern
ent agencies, hunters, ranchers, conservationists, members of the business c
mmunity, artisans, and the general public to discuss wolf ecology and conser
ation.
This congress will be a world-class event with a host of high-end presentati
ns and discussions focusing on wolf conservation and wolf management. The li
t of speakers will be diverse and excellent.
How to Register:
Visit www.worldwolfcongress.ca and download the pdf registration form. Mail
r fax the form to the numbers and mailing address provided on the back of th
registration form. A completely on-line form is also included on the site.
egistration queries can be sent to registration@graywolf.ca
Registration fees will cover all congress sessions (both plenary and concurr
nt sessions), and special evening sessions. A wine and cheese reception will
be held on Thursday September 25, 2003. An additional gala banquet and award
ceremony will be held on the Saturday (September 27) evening. Tickets for t
is exclusive event can be purchased at the time you register for the congres
.
Currency Exchange Rates:
All registration fees are quoted in Canadian (CDN) dollars. For our European
and American friends, $1 Canadian dollar is equivalent to roughly 0.62 US$ o
0.64 EURO.
Accommodation:
Accommodation information for the Banff Centre can be accessed through our w
b site.
Banff, Canada:
For those unfamiliar with the Banff area, specific directions, by airline an
vehicle, have been posted on our web site.
Queries regarding registration can be sent to registration@graywolf.ca
General congress queries can be sent to congress@graywolf.ca
Funders:
For a list of funders, please visit the web site.
Please forward this to anyone who may be interested.
We look forward to receiving your registration and seeing you at the World W
lf Congress 2003.
Regards,
On behalf of the World Wolf Congress 2003 Committees,
Steve Wadlow
Congress Director
*********************************************************************
The Central Rockies Wolf Project Presents
World Wolf Congress 2003 - Bridging Science and Community
September 25-28, 2003
www.worldwolfcongress.ca
"Wolf Conservation Through Research and Education"
The Central Rockies Wolf Project
502 Bow Valley Trail, Suite 203
Canmore, Alberta
Canada
T1W 1N9
Tel: 403-678-9633
Fax: 403-678-9729
www.graywolf.ca
*********************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 18:42:18 -0500
From: Noel Gurwick <npg1@CORNELL.EDU>
Subject: Update: EPA STAR Fellowships
Greetings,
Nearly a year after we began fighting for the EPA STAR Fellowship Program,
President Bush signed the budget and we now know that the program still
exists at close to its previous funding level. It's my understanding that
the House proposed funding the program at 5 Million and the Senate proposed
10 Million. The final budget lists the STAR Fellowship program at 9.75
Million within the EPA Science and Technology Budget.
I'm sure many of you share my frustration that the long budget process
interfered with the past two STAR Fellowship funding cycles, but given the
current political climate, we can consider this a victory. When we began
calling last year, most of the congressional staffers with whom we spoke
had not even heard of this program. It's clear that your voices made a
difference and helped keep the program alive.
The legislative associate at Cornell who gave me the update on the STAR
Fellowship program also encouraged us to take a few minutes now to thank
some of the congressional staffers who put considerable time into this
effort (see below). When I was communicating regularly with some of the
folks she mentions, I found them in their offices at all hours of the day
and night. They took time to learn about the program and worked hard on our
behalf. I heartily second the suggestion to take a minute now and thank
them and your own senators and representatives for their efforts. I know
they would appreciate it, and we should expect to need their help again
down the road.
Thanks to all of you for your help, and congratulations on this success !
Noel Gurwick
>I would encourage you to send a thank you note to the legislators you
>might have contacted last year. I do know that the staff members listed
>below were quite supportive and would appreciate even a short handwritte
>thank you note (or even a postcard):
>Marty Spitzer
>House Science Committee
>2320 Rayburn House Office Building
>Washington, DC 20515
>
>Ron Anderson
>Office of The Honorable James Walsh
>2369 Rayburn House Office Building
>Washington, DC 20515
>
>
>It looks like there will again need to be a push to advocate for the
>program again in the 2004 budget. However, while work has begun on Capit
l
>Hill on the '04 budget, notes of thanks on the '03 budget will make the
>'04 push somewhat easier.
