February 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper - Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology
by Maddalena Bearzi 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Contributions of Zoology entitled " Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology " co-authored by myself and Craig B. Stanford. Abstract Dolphins and African apes are distantly related mammalian taxa that exhibit striking convergences in their socioecology. In both cetaceans and African apes, two or more closely related species sometimes occur in sympatry. However, detailed reviews of the ways in which sympatric associations of dolphins and apes are similar have not been done. As fi eld studies of dolphins and apes have accumulated, comparisons of how the two groups avoid direct food competition when in sympatry have become possible. In this paper we review sympatric ecology among dolphins and African apes, and examine convergences in species-associations in each taxa. We review evidence for hypotheses that seek to explain avoidance of food competition, and consider whether ape-dolphin similarities in this area may be related to the way in which social groups in both taxa optimally exploit their food resources. For a free PDF copy please visit: http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz;idno=7604a03 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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Wayward whale euthanized after becoming stranded
by Fábio Picinato 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Wayward whale euthanized after becoming stranded Rescuers tend to the stranded whale Sat, 28 Feb 2009 6:22p.m. There has been a sad ending to the story about a whale languishing in the waters off Whangaparoa Peninsula north of Auckland. The Department of Conservation and Project Jonah have been observing the rare gray's beaked whale for about three weeks. But today, despite the efforts of up to 100 volunteers to save it, the decision was made that the whale's condition had deteriorated to the extent that it should be euthanized. The young whale was first spotted earlier this week between Red Beach and Stanmore Bay and was initially mistaken for a dolphin. The gray's beaked whale usually hunt squid deep in the ocean, and it is unusual for them to be seen close to shore unless they are dead or dying. http://www.3news.co.nz/Wayward-whale-euthanized-after-becoming-stranded/tab… Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com

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TIME-SENSITIVE: Defenders of Wildlife Marine/Terrestrial Carnivore Conference Call for Themed Session Proposals _Due March 13
by Jim Curland 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

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phd course in bioacoustics
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Dear All, The graduate school SNAK in Denmark is now again offering its international ph.d. course "Animal communication" august 10-20 2009. The 10 day course has special focus on how to design bioacoustic experiments, and on methodology and analysis. Topics covered include hydrophone&microphone calibration, arrays, hearing and sound production, sound propagation, noise, ABR, psychophysics, signal processing, biosonars and communication. The class will be given by resident and international experts in underwater and terrestrial bioacoustics. For more information see http://www.snak.biology.sdu.dk/Courses/Opslag-Summer%20School%202009.doc To apply, please see http://www.snak.biology.sdu.dk/Courses/How%20to%20apply.pdf Application deadline is April 1. On behalf of SNAK and the organizers Peter T. Madsen

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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Virology
by Daniel K. Odell 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Virology Location: San Diego, California Salary Range: $35,000 - $42,000 per year (plus benefits) Application Deadline: 15 April 2009 Program Description: Our laboratory consists of a group of veterinarians and molecular biologists with an interest in marine mammal health. The lab has facilities at both the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI, San Diego, CA) and the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL). The position is in the HSWRI laboratory in San Diego. We work in close collaboration with SeaWorld Adventure Parks, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program and Columbia University on various aspects of viral diseases of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. The mission of our lab is to discover novel viruses and explore the veterinary relevance of newly discovered viruses via extensive disease investigations using multiple managed and free-ranging marine mammal populations. Recent pathogen assessments include, but are not limited to poxviruses of seals, sea lions and dolphins, dolphin parainfluenzavirus type 1, San Miguel sea lion virus, dolphin enterovirus, and herpesviruses of whales and dolphins. Job Summary: The successful candidate will work under the supervision of an HSWRI Research Biologist, and two Principal Investigators. The purpose of this position will be to participate in all aspects of the detection and genetic characterization of novel viruses. Specifically, the post-doc will be involved in processing of clinical samples, the screening of clinical samples using electron microscopy, specific and degenerate PCR, 454 pyrosequencing and panviral microarray. The post-doc will participate in the preparation for manuscripts on virus characterizations. The appointment will initially be for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Qualifications: The candidate should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field granted within the past 5 years. Previous experience with the genetic characterization of organisms, especially viruses, and a thorough understanding of molecular characterization techniques is required. Required skills include direct sequencing, sequence editing, sequence analysis, and primer design. Experience with cloning, phylogenetic analysis and preparation of samples for microarray is preferred. Application Materials and Contact information: Please send curriculum vitae and a 2 page letter of intent with a description of research accomplishments and interests, relevant experience, along with the names and telephone numbers of three references to: Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 92109. Application materials and questions may be submitted electronically to: HR(a)hswri.org. Applicants should indicate a preferred start date. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Belize Field Course: Early Registration Extended Until March 10th
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 27 Feb '09

