November 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SMM- New England Student Chapter Luncheon
by Johnny Wise 26 Nov '11

26 Nov '11

For any SMM members in the New England area: You are invited to join us for a group lunch to discuss our plans for the upcoming year. We are a newly formed chapter, and are eager to connect with other students/faculty in the New England area. Tues, Nov 29 at Five Guys next to the conference center from 12:15pm until 1pm. (777 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL) John Wise, Jr.

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2012
by Danielle Gibas 25 Nov '11

25 Nov '11

The <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2012 This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the "Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project" and coordinating the project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. Start Date: April 2nd 2011 End Date: October 28th 2011 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: * Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers - in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota. * Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry and more. * Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. * Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer - research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicants' interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are beneficial. The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in Access and/or GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication. This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting any relevant experience you have to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st January 2012. Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 24th February 2012. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: * Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys * Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. * Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. * Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.

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Volunters/interns needed for humpback whale survey, Guadeloupe, France
by manuela voisine 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Hi, The NGO Association Stenella is looking for volunteers/interns to participate to a land-based survey on humpback whale in Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe, a french territory in the caribbean. The project will take place between january and mai 2012. The volunteer will assist the researcher in the daily observations from an elevated platform. No accommodation or compensation can be offered for now. Skills needed : Good observation capacity at sea Able to support hard field condition for a long period (sun, warm temperature, etc.) Meticulous Speaking french, english or spanish Be available at least 3 days a week Any valuable experience will be considered Students and non-students are welcome. Communicate with Bruno Proulx for more information or to send your resume. Tank you Bruno Proulx Responsable of scientifics activities Association Stenella stenella.asso(a)hotmail.fr

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2012 marine research volunteer opportunity, Wales, UK
by CBMWC 24 Nov '11

24 Nov '11

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Bottlenose dolphin research assistant volunteers Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteer visitor centre and bottlenose dolphin research assistants for the 2012 season (March to November). The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through research and education. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Volunteer positions are available for specific dates from 28th March through to 6th November 2012 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. Learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Contribute to long running studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance research and photo-identification studies. We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need field work (including boat) support and office space to conduct their research projects. Dedicated boat time can be made available. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers 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 full training in species identification, data collection/entry and visitor centre operation is provided. Position description Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council * Boat-based surveys * Data entry and checking * Updating sightings information * Beach cleans * Educational activities with children and the general public Please note that boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time carrying out data entry and visitor centre work. You will be expected to work up to 8 hours a day, six days a week. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. As such, if you are only looking to gain field experience, this is not the opportunity for you. Essential skills * An interest in wildlife and conservation * Positive, reliable, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work as part of a small team * Self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Excellent communication skills and confidence in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English * Willingness to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes Desirable skills * Research and surveying experience * Experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education * IT, design, videography (own equipment necessary) and fundraising skills Time commitment Volunteers are needed in blocks from March 28th until 6th November 2012. Priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block and we encourage applications from volunteers who would like to join the team for the majority of (or entire) season and would like gain additional experience in photo-ID, volunteer training and coordination. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Volunteering dates 2012 * Block A: 28th March to 24th April (4 weeks) * Block B: 25th April to 22nd May (4 weeks) * Block C: 23rd May to 3rd July (8 weeks) * Block D: 4th July to 11th September (10 weeks) * Block E: 12th September to 6th November (8 weeks) Volunteer fee An administration fee of £35 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and expense arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including fuel bills. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to apply Its easy to get involved - simply download an application form from our website http://www.cbmwc.org/?page_id=455 complete it and email it to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2012 in your subject line. Electronic applications are preferred but you can print and post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. The closing date for applications is Friday 10th February 2012 Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales For further information Visit www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560224 __________________________________________________________________ Support our research - adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Raise money for CBMWC with each internet search you do - it doesn't cost you a penny http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/cbmwc Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC 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, interpretation and research Helpu i warchod bywyd gwyllt morol Bae Ceredigion drwy addysg ac ymchwil __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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Abstract: Can Genetic Differences Explain Vocal Dialect Variation in Sperm Whales
by Luke Rendell 23 Nov '11

