viernes, 21 de diciembre de 2007

Actualidad: Encontrado el eslabón perdido!


Se sabe que las ballenas, delfines, marsopas y otros cetáceos son descendientes de mamíferos terrestres.

Lo que no se sabía fue cómo hace unos 35 millones de años esos cetáceos perdieron finalmente sus cuatro patas.

Ahora, sin embargo, un equipo internacional de científicos asegura que encontró el eslabón perdido que provocó ese evento genético que convirtió a las ballenas en los más grandes mamíferos marinos.

La respuesta es un pequeño animal parecido a un venado que vivió hace 48 millones de años, dicen los investigadores del Colegio de Medicina de la Universidad Northeastern Ohio, en Estados Unidos.

Los científicos llegaron a esa conclusión tras estudiar restos fosilizados descubiertos en la región de Cachemira en India.

"La vida comenzó en el agua y después pasó a la tierra" dijo a la BBC el profesor Hans Thewissen quien dirigió el estudio. "Eso ocurrió hace unos 300 ó 400 millones de años, pero lo que estudiamos nosotros ocurrió hace unos 50 millones de años, que fue cuando muchos animales pasaron de seres terrestres a seres acuáticos".

Según el investigador, no existen registros de la transición de muchos de estos animales, como los cocodrilos o pingüinos.

Pero el hallazgo de fósiles en India responde a muchas dudas que existían sobre la dramática evolución de las ballenas y su transición desde la tierra al agua.

Tal como afirma el investigador en la revista Nature, el animal, llamado Indohyus no es nada parecido a las ballenas tal como las conocemos, pero sí comparte ciertas características anatómicas.

"Básicamente cada hueso del cuerpo de una ballena sugiere que alguna vez fueron animales terrestres", afirma Thewissen.

Los dientes del Indohyus, señala el científico, sugieren que la criatura prefería comer plantas y no pescado, lo que indica que era principalmente terrestre y sólo se sumergía en el agua para escapar de sus depredadores.

"Era un pequeño animal, de la talla de un felino, y si viviera hoy en día en el zoológico lo veríamos como una especie de venado", dice el investigador.

Sus miembros tenían huesos anchos y pesados, similares a los del hipopótamo, lo que sugiere que el animal solía vadear el agua y los huesos anchos le ayudaban a "anclarse" en el fondo.
"Sólo los mamíferos que viven en el agua poseen esta característica y la usan para poder caminar en el fondo de los ríos y lagos" dice el científico. Pero esto revela también, agrega, los ancestros de las ballenas sólo entraban al agua como un mecanismo de supervivencia.

Y no desarrollaron ninguna conducta alimenticia acuática específica sino hasta mucho más tarde. "Es claro que éste es el pariente extinto más cercano a las ballenas, mucho más cercano que ningún pariente vivo", afirma el investigador.

El Indohyus es un artiodáctilo pequeño y pesado perteneciente a un antiguo grupo llamado raoellidae.

Los artiodáctilos son mamíferos con dos o cuatro dedos en cada pata, y sus representantes modernos incluyen a los camellos, cerdos e hipopótamos. Los estudios de ADN muestran que los hipopótamos están muy relacionados a las ballenas modernas. Pero éstos no aparecen en el registro fósil sino hasta hace 15 millones de años, unos 35 millones de años después de que los cetáceos se originaran en el sur de Asia.

Con esta evidencia, el profesor Thewissen y su equipo iniciaron la búsqueda de una antigua criatura terrestre que pudiera resolver las dudas existentes sobre la transición de las ballenas de la tierra hacia el agua.

Algunos científicos pensaban que los ancestros terrestres de la ballena comenzaron a sumergirse en el agua para atrapar peces para alimento. Pero el nuevo estudio sugiere que el Indohyus perdió sus cuatro patas como mecanismo de supervivencia.

"Hoy en día podemos ver este mecanismo en el Chevrotain acuático africano, también conocido como el ciervo-ratón" afirma el profesor Thewissen. "Este animal vive en la tierra pero siempre cerca de un río y come frutas y hojas, pero cuando se acerca algún depredador el ciervo-ratón salta al agua y es capaz de esconderse y permanecer sumergido bajo el agua". "Y esto nos llevó a la conclusión de que la evolución acuática del Indohyus comenzó con esta conducta para esconderse del peligro" afirma el experto.

LINKS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/science/newsid_7153000/7153604.stm

Actualidad: Se prohibe el sonar en Canarias!

Ecologistas celebran la prohibición de sonares en aguas de Canarias.