****************************************************************************
****************************
Noel Gurwick, Ph.D Candidate
Program in Biogeochemistry and Environmental Change
Department of Natural Resources
Fernow Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: (607) 255-4898, FAX: (607) 255-0349, Email: npg1@cornell.edu
****************************************************************************
****************************
------------------------------
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 24 Mar 2003 to 25 Mar 2003 (#2003-82)
There are 7 messages totalling 346 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Birds as biological indicators (2)
2. Freshwater Ecology Questions
3. Postdoctoral Position
4. ESA course syllabus exchange (2)
5. Job - Forest ecology/entomology/fire in Sequoia Ntl Park, CA - MS or Ph
required
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 10:04:27 +0100
From: Tim Nuttle <Tim.Nuttle@UNI-JENA.DE>
Subject: Re: Birds as biological indicators
To shamelessly plug a paper of mine that will be coming out in the April
issue of The Auk...
"Assessing the conservation value of bird communities using Partners in
Flight-based ranks."
Nuttle, Leidolf, and Burger.
Partners in Flight scores address all of these concerns (for birds of North
American north of Mexico). Our paper discusses using PIF-based ranks as
species weights in an index to assess "conservation value" of sites relative
to each other.
The fact is that many people do use bird communities to indicate
"conservation value" but such indices generally rely on species diversity,
indicator species, or similarity to reference habitats. Using PIF-based
scores eliminates many of the problems associated with these approaches. Of
course, there are a number of assumptions and cautions, which you may read
about in the article.
And please feel free to give me feedback on what you think about it!
Tim Nuttle
Research Fellow
Institute of Ecology
Friedrich Schiller University
Dornburger Strasse 159
D-07743 Jena
Germany
> Erica said ... For example, are you trying to use birds as a surrogate
> measure of environmental changes that are difficult to measure directly
or
> are you hoping to monitor the response of birds to known environmental
> changes? Are you assuming that the response of one or a few species of
> birds will be representative of the entire bird community in your
> watershed, or of other communities of animals and plants, or . . . ?
>
> Erica pretty much put it in a nutshell. Do you monitor avian communitie
> across habitats or "flagship" species of critical habitats. Are you
> testing the effects of local management, disturbance, land use change,
r
> even (dare I say it) natural succession. What larger scale influences a
e
> operating - is it appropriate to consider regional climate and weather,
or
> land use and climate/weather influences on overwintering grounds. Even
> land-use changes within tens of kilometers of the study site may influe
ce
> locally observed dynamics.
>
> Example - Consider a northerly latitude forest habitat that is used as
> breeding habitat by two target species; A and B. You observe small but
> demonstrable changes in the forested habitat over time. The dynamics of
> species A also changes whereas species B remains stable. So, you draw t
e
> obvious conclusions consistent the biology of both bird species.
>
> But wait - species A is a neotropical migrant that overwinters in weste
n
> Mexico and species B is a resident species. In this case, it is quite
> possible that the differential influences of the ENSO cycle and the Nor
h
> Atlantic cycles may be mostly responsible for the patterns you observed
> See www.birdpop.org/climate.htm for further details of such influences.
>
> Phil
>
> ______________________________
> M. Philip Nott, Ph.D.
> The Institute for Bird Populations
> PO Box 1346
> 11435 State Route 1, Suite 23
> Point Reyes Station CA 94956-1346
>
> Voice: (415) 663-2050
> Fax: (415) 663-9482
> email: pnott@birdpop.org
>
> Visit our website www.birdpop.org
>
> Under US Code Title 47, Sec.227(b)(1)(C), Sec.227(a)(2)(B)
> This email address may not be added to any commercial mail list with ou
> my permission. Violation of my privacy with advertising or SPAM will
> result in a suit for a MINIMUM of $500 damages/incident, $1500 for
> repeats.
> ______________________________
>
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 06:57:23 EST
From: Holly Krahe <Miss3927@AOL.COM>
Subject: Freshwater Ecology Questions
Good morning
I am a graduate student taking my first (and only) course in freshwater
ecology. We are working on a pond study for a term project. Can anyone
direct me to any really useful papers or widely-available texts that would
help with evaluating water chemistry, benthic organisms and plankton? I'm
comfortable with the methods to get the values, but am lost in terms of how
to compare/evaluate the values to "norms" or other systems.
