February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2017. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns will spend the field portion of this internship at our Bimini, Bahamas, research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for approximately 6 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning in late, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-5 weeks at our Port Saint Lucie, Florida (FL) office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning in late May) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve snorkeling and free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the FL office and public transportation is limited in this area; therefore, all interns should have their own transportation while in FL. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Florida. There is a $1,100.00 fee that will cover housing in the field (on-island transportation not needed). Room, board and transportation while in Florida are the responsibility of the intern. Although assistance in finding housing may be available, the ability to find suitable housing in Florida is ultimately the interns’ responsibility. We recommend all applicants complete a preliminary housing search in advance of submitting their applications. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions . Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 28 February 2017. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates in early March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scienti…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3: 245-251. DOI: 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life 2019 conference announcement
by Christine Erbe 04 Feb '19

04 Feb '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the Fifth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life (AN2019), which will take place during the week of 7-12 July, 2019, in Den Haag, The Netherlands. The conference will follow from, and build upon, the earlier meetings, the most recent of which took place in Dublin in 2016. We are very excited about the location and the venue. The meeting will be held at the Grand Hotel Kurhaus of Scheveningen, a building dating back to 1884. The hotel presents itself with grandeur and flair. It is right at the sea with a wonderful beach. The boardwalk features numerous restaurants and cafes. The venue is easily reached from Amsterdam. It provides exceptional accommodation, meeting rooms, and places for informal discussions. At this point we are in the early planning stages and it will be very helpful for us to have some sense of interest in the meeting from potential participants. Therefore, we have set up a short online survey to get your thoughts on the meeting and to keep a list of interested participants so that we can keep you informed of major progress in planning. In addition, please share the link with others who might be interested in attending the meeting: https://goo.gl/xY6BKr <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/rNKaBXU9D2o6Uz?domain=goo.gl> We have also begun to develop the conference website: http://www.an-2019.org <http://www.an-2019.org/> Please visit the web site regularly so you will be aware of important information about the meeting. Also, both Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AquaticNoise2019/ <https://www.facebook.com/AquaticNoise2019/>) and Twitter (@AquaticNoise) have been set up, so please follow us for updates. Over the coming months, we will set up our Technical Advisory Board, raise funds, and develop a tentative program. We will be announcing calls for papers as well as how to sign up to attend the meeting and make hotel reservations. We are hoping to have sufficient funding to provide some support to students and younger colleagues, and so if anyone knows of (or controls) funding opportunities please contact Christine Erbe or Joe Sisneros. Stay tuned and we’re looking forward to welcoming you to another outstanding meeting on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life in July, 2019. And, of course, if you have any questions and/or suggestions about AN2019, please contact any of the organizers. Christine Erbe, c.erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Tony Hawkins, a.hawkins(a)btconnect.com Paul Lepper, P.A.Lepper(a)lboro.ac.uk Art Popper, apopper(a)umd.edu Joe Sisneros, sisneros(a)uw.edu Frank Thomsen, frth(a)dhigroup.com

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Aquatic Mammals photos for VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia website and educational use
by miamorete＠viva.bio.br 28 Feb '18

28 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM members, Subject: Aquatic Mammals photos for our website and educational use. _VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia_ is an independent Brazilian organization which aims to contribute to the preservation of aquatic mammals and their habitats in an ethical and responsible manner, researching and fomenting research, supporting students and young researchers, teaching and disseminating scientific information, raising awareness and sensitizing human beings, showing the problems and challenges that these animals face, seeking ways to protect them and keep them on the Planet. Very soon our website (still under construction: vivabaleiasgolfinhosecia.bio.br) will be "online" and we need photos of all aquatic mammals species. These images will be used only for noncommercial use, just for educational purposes: in our website in order to illustrate the species technical report ("EspécieVIVA"), in schools and conferences talks, at Facebook and Instagram´s posts related to the species. We will ALWAYS show the image´s credit: person´s name and Institution´s name. If you would like to contribute with your photos, please contact us at: miamorete(a)viva.bio.br until March 15th 2018. Thank you very much Mia Morete -- __ _"Todos os seres nascem iguais perante a vida e têm o mesmo direito a existência"_ #VIVAsemLixo #CativeiroéCrueldade #VIVAOceanoVIVO #StopTaiji #ReduzeReuseRecicle

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FWC Manatee Internship availability
by Howell, Amber 28 Feb '18