Las organizaciones ecologistas y de protección de las ballenas WCDS y Ocean Care celebraron hoy la decisión de las autoridades españolas de prohibir el uso de sonares militares en aguas de las islas Canarias con el fin de contribuir a la protección de los mamíferos marinos.

'Con ese paso España se convierte en el primer país que sigue los consejos dictados por el Parlamento Europeo en octubre de 2004 para prescindir del uso de esos aparatos cuando supongan un peligro para las ballenas', señala un comunicado emitido en Munich por Ocean Care y la 'Wale & Dolphin Conservation Society' (WDCS).

Los Ministerios españoles de Defensa y Medio Ambiente, así como las autoridades canarias, suscribieron el pasado 17 de diciembre un convenio por el cual la Armada no utilizará sonares de alta potencia en un radio de 50 millas marinas (unos 90 kilómetros) en torno a las islas Canarias para proteger a los cetáceos.

El convenio, se desarrollará durante tres años y tendrá una inversión de 800.000 euros, promoverá estudios biológicos, anatómicos-patológicos, fisiólogicos y acústicos para fijar los márgenes de frecuencias e intensidades de los sónares que pueden dañar a los zifios y otros cetáceos. Se determinarán además las zonas de poblaciones de cetáceos, y se realizarán seguimientos y estudios de todos aquellos que queden varados en las costas. El convenio, que estará vigente hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2009, prevé la posibilidad de prórrogas anuales por acuerdo expreso de las partes.

La nota de los ecologistas recuerda que, aunque los militares españoles han asegurado reiteradamente que prescinden del uso de ese tipo de sonares cuando registran la presencia de ballenas, varias veces grandes mamíferos marinos han varado en playas de dichas islas. 'Muchos de esos casos, en los que simultáneamente encallan en las playas animales de diversas especies, se producen cuando los militares celebran maniobras con el uso activo de sonares', denuncia el biólogo marino Karsten Brensing en el comunicado.

'Es por ello que se debe apreciar la actual decisión (española)', añade el experto, quien subraya que el ejemplo español debería ser seguido por otros países y que la prohibición del uso de sonares de alta potencia, con los que se detectan submarinos silenciosos, se debe generalizar.

LINKS:

http://actualidad.terra.es/ciencia/articulo/ecologistas_canarias_celebran_prohibicion_
sonares_2139256.htm

Actualidad: Japón suspende la caza de Yubartas!


Japón suspende la caza de ballenas jorobadas.

El Gobierno japonés ha anunciado hoy que ha decidido suspender la caza de ballenas jorobadas, que iba a emprender este año por primera vez desde la moratoria impuesta en 1963 y que había creado una fuerte controversia internacional.


El ministro portavoz, Nobutaka Machimura, ha señalado que la caza quedará suspendida mientras se negocia la reforma de la Comisión Ballenera Internacional, pero se mantendrá la llamada campaña científica para la captura de los otros cetáceos. Los balleneros nipones tenían previsto cazar este año 50 ballenas jorobadas (Megaptera novaengliae), además de 850 rorcuales aliblancos (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) y medio centenar de rorcuales comunes (Balaenoptera physalus) con el pretexto de fines científicos, pero su campaña ha estado rodeada este año de una especial controversia. El Gobierno de Australia decidió vigilar con barcos y aviones en la inminente campaña anual de los balleneros japoneses, en una operación dirigida desde la nave 'Oceanic Viking', para demostrar que no hay fines científicos en la campaña nipona.


El hecho de que Japón anunciase su decisión de capturar este año la especie protegida de ballena jorobada no hizo más que azuzar las críticas. La ballena jorobada, también conocida como yubarta, es un cetáceo de 40 toneladas de peso que pude llegar a medir 20 metros, con un cuerpo característico que recuerda a una joroba. Esta especie es una de la especies más observadas por los turistas que contratan empresas de avistamiento de ballenas en todo el mundo, una industria que genera millones de dólares cada año.


Junichi Sato, responsable de asuntos marítimos de la organización ecologista Greenpeace, ha expresado su satisfacción por el hecho de que Japón abandone su intención de cazar esas especies protegidas, pero ha subrayado que mantiene su campaña ballenera. Ha señalado que ello supondrá que Japón seguirá cazando mil ballenas este año, como hizo en 2007, y ha urgido a los balleneros nipones a que dejen de capturar estos cetáceos por completo.


LINKS:




Voluntariado: Nueva Zelanda!

Volunteer research positions are available to assist with common dolphin behavioural ecology research in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.
Additional research opportunities with dusky dolphins off Kaikoura, New Zealand may be available.