27 Feb '09

The $100 discount for early registrations has been extended until March 10th! Ecology, Behavior & Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins A Unique Field Course in the Drowned Cayes, Belize May 30 - June 12, 2009 Register Early - space is limited to 24 students! Instructors: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2 and Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.1 1Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University 2President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Want to be a Marine Mammal Biologist? Want to be a Behavioral Ecologist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of Animal Behavior, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins in Belize! Become totally immersed into island living, behavioral ecology and marine biology through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. Get out of the classroom! You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. This unique course has a work load equivalent to 4 university credit hours and is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~4 hours per day), project development (~1 hours per day) and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hours per day). Want credit towards your degree? No problem! Sign up for independent study with an advisor at your school and pay the appropriate fees directly to your school. The course has 70 contact hours and is comparable to a 4 credit university course. Have you advisor contact Dr. Self-Sullivan (cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu) to discuss the requirements for credit. Remember, if you are interested in getting independent study credit for this course at your school, you must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and the course instructor. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any Study Abroad requirements at your school. For more information start here: http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2009.html Credit: The course is hosted by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center as a non-credit course. The lecture and field lab hours are equivalent of a 4-credit hour academic course; instructor will work with your academic advisor if credit is desired. Location: Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge http://www.belizeadventurelodge.com; extra-curricular activities include snorkeling/diving on the reef, and exploring an ancient Maya City. Your Share of Costs: $2595 includes course materials, housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfers fees DOES NOT include airfare, insurance, tips, or credit hours; students are required to have in place or purchase travel insurance equivalent to DAN Insurance, which costs $99/year. REGISTER BY MARCH 1ST AND SAVE $100! SEE REGISTRATION FORM (http://sirenian.org/RegistrationForm2009.pdf) FOR DETAILS. Early Registration Extended until March 10th! Instructor Links: Caryn Self-Sullivan <http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html> , Ph.D. (http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html) and Bruce A. Schulte <http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/bio-home/schulte/schulte-home.html> , Ph.D. (http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/bio-home/schulte/schulte-home.html) Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D. Department of Biology 202 Georgia Avenue, P. O. Box 8042 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8042 Email: cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu Office: Biology 2202B Phone: 912-478-7164 Fax: 912.478.0845 http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu Sirenian International, Inc. 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org Mobile: +1.540.287.8207 Personal Fax: +1.540.242.9196 http://www.sirenian.org ================================== The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

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Gray's beaked whale, Auckland, NZ
by William Rossiter 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10558800 NZ Herald, Thursday Feb 26, 2009 Rare whale visit at Auckland beach By Eloise Gibson <http://www.nzherald.co.nz/eloise-gibson/news/headlines.cfm?a_id=366> An almost unheard-of visit from an elusive beaked whale has conservationists torn between rejoicing about the rare guest and fretting for its safety. A gray's beaked whale has made a temporary home in the shallow waters off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, confounding experts who say the deep-sea, squid-hunting whales are almost never seen near shore unless they are dead or dying. Conservationists from the whale protection group Project Jonah and the Department of Conservation have no idea why the whale has decided to hang around in the shallows north of Auckland. They are keen to study it but fear too many curious onlookers could drive the visitor in to shore. Te Papa marine mammal specialist Anton van Helden said yesterday that he had studied beaked whales for 20 years and never seen one alive. "This is the first record that I know of of an animal frequenting a fairly shallow coastal beach for any period of time." Project Jonah chief executive Kimberly Muncaster said the whale appeared to be young and underweight and was far from the deep ocean where it would normally hunt and roam. The 4m-long creature had been mistaken for a dolphin by some locals because of its long beak and dark grey body. "The longer it stays in the area the greater the risk of it becoming injured by passing boats, kayaks and jet skis or stranding," said Ms Muncaster. It is illegal to swim with whales in New Zealand waters and boaties are being reminded to move slowly and stay at least 50m away.

