Nature Travel Specialists

Africa Wildlife Volunteer & Research Travel

SOUTH AFRICA

PHD STUDENTSHIP - Polymorphism in black sparrowhawks Website:
http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/pdf/PhD_Black_Sparrowhawk_polymorph.pdf
Location: Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Duration: appointment to made early 2012 – funding available for 3 years. Job description: We invite applications for the above full-time study opportunity at the FitzPatrick Institute, a world-renowned, national Centre of Excellence (CoE) in ornithological research with a strong emphasis on postgraduate studies. Plumage polymorphism, with different plumage morphs occurring in the same age and sex classes of a breeding population, occurs in around 3.5% of bird species and has fascinated evolutionary ecologists for many years.
Polymorphism is common in raptors, with around 30% of species expressing more than one colour morph. The Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus is a polymorphic raptor that exhibits a common light morph and a rarer dark morph. This species has recently colonised the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape of South Africa where we have monitored the population for over 10 years. In this population the frequencies of the morphs are reversed with around 80% being dark morph birds. Throughout most of its traditional range in southern Africa the Black Sparrowhawk breeds in the dry winter months, however in the Western Cape the species breeds during the wet winter months. This PhD will test the hypothesis that there is a selective advantage to being dark in these conditions. The project will seek to understand the origin, adaptive function and maintenance of plumage colour variation in this species through two key components: an ecological study, which will test whether the different morphs have a selective advantage in different habitats or under different climatic conditions, and a molecular study to i) establish the role of the
melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) in the evolution of plumage morphs in Black Sparrowhawks, and ii) to test the alternative hypothesis that plumage polymorphisms are maintained through limited dispersal and genetic drift. To apply: The successful applicant will have an MSc degree in Zoology (or equivalent), relevant ornithological field experience and be available to start in early 2012. Students with a good BSc Honours degree and experience may be considered for registration at MSc level, with the intention to upgrade to PhD level. Funding is secured for an annual R100 000 CoE bursary (R75 000 for MSc) for three years and for project running costs. To apply, please send a CV (including your academic record & names and contact details of three
referees) and a short motivation for why you wish to undertake this research to Hilary Buchanan at hilary.buchanan@uct.ac.za. For more information on the project, please contact: DR ARJUN AMAR (EM:
arjun.amar@uct.ac.za). Closing date: 10 January 2012.

KENYA

COST-SHARE VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Life Net Avian Conservation Project - Maasai Birds, Kenya, 12-25 February 2012. Life Net conserves avian communities and biodiversity by increasing economic security for families in tropical nations. Join Life Net conservation biologists, Dr.
Dusti Becker & Dr. Anthony Povilitis in Kenya working with members of a Maasai community to develop a new ecotourism program. We need birders, biologists, educators, interpretive naturalists, and technical expertise
(computers) to design, implement, and market half and full-day "walking/birding safaris" focusing on seeing local birds, other wildlife, and learning about Maasai cultural traditions associated with time in wild nature. A volunteer donation of $1500 (partially tax
deductible) cover meals, lodging, and transport during the project, local staffing, and various other costs to sustain the volunteer and the project from time of departure from Nairobi until return to Nairobi.
Airfare to Nairobi, Kenya is not included. Accommodation will include lodge huts, tents, and home-stays with Maasai families. More details are available by e-mail communication with Dr. Dusti Becker (EM: dbecker AT lifenetnature.org). The expedition begins and ends in Nairobi, Kenya. To
apply: Complete a Life Net application form (available on the volunteer page of http://www.lifenetnature.org), and send resume with a cover letter explaining why you wish to join the project and what you will bring to the effort. Send your application documents to (EM: dbecker AT lifenetnature.org). posted oct 20

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