Field work will be boat-based from dedicated research vessels and tour vessels. Field work will be weather dependent and positions will include data entry and analysis tasks.

Volunteers will gain experience in dolphin photo-identification techniques, behavioural data collection and analysis, and small boating skills. Previous experience is not necessary, but flexibility and the ability to work in a variety of conditions at sea is a must.

Volunteers will be asked to commit to the project for 1-2 months and will be responsible for their own food, housing and transportation while in New Zealand, and their own travel to New Zealand.

Volunteer positions will run year-round throughout 2008, with start and end dates to be arranged upon successful application.

To apply for the position,please submit a cover letter summarizing any related experience and approximate dates of availability. For full consideration, please also enclose a copy of your CV and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for at least 3 professional references and send to:
wjschrader@yahoo.com.

Wendy Schrader
Ecology Group Institute of Natural Resources
Massey University at Albany
Private Bag 102 904
North Shore MSC
New Zealand
http: ecology.massey.ac.nz

martes, 18 de diciembre de 2007

Actividades: BALAENA.


La Asociación BALAENA organiza la Conferencia:


"Delfines de Río: Generalidades y Metodos de Censo de población "


Ponente: Germán Garrote.

Fecha: Miércoles 19 de Diciembre.

Hora: 11,30-13,30h.

Lugar: Salón de actos de la Facultad de Biología de La Universidad Complutense de Madrid.


sábado, 15 de diciembre de 2007

Actualidad: Australia lucha contra la caza!

El Gobierno laborista australiano ha decidido apoyar al grupo ecologista 'Humane Society International' (HSI) en el caso legal presentado ante el Tribunal Federal contra la empresa ballenera japonesa 'Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha'.

Según la demanda de HSI, esa empresa caza regularmente dentro de la reserva ballenera australiana, cerca de la Antártida, lo cual, según alega el grupo, es contrario a la Ley australiana de Conservación de la Biodiversidad y Protección del Medioambiente (EPBC). La medida del Gobierno sigue a la decisión adoptada el 24 de noviembre por el Consejo de ministros, que acordó que el Gobierno creará mecanismos para fortificar cualquier demanda futura que pueda presentarse ante los tribunales internacionales en relación a la caza practicada por los balleneros.

La posición del Gobierno laborista es contraria a la mantenida en los últimos años por la anterior administración, la de la Coalición Liberal, cuyo líder, Brendan Nelson, advirtió hoy que la demanda de HSI puede afectar a las relaciones con Japón, un importante socio comercial de Australia.

En febrero de este año, la organización ecologista Greenpeace informó que Japón ha cazado al menos 7.650 ballenas 'con pretexto científico' entre 1987 y 2006, algo que la Comisión Ballenera Internacional (CBI) permite sólo para esos fines.

Por su parte, HSI reveló que de las 505 ballenas minke capturadas en la Antártida el pasado verano, un total de 262 eran hembras embarazadas.

El programa anual de caza japonés para el presente verano austral se puso en marcha el pasado noviembre y se propone capturar 50 ballenas jorobadas (Megaptera novaengliae), 935 ballenas minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)y otras 50 ballenas de Aleta (Balaenoptera physalus) en el Océano del Sur.

La CBI solicitó a Japón el pasado junio que detenga su programa de 'capturas con fines científicos', tras una resolución no vinculante auspiciada por Australia, uno de los países que con mayor insistencia se opone al plan. La CBI ha ratificado la moratoria vigente desde 1986 contra la caza de ballenas con fines comerciales, pese a las presiones niponas para que se levante el veto para la pesca a pequeña escala.

Noruega es el único país del mundo que permite la pesca comercial de cetáceos, pero Japón e Islandia cazan más de 2.000 ballenas al año con fines 'científicos', lo que, según las organizaciones ecologistas, es una forma encubierta de realizar capturas comerciales.

LINKS:
http://actualidad.terra.es/ciencia/articulo/gobierno_apoyara_tribunales_grupo_ecologista_2123132.htm

Voluntariado: entrenador de leones marinos!

Intern Description Audubon Zoo New Orleans,
LA Animal Training Internship
Deadline for application: January 3, 2008

Description:

Have you ever dreamt of catching beads at Mardi Gras, eating delicious jambalaya while listening to famous jazz musicians, or being so close to sealions that you can smell their fishy breath?
You can experience this and more by participating in an internship with the Audubon Zoo!
This hands-on internship is geared towards college students or recent graduates that are aspiring to become marine mammal trainers.
Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care and training of California sea lions.

