| Affiliations: | STEM Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Nicole Stevens nstevens@tamu.edu Ecology and Conservation Biology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Lee Fitzgerald, Ph.D. |
| Meeting Times: | TBA |
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Team Size:
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4 |
| Open Spots: | 4 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Field technicians will gain hands-on field research experience in ecology and conservation biology, which will be very valuable for students interested in pursuing a career in wildlife biology. There will be opportunities to work with scientists from a variety of organizations including the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US National Park Service. With continued engagement in the project, interns will also have potential for conference presentations and co-authorship in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
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Team Needs:
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Field work runs from May 20 – July 1, 2023 with additional opportunities for data analysis during fall 2023. Interns should be comfortable with prolonged periods of physical activity in hot weather conditions and daily field activity. Field experience, especially in herpetology or mammalogy, is preferred but not required. This position is unpaid and field technicians will be responsible for airfare, housing, and food costs, though there is potential for a small grant to offset some costs. |
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Description:
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In St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, land-use changes and introduced mammalian predators led to the local extinction of the St. Croix ground lizard, with only a few small populations surviving on tiny offshore cays. In order to reintroduce the lizards across their historic range, we need to learn more about the population dynamics of invasive mammalian predators. This summer, field technicians will assist with daily mammal trapping, especially of invasive mongoose, cats, and rats, at sites across St. Croix, and collect data on the individuals captured. Likely opportunities to survey lizard abundance and distribution. |