March 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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Summer Online Course - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program would like to send notice that registration for our summer online course is open. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. More information about this class can be found here. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). The first day of the semester is Monday May 13th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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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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2019 CRRU field courses in Scotland
by Dr Kevin Robinson 30 Apr '19

30 Apr '19

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IBAC 2019 Conference abstract submission closes soon
by IBAC2019 Conference 29 Mar '19

29 Mar '19

IBAC 2019 CONFERENCE ABSTRACT SUBMISSION CLOSES SOON There are just a few days left to submit your abstract for a poster or oral presentation at the 2019 IBAC conference at http://www.2019.ibac.info/abstracts <http://www.2019.ibac.info/abstracts> SUBMISSION CLOSES 31 MARCH 2019 The International Bioacoustics Conference is turning 50 this year and we will celebrate in style. Join us in Brighton for our conference and enjoy our excellent line up of plenary speakers: Isabelle Charrier, Katharina Riebel, Greg Bryant, Peter Narins, and Arik Kershenbaum! Isabelle Charrier focuses on marine bioacoustics, particularly mammals, and her plenary lecture will present her work on the vocal behaviour of a wide range of marine species. We are also offering a symposium on Underwater acoustics: soundscapes across different scales, chaired by Frédéric Bertucci & Maria Clara P. Amorim. The symposium will review current aquatic and marine bioacoustics research, focusing on interactions between living organisms and between organisms and their environment in relation to the evolution of underwater ecosystems. This will include a talk by Aran Mooney (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA) on Marine soundscapes relative to hearing sensitivity in marine mammals. There will also be presentations on whale song and seal vocalisations. We hope to see you in Brighton in the summer! Dr Holly Root-Gutteridge IBAC2019 Conference Organising Committee #IBAC2019 ibac2019conference(a)gmail.com <mailto:ibac2019conference@gmail.com> http://www.2019.ibac.info/ <http://www.2019.ibac.info/>

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Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine - Intern
by Erin Fitzpatrick-Wacker 29 Mar '19

29 Mar '19

Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine - Intern Apply now: (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/773/gateway/?c=apply&ljobid=49801…) Job no:498016 Position type: Full-time 12-Month Department: 183900 - CVM Pathobiology/Population Med Dep Location: IMMS- Harrison County, MS Categories: Professional Position Open Date: Nov 27 2018 Position Close Date: April 10 2019 Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This 1 year internship will work under the direction of Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU-CVM) faculty and will conduct epidemiological research to address sea turtle and marine mammal stranding and mortality on the Gulf Coast. Under supervision of the MSU-CVM faculty, the intern will participate in necropsy and disease investigation of sea turtles and dolphins, respond to stranding calls from the public, and participate in public outreach and veterinary program teaching. After hours and weekend work is expected. In addition to working with the MSU-CVM veterinarian, the intern will work closely with Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) staff in Gulfport, MS. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must be eligible for employment in the US at the time they apply. MSU-CVM employs only citizens of the US, Canada, and Mexico, and national of the US and aliens authorized to work in the US at the time of commencement of the position. Applicants must be a graduate of AVMA accredited veterinary school and have NAVLE licensure, or they must be a graduate that has completed the ECFVG qualification process. Applicants must have a valid US driver's license. Restricted Clause: Position contingent upon funding availability. Instructions for Applying: All applicants must apply online and attach a resume or email to Dr. Tim Morgan, morgan(a)cvm.msstate.edu<mailto:morgan@cvm.msstate.edu>, Pathobiology and Population Medicine, PO Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population. Erin Fitzpatrick-Wacker Veterinary Technician Stranding and Rehabilitation Specialist Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Center for Marine Education and Research Ocean Adventures www.IMMS.org<http://www.imms.org/> 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503 (228)896-9182 ext. 1764

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RFP - ACS-LA Research Grants - Call for Applications
by ACS-LA.Grants 28 Mar '19

28 Mar '19

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for its 2019 Research Grants The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to established researchers or student researchers attending school in the greater Los Angeles area whose work focuses on marine mammals. 1) The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. John Heyning was a brilliant and prolific scientist. He was Deputy Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he built a collection of marine mammal specimens second only to Smithsonian and where he curated the Masters of the Ocean Realm exhibit that traveled to 22 countries. He was an authority on beaked whales, published the work that separated common dolphins into two separate species, and described the countercurrent heat exchange in whale tongues, among many other accomplishments. John was a strong supporter of ACS and its mission; he served on the organization’s Board of Scientific Advisors and taught the Whalewatch naturalist class for many years. 2) The William F. Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Bill Samaras was a geologist by training but his first love was whales. He taught science at Carson High School for 30 years, helped shape the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium into the institution it is today and led the excavation of a gray whale skeleton during the construction of the Harbor Freeway in San Pedro. Bill was a lifelong supporter of ACS, an organization that he served in many capacities. Guidelines for Research Grants: The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society offers small research grants in support of operating research projects focusing on marine mammals. ACS-LA has a long-standing commitment supporting local research on cetaceans and other marine mammals. The two $1,000 research grants will be awarded to researchers or students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to furthering the understanding of marine mammals in California. Priority will be given to applicants working or attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Eligibility: Applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California OR if Applicant resides outside of California, Applicant’s research focus should be on Marine Mammals in California. Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of Proposal and Research Area of interest including focal species b) Field Research Group Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers and departmental contacts) or Current School, Major, and Name(s) of Supervisor and Department c) Names and contact information of Lead or Principal Investigator (PI), Second PI, and any student participants 2. A one-page CV or Resume for Principal Investigator and Secondary Investigators 3. A 1-2 page narrative (single spaced) describing your research organization or program, details, and justification for your specific research topic including objectives, details on geographical area being investigated, hypotheses, and total project timeline including temporal benchmarks for the work. How will your research contribute to our understanding and/or benefit the species being studied? Is this a species-based effort or a habitat and/or conservation-based study? Please include your estimated 1-year budget and budget justifications. All applications will be reviewed for scientific value and overall conservation benefit. Requirement For Recipients: Recipients of the awards will be asked to present their research sometime in the next year at ACS-LA’s monthly speaker series. Please be prepared to present your work, with visuals, to the ACS-LA community. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 30th April 2019 Awards will be announced by 15th May 2019 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ <http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/> and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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Manatee Internship openings in Southeast Florida
by Beard, Shelby 28 Mar '19

28 Mar '19

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Summer 2019 and one Fall/Winter 2019 internship! Application deadline for Summer 2019 is April 15th and deadline for Fall/Winter 2019 is June 1. Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering two internships: one 3-6 month term for the summer 2019 session and one 6 month term for the Fall/Winter 2019 session. The expected start date for the Summer 2019 internship will be around mid-May and October 1 for the Fall/Winter 2019 internship. Start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically Monday-Friday, 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 preferred. 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… Shelby Beard Biological Scientist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Section 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469 Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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