Responsibilities:

This internship is designed to give aspiring trainers educational and career experience. Interns will be responsible for a number of tasks throughout the day such as diet preparation, sanitation, exhibit maintenance and cleaning, public presentations, guest interactions, animal observations, and the participation in animal training and husbandry sessions.
Depending on your skill level and motivation, your internship can be tailored so that you can get the most of out your time here.

Requirements:

Candidates must be highly self-motivated, willing to work hard and get dirty, but to also have some fun at the same time.
This internship involves heavy lifting of up to 50lbs. All candidates must be willing to workfull-time, 40 hours per week, including weekends and some holidays for no less than three months.
No housing is provided, but Audubon Zoo is located within walking distance of two major colleges so room mates will be easy to find.

To apply:

Please send cover letter stating your interests and your resume via e-mail (subject: internship application) or regular mail.

Contact Information Audubon Zoo
Tiffany Nance
Sea Lion Department
6500
Magazine St New Orleans,
LA 70118 USA
Phone: +1 360 339 0803

Empleo: Estudia las focas monje en Hawaii!

Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2008 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program which includes:

-conducting trend counts;
-tagging seals;
-identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings,and applied bleach marks;
-monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies;
-collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis;
-collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis;
-collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife.
Behavior data are also collected at some sites.

For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/

Employment will be from early April to mid-September, though some positions will continue until early October. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding.

The first 4-5 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data.

Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided.

Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited.

Applications:
*NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER*
Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to:
Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist
Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program
Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam@noaa.gov
Phone (808) 944-2174
Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to:
Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center,
Protected Species Division1601 Kapiolani Boulevard,
Suite 1110,
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700

Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to:
Calinda Goo
Aquatic Farms
Email: officeafl@hawaii.rr.com (preferred)
or By mail to: 49-139 Kam Hwy,
Kaneohe,
HI 96744

Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants, depending upon education and experience.

FIELD CAMP LEADER

One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data.

-Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work.
-Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel.
-Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared.
-Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp.
-Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals.
-Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls.
-Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp.
-Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
-Produces annual report at end of field season.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements).
-Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills.
-Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
-Ability to swim.
-Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island.
-Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.
-Must be able to work long hours in the sun.
-Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear.
-Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds).
-Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels.
-Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp.
-Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field.
-Ability to perform basic data analysis.
-Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT

One or two assistants participate in each field camp.
Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data.

-Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel.
-Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp.
-Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals.
-Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls.
-Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp.
Minimum Qualifications:

-High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience.
-Good communication and team skills.
-Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets,and databases.
-Ability to swim.
-Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island.
-Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.
-Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear.
-Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds).
-Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels.
-Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp.
-Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field.
-Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

Voluntariado: Estudia las orcas!

We've just been given the opportunity to offer a $1,500 tuition reduction to study orcas in the wild for our Spring 2008 program. Applications must be received by January 7, 2008.

Spend 10 weeks studying killer whales in the Pacific Northwest. Beam Reach is for you if you want to:
-study endangered orcas in the wild
-work with experts in killer whale conservation
-learn about marine conservation and sustainability
-sail on a biodiesel electric catamaran-learn in a small group and get lots of individual time with instructors
-work on science that matters and your own research project
-explore the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest
-earn 18 credits from the University of Washington

Find out if Beam Reach is for you:http://www.beamreach.org/is-beam-reach-for-you.html?1tr081mrm071211

Apply Now!http://beamreach.org/application.html?2tr081mrm071211
Let us know if you have any questions. tracy@beamreach.org

You can also see the results from the Fall 2007 class. There are 10 student papers posted on-line. They all focus on the endangered killer whales of the Pacific Northwest.
Here are two titles to give you an idea of what you can learn by reading them:
-Vessel noise and orca vocalization: Implications for policyAlexandra Kougantakis
http://beamreach.org/071/papers/final-paper-alex071.pdf?3tr081mrm071211
-Relationship between depth and southern resident killer whale echolocation click production, Anne Harmann
http://beamreach.org/071/papers/final-paper-anne071.pdf?4tr081mrm071211

See them all here:http://beamreach.org/071/?5tr081mrm071205

*El coste del periodo completo es de $14,900, pero ehay un descuento de 1500! tened en cuenta que el euro está muy por encima del dollar, así qu es una buena oportunidad para comenzar tus andaduras en el campo de la investigación científica!

Voluntariado: cuidado de cachorros de focas!

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internships

Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air.

Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC´s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. For the 10th year, IWNCC will be offering summer internships. In the past, students have earned academic credit toward their degrees through the completion of these internships and the centre is also open to the creation and execution of short term, noninvasive research projects by the interns. There will be 14 internships awarded this summer and fall each lasting 8 to 12 weeks.