23 Nov '11

Colleagues, The paper below appeared online recently. For those with journal access, it can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/25v60uu35j5369r1/ Otherwise I can send you a pdf if you email me (ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) Cheers, Luke Can Genetic Differences Explain Vocal Dialect Variation in Sperm Whales, Physetermacrocephalus? Luke Rendell, Sarah L. Mesnick, Merel L. Dalebout, Jessica Burtenshaw and Hal Whitehead BEHAVIOR GENETICS DOI: 10.1007/s10519-011-9513-y Abstract Sperm whale social groups can be assigned to vocal clans based on their production of codas, short stereotyped patterns of clicks. It is currently unclear whether genetic variation could account for these behavioural differences. We studied mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation among sympatric vocal clans in the Pacific Ocean, using sequences extracted from sloughed skin samples. We sampled 194 individuals from 30 social groups belonging to one of three vocal clans. As in previous studies of sperm whales, mtDNA control region diversity was low (π = 0.003), with just 14 haplotypes present in our sample. Both hierarchical AMOVAs and partial Mantel tests showed that vocal clan was a more important factor in matrilineal population genetic structure than geography, even though our sampling spanned thousands of kilometres. The variance component attributed to vocal dialects (7.7%) was an order of magnitude higher than those previously reported in birds, while the variance component attributed to geographic area was negligible. Despite this, the two most common haplotypes were present in significant quantities in each clan, meaning that variation in the control region cannot account for behavioural variation between clans, and instead parallels the situation in humans where parent-offspring transmission of language variation has resulted in correlations with neutral genes. Our results also raise questions for the management of sperm whale populations, which has traditionally been based on dividing populations into geographic ‘stocks’, suggesting that culturally-defined vocal clans may be more appropriate management units. Keywords Sperm whale – Vocal dialect – Cultural transmission – Genetic population structure -- Dr. Luke Rendell Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4.htm School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Bute Medical Building, Westburn Lane, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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Field Course in Cetacean Ecology in Bimini, The Bahamas
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 23 Nov '11

23 Nov '11

Sacred Heart University and the Dolphin Communication Project Field Course in Cetacean Ecology in Bimini, The Bahamas Summer 2012: May 21 - 29 Online through Sacred Heart University May 30 - June 11 At the Bimini field site June 12 - 18 Online through Sacred Heart University Course: Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) or Special Topics in Biology (3 Credits) Prerequisites: Psychology Majors/Minors - Introduction to Psychology/General Psychology (with C+ or better) Biology Majors/Minors - Animal Behavior (with C+ or better) Undergraduate students majoring/minoring in Psychology or Biology (or a related discipline) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are invited to apply to this program. Instructor: Dr. Deirdre Yeater - Sacred Heart University Psychology Dept. (yeaterd(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:yeaterd@sacredheart.edu> - 203-365-4870) Course Description: This course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Participants in this course will enjoy a real life learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Students will earn three hours of credit while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. Students will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4-5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, students will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, students should apply as soon as possible. All students MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Cost: The cost of the trip will be approximately $4270. This includes program tuition, lodging, food, transportation in Bimini, and boat trips. Airfare and personal expenses are the student's responsibility. Applications: Due January 20, 2012 Access the Study Abroad Website at http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/41483_bimini.cfm for further information and online application. For more information about Dolphin Communication Project please go to the following website: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/. Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Assistant Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Symposium 27th November: Genetic monitoring of marine mammals, Tampa Convention Center
by Jennifer Jackson 22 Nov '11

