Tropical Ecology Field School in Belize 20 June - 06 July 2025 https://edabroad.nau.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11156
This immersive, field-intensive course offers a unique opportunity to learn and apply wildlife sampling techniques in two of Belize’s most ecologically rich regions: the newly established Maya Forest Corridor and the tropical forest uplands of the Cayo District. Students will dive into the heart of Central America’s tropical ecosystems, studying wildlife corridors, identifying tropical plants, and applying hands-on sampling techniques for birds, small mammals (including bats), primates, crocodiles, and cave-dwelling insects. Participants will also learn how to collect, process, and analyze meteorological and trail camera data from caves. A primary goal of this field school is to first train students as field technicians, and then guide them in applying their skills to collect data as part of an expeditionary team. In addition to developing essential field skills including wildlife identification and sampling, students will gain a deeper understanding concerning how conservation biologists study biodiversity in one of Central America’s most expansively protected countries. Field sites are located in diverse tropical ecosystems ranging from pine savannas and cohune palm ridges to broad-leaf and upland tropical forests, as well as provide the opportunity to explore ancient Maya archaeological sites. Presentations and training sessions will be led by conservation biologists, naturalists, community leaders, and cultural experts, who will share their extensive knowledge and field-based expertise. This fast-paced, physically demanding, and mentally stimulating course will require students to traverse challenging backcountry terrain carrying field packs (20-30 pounds) for distances of up to 5 miles round-trip. All course assignments will focus on the documentation and synthesis of lectures and fieldwork. This will include data collection and analysis, use of smartphone apps for plant and wildlife identification, photo-documentation, and other relevant tasks. By the end of this course, students will have contributed to ongoing research projects and gained a more comprehensive understanding of the scientific, practical, and cultural elements that shape successful biodiversity research and conservation strategies in the Neotropics. This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students not attending Northern Arizona University may take this course for credit. Application deadline: 27 FEB 2025 /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ J. Judson Wynne, Ph.D. Assistant Research Professor Department of Biological Sciences Center for Adaptive Western Landscapes Northern Arizona University Box 5640 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Available from John Hopkins Press: Cave Biodiversity<https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12872/cave-biodiversity> Professional Website<https://jutwynne.com> NAU Cave Ecology Lab<https://nau.edu/biological-sciences/cave-ecology-laboratory/> 928.863.8628 (mobile) /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ /|\^._.^/|\ To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