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Marine Wildlife & Conservation Volunteer opportunities in New Quay, Wales
by CBMWC 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

Please post the following advert for volunteers: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Marine Wildlife & Conservation Volunteer opportunities Are you planning a career in the marine environment or conservation? Internships and volunteer positions are available at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Volunteering is a great way to develop skills and gain essential experience! Reliable & enthusiastic people are needed to help with our ongoing research, education and interpretation programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification, and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers & interns to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. It can be a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes. Gain essential skills for a career in the environment or conservation such as developing your fundraising, interpersonal and data processing skills as well as meeting and socialising with people who share your interests. If you have any specific skills or experience such as in website creation, fundraising, the media, DIY skills, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development, please contact us. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. For further information To find out more about the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre and what activities you would be involved in visit www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp. If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Sarah on 01545 560032. Volunteering at CBMWC Desired skills An interest in wildlife and conservation is most important, along with reliability, enthusiasm and willingness to work in a conscientious and responsible manner. As you will be dealing with the public on a daily basis it is also important that you are fluent in speaking English. We welcome people with experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education, however this is not essential. Indeed this is a great opportunity to gain skills in these areas. Good verbal and written communication skills, IT, design and fundraising skills are likewise useful but not essential. Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April until November 2009. We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 weeks (due to training), ideally volunteers would be able to commit longer. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Accommodation and expense arrangements Basic accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx £50 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to get involved Its easy to get involved simply download a simple application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp, complete it and email it to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2009 in your subject line or alternatively post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. We look forward to hearing from you. Postal address: FAO: Sarah Perry Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace New Quay, Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS As seen on: Iolos Welsh Safari, Autumn 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/behindthescenes/pages/newquay.shtml & BBC Natures Calendar Summer 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/summer/coast/cardigan_bay/cardigan_acce ss.shtml ______________________________________________ Sarah Perry Project Manager Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Ffôn/Tel. 01545 560032 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education and research Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg ac ymchwil. ______________________________________________ The contents of this e-mail are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this e-mail in error, please delete it and notify us either by e-mail or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the content of the e-mail.

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New publication on Bottlenose dolphins cooperation
by Amir Perelberg 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

Dear colleagues, A new paper was recently published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology: Perelberg Amir and Schuster Richard. 2009. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) prefer to cooperate when petted: Integrating proximate and ultimate explanations ii. Journal of Comparative Psychology 123(1):45-55. pdf is available on the journal web site: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/com/123/1/45.pdf or upon request: aperelbe(a)cc.huji.ac.il Abstract: Cooperation poses theoretical problems because the behaviors of individuals can benefit others. Evolutionary and game-theory explanations that focus on maximizing one's own material outcomes are usually supported by experimental models with isolated and anonymous subjects. Cooperation in the natural world, however, is often a social act whereby familiar individuals coordinate behaviors for shared outcomes. Social cooperation is also associated with a cooperation bias expressed as a preference for cooperation even when noncooperation is immediately more beneficial. The authors report on evidence for such a bias in a captive group of bottlenose dolphins that voluntarily preferred to receive petting from human guides by using a pairwise coordinated approach, even though this was more difficult, and total petting amount was thereby reduced. To explain why this bias occurs, the authors propose an integrated behavioral-evolutionary approach whereby performance is determined by two kinds of immediate outcomes: material gains and intrinsic affective states associated with cooperating. The latter can provide reinforcement when immediate material gains are reduced, delayed, or absent. Over a lifetime, this proximate mechanism can lead to cooperative relationships whose long-term ultimate consequences can be adaptive. Enjoy, -- Amir Perelberg, PhD Post-doctoral fellow The Department of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology and The Center for the Study of Rationality The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat-Ram Jerusalem 91904, Israel Office: +972-(0)2-6585878 Home: +972-(0)4-9844293 Mobile: +972-(0)50-7548306 Fax: +972-(0)4-9844534

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Visiting Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology
by Pabst, D. Ann 25 Feb '09

25 Feb '09

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) invites applications for a Visiting Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology. The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct research in collaboration with UNCW faculty and students. Research must be complementary to on-going work (http://www.uncw.edu/bio/areas.html) and priority will be given to those applicants working in the field of Marine Biology. This position is a one-year appointment and is available starting September 1, 2009. The position may be renewed for a second year. Candidates are expected to have completed a Ph.D. by August 2009. To apply, complete the online application available at http://consensus.uncw.edu<http://consensus.uncw.edu/> by electronically submitting a letter of interest that includes a statement of research interests and potential collaborators at UNCW, and curriculum vitae with contact information for three professional references. Also have a letter of support from the UNCW faculty member with whom you would work sent separately to Dr. D. Ann Pabst, Search Chair, pabsta(a)uncw.edu<mailto:pabsta@uncw.edu>; 910-962-7266. For questions about the online application process, contact Ms. Tracie Chadwick (chadwickt(a)uncw.edu<mailto:chadwickt@uncw.edu>; 910-962-3536). Review of applications will begin 15 March 2009. UNCW is committed to promoting diversity in education and we actively foster a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment. UNCW is an equal opportunity employer, so qualified men and women from all racial, ethnic, or other minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. D. Ann Pabst Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone: 910-962-7266 Fax: 910-962-4066 pabsta(a)uncw.edu<mailto:pabsta@uncw.edu>

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