22 Nov '11

Dear all, A one day symposium on the genetic monitoring of marine mammals will be held at the Tampa Convention Center on Sunday prior to the marine mammal Biennial. We have a great range of speakers and look forward to a lively panel debate at the end of it. Please contact me: jacksonjennifera(a)gmail.com if you wish to register for this meeting. The cost is $30. For those who are interested, some more detail on the genetic monitoring concept is included at the bottom of this email. Hopefully see you in Tampa! Jen AGENDA: 9 am Keynote: Dr Mike Schwartz (head of Wildlife Ecology Research Unit at the USDA Forest Service, also University of Montana) - Genetic monitoring of terrestrial and marine vertebrates: successes and failures of the molecular genetic approach to cost-effective monitoring 9:40 am Dr Diana Weber (New College of Florida, USA) Marching through time: The importance of looking back as we look forward in our efforts to develop genetic monitoring in marine mammals Break 10:40 am Dr Andy Foote (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) - The use of ancient and environmental DNA as a tool for genetic monitoring of marine mammals. 11 am Mia Valtonen (University of Eastern Finland, Finland) Genetic monitoring of a small and isolated seal population 11:20 am Dr Joe Hoffman (University of Bielefeld, Germany) Unravelling pinniped life histories through long term genetic monitoring 11:40 am Rebecca Hamner (Oregon State University) Demographic, genetic and serendipitous findings from the genetic monitoring of the critically endangered Maui's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hector maui) Lunch 2 pm Dr Karina Acevedo Whitehouse (Center for Basic and Applied Microbiology, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Mexico, and Institute of Zoology, London) Goo, germs and genes: non-invasive sampling to monitor cetacean populations 2:20 pm Dr Frank Cipriano (San Francisco State University) - Market surveys and genetic monitoring of the whale meat trade 2:40 pm Dr Jennifer Jackson (British Antarctic Survey) – Wrap up and introduction to panel discussion Break 3:40 pm Panel discussion: Dr Mike Schwartz, Dr Phil Morin (Southwest Fisheries Science Center), Dr Frank Cipriano, Dr Karina Acevedo Whitehouse Genetic monitoring of Marine Mammal Populations Genetic monitoring is the practice of using molecular genetic markers to track changes in the abundance, diversity or distribution of populations, species or ecosystems over time,and to follow adaptive genetic changes in response to changing external conditions. In recent years genetic monitoring has become a valuable tool in conservation management, biodiversity monitoring and ecological analysis. Genetic monitoring is used to illuminate and define cryptic and poorly understood species and populations, to detect adaptive change and to inform management policy as a result of detected declines, changes in population structure, distribution and hybridization events through time. It can also provide valuable baseline information to evaluate population responses to future global environmental changes, such as global warming.   Genetic monitoring projects require a time series of archived genetic data, either in the form of specimen tissue, extracted DNA, or records of previously obtained genetic information. Genetic monitoring approaches are particularly useful for marine mammals as many species (i) are rarely encountered (so traditional records are patchy) (ii) cannot be individually identified without the use of genetics (so survival rates cannot be estimated) (iii) are endangered or threatened under IUCN, or (iv) are subject to regular population assessment through IWC, NAMMCO or CCAMLR auspices. There is currently a strong need for routine population monitoring of many species, and for obtaining a better understanding of population processes in others. We will discuss the following topics: A) The use of genetic markers as identifiers of individuals, populations and species for traditional population monitoring purposes. * Survival and abundance trends. At the individual level, genetic identification can enable estimation of population abundance and vital rates within the framework of mark-recapture models. Genetic monitoring approaches have now been used to investigate population demographic processes for a number of marine mammal species. * Identification of parasites or pathogens. Monitoring of cetacean health through sampling and genetic analysis of cetacean blow. * Identification of species. Indirect monitoring of marine mammal species in markets as a means of evaluating adherence to quotas and the extent of cetacean by-catch. * Identification of hybrids. Inter-species hybridization events have recently been detected for a number of Arctic marine mammals, and this could become an increasing problem as sea ice is lost and formerly isolated populations make contact. B) The use of genetic markers to monitor changes in population genetic parameters, e.g., genetic variation and population structure, gene flow, and effective population size * Changes in range and diversity through time, e.g. by using historical or ancient specimens obtained from museums or from the field. * Changes in population structuring through time.

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new paper on cephalic presentation of foetus in a cetacean
by Pavel Gol'din 22 Nov '11

22 Nov '11

Dear colleagues, The following paper was recently published in Vestnik Zoologii: Gol’din, P. E. 2011. Case of cephalic presentation of foetus in a harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena (Cetacea, Phocoenidae), with notes on other aquatic mammals. Vestnik Zoologii, 45 (5): 473-477. DOI 10.2478/v10058-011-0030-5 Abstract: A stranded harbour porpoise pregnant with a near-term foetus in cephalic (head) presentation was found. It is the first time when cephalic presentation, now recorded in three odontocete families, is reported for phocoenids. It proved to occur rarely, yet to be more widespread for aquatic mammals than could be expected. The publication is available online via Versita Publications at: http://versita.metapress.com/content/12q013v488w34r56/?p=588cb2738173463ab3… You are welcome to contact the author at: pavelgoldin412(a)gmail.com Cheers, Pavel Dr Pavel Gol'din Department of Zoology, Taurida National University Simferopol, Ukraine