The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing and a food stipend are provided. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia.

Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn the following:
-Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups.
-Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals.
-Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process.
-Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques.
-Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease.
-Administration of oral medications.
-Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping.
-Natural history of marine mammal species.
-Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs.
-Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations.
-General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2008.

For more information and to download an application, please visit our web site at: www.sealrescue.org

viernes, 7 de diciembre de 2007

Actualidad: Regalos para enamorar!


Recientemente ha sido descrito un nuevo comportamiento sexual acerca de los delfines del río Amazonas. Parece ser que el boto (Inia geoffrensis) ofrece regalos inútiles e innecesarios a las hembras para agasajarlas.


A esta sorprendente conclusión, inédita en el reino animal, han llegado después de tres años de investigación científicos del British Antarctic Survey (de Cambridge, Reino Unido) y del National Institute of Amazonian Research (Brasil), dirigidos por Anthony Martin. Su trabajo aparece publicado en «New Scientist».


Desde agosto de 2003 hasta agosto de 2006 han investigado el comportamiento social de más de seis mil delfines del Amazonas -pertenecientes a 221 grupos- en la reserva de Mamiraua, un espacio inundado de unos 225 kilómetros cuadrados en plena selva amazónica brasileña.


En la mayor parte de los grupos, concebidos a la manera de tribus, había al menos un delfín macho en edad adulta que transportaba pequeños objetos -ramas, trozos de arcilla, hierbas, piedras, palos...- y se los entregaba a determinadas hembras. No se observó, al menos de forma relevante, que las hembras tuvieran un comportamiento recíproco. Tampoco que estos presentes tuvieran como destinatarios otros machos.


Al principio, los investigadores pensaron que se trataba de uno de un juego social, pero hubo un detalle que les hizo sospechar. Era el comportamiento, extraordinariamente agresivo, «hasta cuarenta veces más de lo normal», que experimentaban los machos dadivosos mientras transportaban sus regalos si otro animal interfería de cualquier forma en su acción.


La idea de que éste podría constituir un comportamiento sexual fue refrendada por un concienzudo muestreo de ADN entre los machos adultos de cada colonia -más de doscientos fueron analizados- y las crías de la misma. El resultado de los análisis comparativos mostraba que aquellos machos que más habían insistido en los galanteos mediante regalos tenían más descendencia. Eran los más prolíficos a la hora de procrear. A más regalos, más éxito con las damas.


Algunas especies de primates, sobre todo chimpancés y bonobos, presentan un comportamiento similar, con dos matices. Sus regalos suelen ir dirigidos, indistintamente, a machos o a hembras, por lo que su finalidad no sería la procreación; además, sus regalos son perfectamente prácticos: un fruto, una rama para alcanzar un objeto en el agua...


LINKS:




* Increíble, como algunos novios, que sólo regalan cosas inútiles. Pero a las delfinas bien que las conquistan!


Gracias por leerme!

jueves, 6 de diciembre de 2007

Actividades: CIRCE:

Participa como asistente de investigación con CIRCE. Comparte 12 días con investigadores en el Estrecho de Gibraltar, ayudándoles en sus proyectos de investigación.

Sólo se aceptan 4 asistentes por periodo de manera que el aprendizaje está garantizado!

Fechas: del 7 de Mayo al 7 de Septiembre.
Precio: 950 euros (con alojamiento incluido).

LINKS:

http://www.circe-asso.org/spanish/index.html?ecotour_esp.html&1

Actividades: Charla virus cetáceos!

Conferencia: "Virus en Cetáceos. Nuevas perspectivas".

Lugar de celebración: Salón de Actos de la Facultad de Veterinaria de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Fecha: lunes 10 de Diciembre.

Hora: 17:00-19:00 h.

Ponente: Fernando Eperón.

Organiza: Asociación BALAENA.

No os lo perdáis! la conferencia se centrará sobre todo en herpesvirus y morbillivirus (desgraciadamente tan de moda).

Actualidad: Nueva especie de delfín!

Orcaella heinsohni


Investigadores australianos anunciaron hace un par de años, el descubrimiento de una nueva especie de delfín hallado en costas poco profundas al norte de Australia.



Estos delfines, inicialmente confundidos con el delfín de Irrawaddy (Orcaella brevirostris), muy común en las zonas costeras y los principales ríos de Asia y el norte de Australia.



La nueva especie "Snubfin dolphin"(por su nariz chata y su marcada aleta dorsal), y en castellano, delfín de Heinsohn (Orcaella heisohni), fue identificada oficialmente gracias a investigaciones genéticas efectuadas en California.



