dominica. what is operation wallacea? tropical scientific expeditions in 15countries 200+ academics...

DominicaDominica

What is Operation Wallacea?• Tropical scientific expeditions in 15countries

• 200+ academics running more than 120 projects

• Results published in peer-reviewed journals

What is Operation Wallacea?• 30 new vertebrate species to science discovered

• Large temporal and spatial data sets obtained from tuition fee funded model

• Data used to assess the performance of conservation management programmes

Opportunity for worldwide comparative studies

CubaCuba

Global Research and Conservation Strategy• Stage 1 - Assessing ecosystem diversity and function• Stage 2 - Monitoring ecosystem change• Stage 3 - Monitoring socio-economic change• Stage 4 - Establishing & monitoring the effectiveness of conservation

management programmes

Caribbean Islands

Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot

Caribbean Biodiversity

Hotspot

• 11% of original vegetation

• 6550 endemic plants

• 45 endemic birds

•18 endemic mammals

• 143 endemic amphibians

• 38 extinct species

Dominica

Clemson Rainforest Research Centre

Introductory day

• Orientation lecture and health & safety

• Caribbean Island Lectures on

• Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot

• Dominica forests and protected areas

• Survey techniques being used

• Group divided into small teams which circulate with a day on each of the research options

Option 1 – Herpetofauna surveys

Competition between endemic and invasive

Anole

• Anolis oculatus (endemic)

• Anolis cristatellus (invasive)

• Distribution of the invasive anole

•Habitat and niche partitioning

•Competitive interactions

•Thermal preferences of each species

Option 1 – Herpetofauna surveys

Option 2- Bird Mist Netting and Forest structure surveys

Bird mist netting

Forest structure surveys

Option 3 – Invertebrate Species Inventory

Option 4 – Freshwater Ecology

Bat mist netting

Canyoning

i

Canyoning

During your week you will also have the option to complete a half day ‘Canyoning’ course.

This is an optional extra and is run by Extreme Dominica.

If not completing this training course you will complete a hike in one of the more remote areas of the island

• Freshwater Lake

• Boiling Lake

Whale Research and Transfer Day

Week 2 – Fort Shirley, Cabrits

Week 2 - Dive training to Open Water

Week 2 - Caribbean Reef Ecology Course

Week 2 – Referral dive course and Caribbean reef ecology

Week 2 – History and culture of Dominica

Summary

•Week 1 in Clemson University research centre completing Caribbean Island Ecology course and working on forest structure, herpetofauna, electrofishing and invertebrate

•Chance to learn canyoning

• On Sunday learn about whale research and transfer to Fort Shirley

• Week 2 learn to dive or complete Caribbean reef ecology course

Health & Safety

•Training of students in safety procedures

•Risk assessments

•Medical cover

•Communications

•Emergency evacuation plans

•BS8848 compliant

•Medical statistics published each year

• Links toCourse Work, and University Entry

• Relevant practicals and lectures for IB, AP , A level or Highers

• IB – extended essay, CAS, PSOW• Stand alone extended project EPQ • UK universities – University Award or CoPE• US universities – course credit• University applications and interviews

Example research questions

•Why is the Caribbean such an important biodiversity hotspot?

• How are the Caribbean endemic species of parrots faring?

• What problems are being caused by invasive species on Caribbean islands?

• What methods are used to survey river and stream fish communities?

• Social structure and communication in sperm whales

Fundraising support

£1,210 for expedition costs+ International flights and in-country travel

Any questions?

dominica. what is operation wallacea? tropical scientific expeditions in 15countries 200+ academics...

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