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Quantitative Ecologist/Statistician (2 PDRA posts available) - University of St Andrews, Scotland
by Catriona Harris 22 Nov '11

22 Nov '11

We would like to advertise the following post-doctoral positions, which will be based at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), University of St Andrews, Scotland: Quantitative Ecologist/Statistician (2 posts available) – Ref SB2276 Description School of Mathematics and Statistics, Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), Salary: £29,972-£35,788 pa, Start: 2 April 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter, Fixed Term: 3 years Details Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) on a new research project to start April 2012. The project entitled MOCHA – “Multi-study OCean acoustics Human effects Analysis” is a large, international collaborative project with the funded posts based within CREEM at the University of St Andrews. The research is funded by the United States Office of Naval Research. There is currently great concern about the impacts of man-made noise in the oceans on marine fauna. Behavioural Response Studies (BRSs) are experiments aimed at directly quantifying the relationship between potential anthropogenic disturbances and their effect on the behaviour of specific marine mammals. The United States Navy is making a substantial investment in BRS studies, aimed at understanding the effect of active sonar on species of concern. Despite the difficulties of conducting such experiments in the field and analysing such complex data, we believe that substantial progress can be made to enhance the inferences drawn from existing and future BRS data. We will achieve this by bringing together researchers undertaking BRS studies and statisticians specializing in the analysis of biological experiments of this kind in a working group format, with dedicated researcher effort between group meetings. We require two post-doctoral researchers to work within this project. You will either be a statistician or ecologist with demonstrable experience in quantitative methods with a PhD in statistics, mathematics, ecology, or a related quantitative discipline. A broad interest or experience in the field of marine mammal biology, animal behaviour or phase 1 clinical trials would be advantageous. Informal enquiries to Dr Catriona Harris, e-mail: catriona(a)mcs.st-and.ac.uk or Dr Len Thomas, e-mail: lt5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk. Further details, including application details, are available from https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/ under reference number SB2276 A direct link to the above page is http://tiny.cc/bpzmu In particular, see the link to "Further Particulars" at the bottom of that page. Closing date for applications is December 22nd. -- Dr Catriona (Stephenson) Harris Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling The Observatory Buchanan Gardens University of St Andrews St Andrews KY16 9LZ Tel: 01334 461831 Fax: 01334 461800 E.mail: catriona(a)mcs.st-and.ac.uk ***Please note change in e.mail address The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Call for papers on giant otters for special issue in LAJAM
by Miriam Marmontel 21 Nov '11

21 Nov '11

Dear Colleagues (apologies for cross postings) We are pleased to announce that the /Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals/ (/LAJAM/) will publish a *Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of the Giant Otter *(/Pteronura brasiliensis/) by the end of 2012. /LAJAM/ is published twice a year by SOLAMAC (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos/Sociedade Latino-Americana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Aquáticos) and SOMEMMA (Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina/Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy). /LAJAM/ publishes articles concerning research, management and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America. Articles on theory or techniques broadly applicable to the study of aquatic mammals are also considered. For this Special Issue we encourage submissions dealing with the distribution, population status, biology and ecology of the giant otter, as well as dealing with human-otter conflicts, population genetics, ex-situ conservation, sampling methods, etc. /LAJAM/ publishes five types of contributed manuscripts: Articles, Notes, Reviews, Comments and Short Communications. Manuscripts must be written in English. All submitted manuscripts will be reviewed by at least two anonymous referees for scientific content. Guest Editors of the special issue are Jessica Groenendijk (Peru), Fernando Trujillo (Colombia), Paul Van Damme (Bolivia) and Miriam Marmontel (Brazil). We invite you to send a letter of interest, including an abstract, to the Lead Guest Editor (Miriam Marmontel <marmontel(a)mamiraua.org.br>) and Fernando Trujillo (Fernando(a)omacha.org) *before the 31 November 2011*. Decision will be communicated by 31 December 2011 and selected authors will be required to _submit final manuscripts by 31 March 2012_. Sincerely, Miriam Marmontel and Fernando Trujillo

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