On behalf of Prof. David Koons ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Title: Common Eider Population Dynamics – M.S. Position School: Utah State University, Logan, UT Departments: The Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center
http://www.cnr.usu.edu/departments/departments/wild/wild http://www.usu.edu/ecology/ In collaboration with the Hudson Bay Project http://research.amnh.org/~rfr/hbp/ Description of research: Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) populations around the world are declining, raising concern amongst managers, conservation groups, and native communities. Because of global warming and earlier thawing of the Arctic icepack, Polar Bears (Ursus arctos) are now coming to shore earlier than they used to. This will lead to increased predator-prey interactions between bears and eiders, and could increase the frequency of catastrophic egg depredation for coastal eider colonies, as well as decrease survival of nesting females. Although Common Eiders have evolved a bet-hedging life history to cope with some reproductive failure (i.e., they delay first reproduction, live long, and are highly iteroparous), it is not known how increased exposure to polar bears (and potentially other predators) will affect eider populations. The student will monitor Common Eider reproductive biology, as well as predator-prey interactions with Polar Bears and other potential predators, over 2 field seasons near La Pérouse Bay, Manitoba. The objective of this project is to develop a generalized population model for Common Eiders using published data, historical data from the La Pérouse Bay study, and the students own data. The student will then use perturbation analysis to examine how changes in the frequency distribution of reproductive success and breeding-season survival of nesting females affect Common Eider populations. Stipend: Selected applicant must qualify for one of the following fellowships offered by USU to cover two years of research stipend. Tuition costs will also be covered. http://www.usu.edu/graduateschool/financial/fellowships.cfm http://www.cnr.usu.edu/files/uploads/quinney_masters_brochure_2008-2009.pdf Qualifications: Applicants should have a background in Wildlife, Ecology, or related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with waterfowl research and a strong quantitative background. Applicants must meet the requirements for at least one of the fellowships listed above. Application: Applications can be sent via e-mail to Dr. David N. Koons: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applications must include 1) a cover letter describing your research background and interest in the position, 2) your CV, and 3) copies of transcripts and GRE scores. A small pool of applicants will then be asked to apply for the fellowships listed above and provide letters of recommendation. Last Date to Apply: Until position is filled. Preferred starting date is 4 January 2009.