28 Feb '18

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for Summer 2018 Internship. Application deadline is Friday March 16th. Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship for summer 2018 session. The expected start date for the internship is May 14th and will last through August 10th. Start date and duration of the internship is flexible. Working hours are typically Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. The position is located in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A résumé describing training and experience * A list of three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships-volunteers/se-fl-int… Amber Howell Research Associate - Marine Mammals Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Section 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469 561-398-5914 Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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New Publication: A review of humpback whale research in the West Indies.
by Amy Kennedy - NOAA Affiliate 27 Feb '18

27 Feb '18

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new open-access publication: Kennedy, Amy S. and Clapham, Phillip J. 2018. From Whaling to Tagging: The Evolution of North Atlantic Humpback Whale Research in the West Indies. Marine Fisheries Review 79(2); 23-37. Open-access paper: https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/content/mfr/whaling-tagging-evolution-north-atlan… ABSTRACT—North Atlantic humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, migrate from summer feeding grounds across the temperate and high latitudes to breeding grounds in the West Indies each winter. Humpbacks over-wintering near the Antillean islands comprise one of the most intensely studied populations of large whales in the world. Since scientific research began there in the late 1960’s, researchers have worked to describe humpback distribution, abundance, and behavior in this major North Atlantic breeding ground. The progression and advancement of research techniques used in this region are largely representative of humpback studies worldwide. While decades of line-transect, photographic identification, acoustic, and genetic research have given us a good understanding of the occurrence and distribution of humpbacks in much of the West Indies, gaps in our knowledge still exist. This review describes the humpback whale research methods used throughout the West Indies that have evolved over time, from whaling data collection to modern day satellite telemetry, and summarizes the resultant knowledge regarding humpback distribution, abundance, and behavior. For conservation efforts within marine sanctuaries to effectively safe-guard the popula- tion, increased multi-national research and collaboration is needed to protect the North Atlantic humpback population from threats encountered throughout its entire life cycle. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments. Cheers, Amy Kennedy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amy S. Kennedy, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Biologist Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean University of Washington and The Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE. Seattle, WA 98115 tel. (206) 526-4141 fax (206) 526-6615 -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amy S. Kennedy, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Biologist Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean University of Washington and The Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE. Seattle, WA 98115 tel. (206) 526-4141 fax (206) 526-6615

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New paper: Current global risks to marine mammals: taking stock of the threats
by Isabel Cristina Ávila Jiménez 27 Feb '18

27 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication about threats to marine mammals worldwide in Biological Conservation. Avila, I.C., K. Kaschner & C.F. Dormann. 2018. Current global risks to marine mammals: taking stock of the threats. Biological Conservation 221: 44-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.02.021 Abstract: Marine mammals are impacted by many anthropogenic activities and mitigating these impacts requires knowledge about the geographic occurrence of threats. Here, we systematically reviewed, categorized and geo-referenced information from >1780 publications about threats affecting 121 marine mammal species worldwide between 1991-2016. We created risk maps by assigning threat to countries where they had been reported, further refining spatial allocation to specific ocean basins and Longhurst biogeographical provinces and subsequent intersection with mapped species’ distributions. We superimposed risk maps for different taxa and threats to visualize geographic patterns of risks and quantify risk severity with respect to number of species affected. Almost all marine mammal species have been reported to face at least one threat. Incidental catch affected the most species (112 species), followed by pollution (99 species), direct harvesting (89 species) and traffic-related impacts (86 species). Direct human activities, mainly fisheries, urban development, whaling/hunting and tourism were the major source of threats affecting most species (>60 species). Risk areas were identified for 51% of marine mammal core habitat. Besides, the majority of local marine mammal communities are at high-risk in 47% of world coastal-waters. Hotspots were located mainly in temperate and polar coastal waters and in enclosed seas such as the Mediterranean or Baltic Sea. However, risk areas differed by threat types and taxa. Our maps show that human activities in coastal waters worldwide impose previously unrecognized levels of cumulative risk for most of marine mammal species, and provide a spatially explicit frame of reference for the assessment of mammals’ species conservation status. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you request a pdf copy. Best wishes, Isabel Avila -- Isabel Cristina Avila Biologist M.Sc., PhD(c) <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Libre de virus. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Journal Indices and Special Issue Announcement
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 26 Feb '18

26 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM readers, We are please to announce that author and key word indices for ALL past issues of Aquatic Mammals Journal are available as free PDFs from our web site. The indices are presented in batches (Volumes 1 - 15, 16-30, 31 - 40, 41, 42, 43). All Index PDFs can be found under the Issues menu of the journal web site, specifically on the “Journal Indices" page. (A direct link to that page is: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=arti…) Additionally, the next issue of Aquatic Mammals (44.2) is a Special Issue on Animal Welfare. This issue (44.2) will be published online officially on March 15, 2018. The PDF articles in this special issue will be available online from the journal web site at no cost. Print copies of the issue will also be available to subscribers or for a fee to non-subscribers. Look for our announcement in about two weeks for the Special Issue availability! Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org