"Existen claras diferencias entre ambas poblaciones que no habían sido reconocidas antes y que fueron confirmadas mediante estudios de ADN", indicó Isabel Beasley, responsable de la investigación de la Universidad James Cook de Townsville, Australia. Beasley indicó que es imposible estimar cuántos delfines conforman esta nueva especie, ya que aún no se conoce mucho acerca de ella. Sin embargo, se sospecha que existen cerca de 200 en las costas del estado de Queensland. Advirtió que esta especie de delfines está amenazada por las actividades humanas porque viven en aguas costeras poco profundas."Esto significa que Australia tiene ahora una especie endémica viviendo en sus costas lo cuál, le otorga prioridad en el tema de conservación".



Como principales amenazas destaca la captura accidental en artes de pesca y el impacto del desarrollo costero.



Beasley comenzó a estudiar estos delfines después de notar varias diferencias entre el tamaño y el color de los delfines asiáticos y los australianos. Los delfines australianos snubfins presentan tres colores distintos en el cuerpo, que van del marrón oscuro al blanco, mientras que el asiático tiene un color grisáceo uniforme y el vientre blanco. Asimismo, se midió el tamaño de sus cráneos y las medidas externas de su cuerpo.



El nombre científico de esta nueva especie se eligió en honor al investigador George Heinsohn, quien examinó los restos de delfines depositados por la marea en las playas australianas, entre la década del 1960 y la 1970, y cuyas primeras investigaciones fueron clave para declarar esta nueva especie.



Probablemente esta especie no aparezca ni en vuestras guías de campo!



LINKS:



http://dualcitycriptozoologia.blogspot.com/

Actualidad: lucha por el delfín de Irrawady!










Orcaella brevirostris

Naciones Unidas y el Gobierno camboyano emprendieron hoy el proyecto para evitar la extinción del delfín del Irrawaddy (Orcaella brevirostris), considerado el rey del río Mekong y del que quedan cerca de un centenar de ejemplares.
El proyecto consiste en dotar a los pescadores camboyanos de los medios necesarios para convertirse en guías turísticos fluviales y en vigilantes de las actividades de los delfines que bajan por el río Mekong hasta el lago Tonle Sap, en la región central de Camboya. Con esta iniciativa las autoridades camboyanas y los ecologistas confían que los pescadores abandonen su oficio y sus dañinas artes de pesca, principal causa de la desaparición de los delfines y de los peces, sus presas. Estos delfines, al vivir en aguas poco profundas, quedan frecuentemente enmallados en redes.

"Los pescadores recibirán incentivos para lleven a los turistas a ver los delfines, y en vez de pescar, vender refrescos y comida a los visitantes", indicó la Organización Mundial de Turismo (OMT). De esta manera, los pescadores convertirán su negocio pesquero, en un negocio de respetuoso whalewatching.
Otra de las amenazas a las que se ha enfrentado este cetáceo es la cautividad, dado su carisma, aunque actualmente pocos delfinarios consienten mantenerlos cautivos dado su alto grado de amenaza.
El delfín del Irrawaddy, descubierto en 1866, y cuyo pariente más cercano podría ser la orca (Orcinus orca) mide al nacer cerca de un metro y en su madurez alcanza los 2,3 metros llegando a pesar hasta 130 kilos. Este cetáceo se encuentra críticamente amenazado (IUCN).

El intento de cambiar el modo de vida de la amplia comunidad de pescadores del lago Tonle Sap, se lleva a cabo tras el veloz declive de peces en esas aguas a causa de la construcción de presas chinas en la parte alta del río Mekong, que nace en el Tíbet y desemboca en el Mar de China. Los afluentes del río Mekong bañan partes de Birmania (Myanmar), Tailandia y Vietnam.

LINKS:



domingo, 2 de diciembre de 2007

Eventos internacionales: París!

The conference Acoustics'08 Paris organized by the ASA, the EAA and the SFA, will take place in Paris (France) from June 29 to July 4, 2008.

It integrates two major European conferences: euronoise (noise control) and ecua (underwater acoustics).

During this meeting the 60th anniversary of the SFA as well as the 50th anniversary of the NURC (NATO Undersea, Research Center).

http://www.acoustics08-paris.org/

Eventos Internacionales: Suecia!

The 2008 European Association for Aquatic Mammals Annual Conference will be held in Kolmården, Sweden from 7-10 March 2008.