Any help truly appreciated.
Holly
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 10:32:41 -0500
From: John Dilustro <dilustro@SREL.EDU>
Subject: Postdoctoral Position
Postdoc - The University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
(www. uga.edu/srel) anticipates a postdoctoral position to begin as soon as
1 May, 2003. Initial appointment will be 1 yr with potential for
extension. Preference will be given to candidates with good working
knowledge of ARCGIS/ArcView and STELLA, and interest in land use or climate
change effects on vegetation or soil processes. Applicants must be US
citizens. To apply, send CV and contact information for 3 references. To
apply, or for more information, contact Beverly Collins, Savannah River
Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802. Phone: 803-725-8158.
FAX: 803-725-3309. Email: collins@srel.edu.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 11:34:54 -0500
From: mccormick.frank@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV
Subject: Re: Birds as biological indicators
The USEPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program has
supported development of avian indicators of ecological condition for
about a decade. Several publications have resulted:
Allen AP, O'Connor RJ. 2000. Hierarchical correlates of bird assemblage
structure on northeastern USA lakes. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment 62(1):15-37.
Allen AP, O'Connor RJ. 2000. Interactive effects of land use and other
factors on regional bird distributions. Journal of Biogeography
27(4):889-900.
Allen AP, Whittier TR, Larsen DP, Kaufmann PR, O'Connor RJ, Hughes RM,
Stemberger RS, Dixit SS, Brinkhurst RO, Herlihy AT, Paulsen SG. 1999.
Concordance of taxonomic composition patterns across multiple
assemblages: Effects of scale, body size, and land use. Canadian Journal
of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 56(11):2029-40.
Allen AP, Whittier TR, Larsen DP, Kaufmann PR, O'Connor RJ, Hughes RM,
Stemberger RS, Dixit SS, Brinkhurst RO, Herlihy AT, Paulsen SG. 1999.
Concordance of taxonomic richness patterns across multiple assemblages
in lakes of the northeastern United States. Canadian Journal of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 56(5):739-47.
Brooks RP, O'Connell TJ, Wardrop DH, Jackson LE. 1998. Towards a
regional Index of Biotic Integrity: The example of forested riparian
ecosystems. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 51(1/2):131-43.
Bryce SA, Hughes RM, Kaufmann, PR. 2002. Development of a bird
integrity index: Using bird assemblages as indicators of riparian
condition. Environmental Management 30: 294-310.
O'Connell TJ, Jackson LE, Brooks RP. 1998. A bird community Index of
Biotic Integrity for the mid-Atlantic highlands. Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment 51(1/2):145-56.
O'Connell TJ, Jackson LE, Brooks RP. 2000. Bird guilds as indicators of
ecological condition in the central Appalachians. Ecological
Applications 10(6):1706-21.
O'Connor RJ, Jones MT, White D, Hunsaker CT, Loveland T, Jones KB,
Preston EM. 1996. Spatial partitioning of environmental correlates of
avian biodiversity in the conterminous United States. Biodiversity
Letters 3(3):97-110.
O'Connor RJ, Walls TE, Hughes RM. 2000. Using multiple taxonomic groups
to index the ecological condition of lakes. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment 61(2):207-28.
Frank H. McCormick
Research Ecologist
US Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
mccormick.frank@epa.gov
513 569 7097
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 16:31:41 -0500
From: Jason Taylor <Jason@ESA.ORG>
Subject: ESA course syllabus exchange
Greetings,
The Ecological Society of America has revamped it's Course
Syllabi Exchange website. This is a powerful resource for teachers
seeking a variety of materials and activities to assist them in
providing students with a greater understanding of ecology. We
welcome
and encourage faculty to submit their course syllabi.
This website is a combination of two ESA member driven projects by
Bruce W. Grant of Wildener University and Peter Jackson at Duke
University. The original sites can be viewed under the "Links" section
in the left menu bar under Physiological Ecology Syllabi Exchange and
ESA EdWeb Ecology Course Syllabus Exchange.