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COURSE Network analysis (food webs) for ecologists using R (NTWA02)
by Oliver Hooker 26 Feb '18

26 Feb '18

Network analysis for ecologists using R (NTWA02) www.prstatistics.com/course/network-analysis-for-ecologists-using-r-ntwa02/ This course will be delivered b Dr Marco Scotti in Glasgow from the 9th - 13th April 2018 This course will cover in food web analysis using a network approach with a strong emphasis on marine life and is therefore relevant to many people studying feeding habits of marine mammals. Course overview: The first graphical representation of a food web dates back to 1880, with the pioneering works of Lorenzo Camerano. Since then, research on ecological networks has further developed and ecology is one of the fields that contributed the most to the growth of network science. Nowadays, ecologists routinely apply network analysis with a diverse set of objectives that range from studying the stability of ecological communities to quantifying energy flows in ecosystems. The course is intended to provide the participants theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the study of food webs. First, lessons and exercises will introduce basic principles of network theory. Second, ecological examples will be focused on binary food webs, networks depicting who eats whom in ecosystems. Algorithms quantifying either global food web properties or single species features within the trophic network will be introduced. Third, we will study how the architecture of the food webs can be used to investigate robustness to biodiversity loss, thus helping to predict cascading extinction events. Fourth, ecosystem network analysis (ENA), a suite of matrix manipulation routines for the study of energy/matter circulation in ecosystems, will be presented. Then, we will apply the qualitative algorithm of loop analysis to describe how the impacts of perturbations (e.g. overfishing, species invasion and global warming) may propagate through food web structure. Finally, we will learn how to visualize food web graphs to illustrate their features in an intuitive and fancy way. Monday 9th – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 1: Introduction to graph theory and network science. Basic terminology for learning the language of networks: from nodes and links to degree distribution. Three types of mathematical graphs and their properties: random networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks. Tuesday 10th – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 2: The use of graph theory in ecology: (1) networks representing various interactions in ecological communities (e.g., predator-prey and plant-pollinator networks); (2) networks illustrating interactions at different hierarchical levels (e.g., social networks at the population level and species dispersal in the landscape graph). Who eats whom in ecosystems and at which rate? Binary and weighted food web networks. Quantitative descriptors of food web networks (e.g., fraction of basal, intermediate and top species, connectance and link density). Wednesday 11th – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 3: The structural properties of food web networks. Biodiversity loss and food web network robustness. How to predict secondary extinctions using the information embedded in the network structure of the food webs. The relevance of bipartite networks in ecology for the description of various interaction types (e.g., plant-pollinator and plant-seed disperser relationships). Thursday 12th – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 4: Ecosystem network analysis (ENA): basic principles and algorithms. Trophic considerations: the effective trophic position of species in acyclic food webs. Finn cycling index and the amount of cycling in ecosystems. Loop analysis: basic principles and its use for modelling signed digraphs. Application of the qualitative algorithm of loop analysis to predict how food web interactions can mediate ecosystem responses to perturbations. Friday 13th – Classes from 09:00 to 16:00 Module 5: Can network analysis help to better understand possible consequences of global warming on ecological communities? Network visualization with R: how to change the layout of graphs illustrating food web interactions and bipartite networks. Email oliverhooker(a)statistics.com with any questions. Check our sister sites www.PRstatistics.com (ecology and life sciences) www.PRinformatics.com (bioinformatics and data science) www.PSstatistics (behaviour and cognition) Upcoming courses below -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. February 19th – 23rd 2018 MOVEMENT ECOLOGY (MOVE01) Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Dr Luca Borger, Dr Ronny Wilson, Dr Jonathan Potts www.prstatistics.com/course/movement-ecology-move01/ 2. February 19th – 23rd 2018 GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS USING R (GMMR01) Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Prof. Dean Adams, Prof. Michael Collyer, Dr. Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou http://www.prstatistics.com/course/geometric-morphometrics-using-r-gmmr01/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. March 5th - 9th 2018 SPATIAL PRIORITIZATION USING MARXAN (MRXN01) Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Jennifer McGowan www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-marxan-mrxn01/ 4. March 12th - 16th 2018 ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING USING R (ENMR02) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Neftali Sillero http://www.prstatistics.com/course/ecological-niche-modelling-using-r-enmr0… 5. March 19th – 23rd 2018 BEHAVIOURAL DATA ANALYSIS USING MAXIMUM LIKLIHOOD IN R (BDML01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr William Hoppitt http://www.psstatistics.com/course/behavioural-data-analysis-using-maximum-… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. April 9th – 13th 2018 NETWORK ANAYLSIS FOR ECOLOGISTS USING R (NTWA02 Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Marco Scotti www.prstatistics.com/course/network-analysis-ecologists-ntwa02/ 7. April 16th – 20th 2018 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL MODELLING FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS USING R (IPSY01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Dale Barr, Dr Luc Bussierre http://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-statistics-using-r-for-p… 8. April 23rd – 27th 2018 MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES USING THE VEGAN PACKAGE (VGNR01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Peter Solymos, Dr. Guillaume Blanchet www.prstatistics.com/course/multivariate-analysis-of-ecological-communities… 9. April 30th – 4th May 2018 QUANTITATIVE GEOGRAPHIC ECOLOGY: MODELING GENOMES, NICHES, AND COMMUNITIES (QGER01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Dan Warren, Dr. Matt Fitzpatrick www.prstatistics.com/course/quantitative-geographic-ecology-using-r-modelli… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. May 7th – 11th 2018 ADVANCES IN MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (MVSP02) CANADA (QUEBEC), Prof. Pierre Legendre, Dr. Guillaume Blanchet www.prstatistics.com/course/advances-in-spatial-analysis-of-multivariate-ec… 11. May 14th - 18th 2018 INTRODUCTION TO MIXED (HIERARCHICAL) MODELS FOR BIOLOGISTS (IMBR01) CANADA (QUEBEC), Prof Subhash Lele www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-mixed-hierarchical-models-for-b… 12. May 21st - 25th 2018 INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (IPYB05) SCENE, Scotland, Dr. Martin Jones http://www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-python-for-biologists-i… 13. May 21st - 25th 2018 INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENISNG AND GIS FOR ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS (IRMS01) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof. Duccio Rocchini, Dr. Luca Delucchi www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-remote-sensing-and-gis-for-eco… 14. May 28th – 31st 2018 STABLE ISOTOPE MIXING MODELS USING SIAR, SIBER AND MIXSIAR (SIMM04) CANADA (QUEBEC) Dr. Andrew Parnell, Dr. Andrew Jackson www.prstatistics.com/course/stable-isotope-mixing-models-using-r-simm04/ 15. May 28th – June 1st 2018 ADVANCED PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (APYB02) SCENE, Scotland, Dr. Martin Jones www.prinformatics.com/course/advanced-python-biologists-apyb02/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16. June 12th - 15th 2018 SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELLING (DBMR01) Myuna Bay sport and recreation, Australia, Prof. Jane Elith, Dr. Gurutzeta Guillera www.prstatistics.com/course/species-distribution-models-using-r-sdmr01/ 17. June 18th – 22nd 2018 STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGISTS USING R (SEMR02) Myuna Bay sport and recreation, Australia, Dr. Jon Lefcheck www.prstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-for-ecologists-an… 18. June 25th – 29th 2018 SPECIES DISTRIBUTION/OCCUPANCY MODELLING USING R (OCCU01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Darryl McKenzie www.prstatistics.com/course/species-distributionoccupancy-modelling-using-r… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19. July 2nd - 5th 2018 SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS FOR BEHAVIOURAL SCIENTISTS USING R (SNAR01) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof James Curley http://www.psstatistics.com/course/social-network-analysis-for-behavioral-s… 20. July 8th – 12th 2018 MODEL BASE MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ABUNDANCE DATA USING R (MBMV02) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof David Warton www.prstatistics.com/course/model-base-multivariate-analysis-of-abundance-d… 21. July 16th – 20th 2018 PRECISION MEDICINE BIOINFORMATICS: FROM RAW GENOME AND TRANSCRIPTOME DATA TO CLINICAL INTERPRETATION (PMBI01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Malachi Griffith, Dr. Obi Griffith www.prinformatics.com/course/precision-medicine-bioinformatics-from-raw-gen… 22. July 23rd – 27th 2018 EUKARYOTIC METABARCODING (EUKB01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Owen Wangensteen http://www.prinformatics.com/course/eukaryotic-metabarcoding-eukb01/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2017 publications - Ecosystem size predicts eco-morphological variability in post-glacial diversification. Ecology and Evolution. In press. The physiological costs of prey switching reinforce foraging specialization. Journal of animal ecology. prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340

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