Please visit for more information about accommodations and the preliminary program:
http://www.kolmarden.com/templates/otherlanguage.aspx?page_id=293

The EAAM encourages authors to submit oral and poster abstracts for the next symposium. All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandry will be acceptable: conservation, education, medicine, practical aspects of husbandry, etc. However, for the 36th Symposium, EAAM especially encourages presentations on all aspects of work with aquatic mammals related to conservation of wild marine mammal populations. Students should feel particularly encouraged to submit their work for oral or poster presentations: following EAAM's tradition, an Award for the Best Student Presentation will be given.

* Visita la página de EAAM y encontrarás ofertas de voluntariado, empleo y estancias en distintas instituciones en Europa!

http://www.eaam.org/home-page/

Actividades: Cursos BDRI.

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI offers comprehensive and intensive Bottlenose Dolphin Research Courses (BDRC) during the 2008 Winter Season for motivated individuals, who are seeking thorough training in approaches to the study of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We invite you to join our ongoing study of the behaviour, habitat use and social lives of these amazing dolphins on the Emerald Coast, Sardinia Island (Italy).

These intensive educational courses provide experience in specialized non-invasive research techniques, consisting of field sessions and lectures. The courses will last 6 or 13 days, and - weather permitting - we will be out on the water at least during 4 or 8 of these days respectively. Although our project focuses primarily on bottlenose dolphins, you will also experience the complex Mediterranean coastal ecosystem in which we live and work.

BDRI field courses provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other. Learning, at its best, should be an active process, one in which the students are challenged on a daily basis with responsibilities that play a large part in the outcome of the research projects. Working with us and our staff, you will rotate between tasks on land and sea. Onboard our research vessel (Spartana) you will work together with our team in search of cetaceans. To refine details of bottlenose dolphin population biology and responses to human activities at sea, we will take identification photos, observe behaviour, and monitor vocalizations using a hydrophone.

Research courses can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the training course.

BDRI's courses give an insight into the workings of a research team, and provide experience in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more.

To be successful participants in this project, students should have open minds, flexibility in changing situations, and a desire to help and to learn. All classes will be in a form of both (a) lectures that will lead to more "informal" discussion, hopefully ending with a constructive brainstorming on the specific topic, as well as (b) instructions with hand on practical component, especially when it involves field techniques.
  • Course 1. Bottlenose dolphin: Field methods in the wild (1st Team: 28 January; 2nd Team: 24 March)
  • Course 2. Study of bottlenose dolphin behaviour (11 February)
  • Course 3. Bottlenose dolphins Photo-identification & Social structure course (1st Team: 25 february; 2nd Team: 31 March)
  • Course 4. Bioacoustics of bottlenose dolphins in the wild (10 March)

Further information, fees and how to apply can be found on our website www.thebdri.com or by e-mail at info@thebdri.com

Empleo: Veterinario.

VETERINARY INTERNSHIP / RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM

With the assistance of both external and in-house funding, the Department of Animal Health of Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, is sponsoring a one-year internship/research opportunity in aquatic animal medicine.
Applicants for the internship should be graduates of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified.

Preference will be given to applicants with graduate degrees and/or postgraduate clinical experience in a practice or internship setting. Entry level familiarity with ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy systems is expected.

The stipend for the position is expectedto be > $26,000 per annum plus benefits.

The successful applicant will assist the veterinary, research, and husbandry staffs in the diagnosis and treatment of medical cases from the Aquarium's extensive collection of invertebrates, freshand saltwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales.

In addition the intern will participate in our rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Collateral opportunities at cooperating area academic, government, and private industry laboratories are possible and encouraged.

The intern may have an opportunity to develop teachings kills by his/her involvement in the Aquarium's veterinary externship program and at informal seminars. The intern will be expected to pursue one or more clinical or research interests and to prepare the results for presentation to our staff and at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer reviewed literature. Past interns have gone on to acceptance into well-recognized graduate/residency programs or employment in the field of aquatic, comparative, or zoological medicine.

Applicants should submit the following material to:

DR. ALLISON D. TUTTLE
STAFF VETERINARIAN MYSTIC AQUARIUM
55 COOGAN BLVD. MYSTIC, CT 06355

1. A current transcript from the veterinary school and any post baccalaureate program which he/she has attended.
2. Three letters of recommendation from individualsf amiliar with the applicant's academic performance and his/her potential in the clinical and research areas.
3. A statement reflecting the applicant's goals in the area of aquatic animal medicine and research.
4. A current curriculum vitae or resume.