If you have any suggestions to improve this website, please contact
education@esa.org with your comments.
Jason Taylor
Director of Education
The Ecological Society of America
1400 Spring St., Suite 330
Silver Spring, MD 20910-2749
Phone: 301-588-3873, x311
Fax: 301-588-4693
jason@esa.org
www.esa.org www.ecoed.net
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 13:40:04 -0800
From: Eric E Knapp <eknapp@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Job - Forest ecology/entomology/fire in Sequoia Ntl Park,
CA - MS or PhD required
The USGS Western Ecological Research Center field station in Sequoia
National Park is recruiting for an ecologist with expertise in forest
entomology to fill a temporary position (up to two years) to lead a
research effort on the effect of season of prescribed fire on tree
mortality/ bark beetle dynamics, and the effect of season of prescribed
fire on forest floor macroinvertebrates. Our ideal candidate would have a
PhD (or MS), an interest in forest dynamics relating to insects and fire
and a publication record in this or closely related fields. Information on
the position and how to apply is provided below. The application period
starts March 26 and closes April 8, 2003.
Employment Opportunity
ECOLOGIST (Entomology)
LOCATION: USGS Biological Resources Division
Western Ecological Research Center
Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field Station
Three Rivers, California
SALARY: Beginning at $38,588 per year (GS-9)
DURATION: Temporary position (possibly up to 2 years)
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
§ Participates in implementing forest and fire ecology research in Sequoia
National Park under the national Joint Fire Sciences Research Program
(http://ffs.psw.fs.fed.us/)
· Leads the entomological component of this study, planning and carrying
out research on the effect of season of prescribed burning on bark beetle
dynamics and forest macroinvertebrate populations associated with coarse
woody debris.
· Plans and completes surveys of post-fire bark beetle mortality patterns
on multiple tree species. Conducts surveys of ground macroinvertebrate
species using pitfall trapping methods.
· Oversees collection of field data, sorting and identification of
macroinvertebrate and bark beetle species. Runs statistical analyses to
evaluate associations between macroinvertebrate abundance and forest
habitat variables including vegetation and coarse woody debris. Supervises
up to 3 temporary biological science technicians in the collection of field
and laboratory data.
· Takes the lead on writing results for publication in peer-reviewed
scientific journals.
To apply, go to www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars and look for job announcement
WR-2003-0202 in Tulare County, CA. Opens: 3/26/03; Closes: 4/8/03.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Call Eric Knapp at (559) 565-3175 (
eknapp@usgs.gov) or Anne Pfaff at (559) 565-3172 (ahpfaff@usgs.gov) .
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 20:31:09 -0500
From: Jason Taylor <jason@ESA.ORG>
Subject: Re: ESA course syllabus exchange
I apologize for not including the link in my previous post; it's
http://www.esa.org/education/syllabus/
Jason Taylor
Director of Education
The Ecological Society of America
1400 Spring St., Suite 330
Silver Spring, MD 20910-2749
Phone: 301-588-3873, x311
Fax: 301-588-4693
jason@esa.org
www.esa.org www.ecoed.net
>>> Jason Taylor <Jason@ESA.ORG> 03/25/03 20:07 PM >>>
Greetings,
The Ecological Society of America has revamped it's Course
Syllabi Exchange website. This is a powerful resource for teachers
seeking a variety of materials and activities to assist them in
providing students with a greater understanding of ecology. We
welcome
and encourage faculty to submit their course syllabi.
This website is a combination of two ESA member driven projects by
Bruce W. Grant of Wildener University and Peter Jackson at Duke
University. The original sites can be viewed under the "Links" section
in the left menu bar under Physiological Ecology Syllabi Exchange and
ESA EdWeb Ecology Course Syllabus Exchange.
If you have any suggestions to improve this website, please contact
education@esa.org with your comments.
Jason Taylor
Director of Education
The Ecological Society of America
1400 Spring St., Suite 330
Silver Spring, MD 20910-2749
Phone: 301-588-3873, x311
Fax: 301-588-4693
jason@esa.org
www.esa.org www.ecoed.net
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 24 Mar 2003 to 25 Mar 2003 (#2003-82)
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ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in