Potential applicants who will be in the southern New England area are encouraged to contact us for a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet with our staff. All application materials must be received prior to 01 January 2008. The successful applicant will be chosen and notified by 10 Jan 2008 and must commit to the position within 72 hours.

The internship period will extend ~ from 1 June 2008 through ~15 June 2009. With prior agreement by both parties an additional year in the program may be possible.

Additional information may be obtained by calling Dr. Tuttle at 860-572-5955, or by e-mail at Atuttle@MYSTICAQUARIUM.ORG.

A general orientation to our facility and programs can be obtained by viewing our web page
http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Actividades: cursos de Veterinaria.

Aquatic Medical Education (AME) *Specialized Training for the Aquatic Health Practitioner offers four courses providing veterinary professionals and students with specialized training in health care, management and husbandry of aquatic species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals.

  • Diseases of Warmwater Fish - Two week course providing in-depth instruction in the methodology of diagnosis and treatment of parasitic, bacterial, viral, nutritional and environmental diseases of warmwater fish and aquarium species.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ame/wwf/index.html

  • Advanced Fish Medicine - Six-day course offering intensive hands-on training in the latest techniques including anesthesia, hematology, nutritional therapy, imaging, histopathology and surgery. Only those with prior education and experience in fish diagnostics and health management are accepted into the course.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ame/afm/index.html

  • SeaVet I - Two-week course providing an introduction to marine mammal biology, natural history and captive husbandry.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ame/seaveti/index.html

  • SeaVet II - Six-day course, providing advanced instruction in management of Florida's megavertebrates. Only those with prior education and experience with marine mammals are accepted into this course.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ame/seavet2/index.html

For more information about AME, visit our web site at:

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ame

Eventos Internacionales: Florida!

Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference III

22-25 April, 2008.
The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Marineland, Florida and St. Augustine Beach, Florida.

Scientists, veterinarians, managers, policy makers, planners and partners who are actively involved in and/or affected by all aspects of marine mammal health and welfare will interact in an interdisciplinary setting to summarize and review state-of-the-art science, healthcare, and management activities, and to formulate goals and strategies for improvements.

Call for Abstracts: You are invited to submit abstracts on all topics relevant to marine mammal health and we encourage you to share your results and experiences. Abstracts are due no later than January 10, 2008 and must be submitted electronically via the online submission form posted on the conference web site.

For conference information or to submit an abstract, visit us at:

www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/marinemammal

miércoles, 21 de noviembre de 2007

Empleo: Participa en campañas!

Immediate openings for observers. Looking for live-aboard observers for marine mammal surveys in Northeast US. Working in offshore conditions for compliance monitoring.
Must be able to work through the entire month of December (including xmas). Must have previous marine mammal survey experience. Experience with NARW surveys is a plus. Must provide own binoculars, steel toed boots, hard hat, and general foul weather gear. Other training is provided. Travel to and from the work site is provided within the continental US.
Work is 24 hours/day - 12 hour shifts - 7 days/week. No on shore breaks are anticipated.

Rate is 200.00/day.
Qualified individuals may send resume to neg@ecoes.com

Empleo: Imparte cursos!

MARINE BIOLOGISTS WANTED

Broadreach Academic Treks seeks marine biologists with a master's degree or Ph.D. to teach experiential field courses to teens.

Instructors are needed for the following courses: Tropical Marine Biology in the Bahamas or Caribbean, Dolphin Studies in Belize, Caribbean Marine Reserves in Saba, SeaTurtle Studies in Costa Rica, Marine Mammals in Vancouver Island BC, Shark Studies in Fiji.

In addition to teaching, instructors will live with students and facilitate positive group dynamics, personal growth and leadership skills. Instructors also lead adventure activities like hiking, cultural exploration and various other aspects of a typical "trip leader".

Qualifications: Teaching experience in the subject area, experience working with youth, and flexibility. Preference will be given to individuals carrying advanced scuba ratings, and previous experience in outdoor education and/or working in tropical/subtropical field settings.

Dates: Staff training begins in late May. Programs run June-August. Each course lasts 21 days.

To Apply:
www.academictreks.com and apply on line or send resume, cover letter, photo, and contact information for 3 references to LaurenMarchman, Broadreach,806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Fax: 919-833-2129
Phone 919-256-8205 or 888-833-1907
Email:staffinquiry@gobroadreach.com.

Dolphin Studies Trip Leader Trip Leader for summer Dolphin Studies program in Belize Broadreach Academic Treks seeks marine biologists to serve as leaders on ourDolphin Studies program in Belize. Trip leaders teach students about marine biology with a focus on dolphins. In addition to teaching marine biology in exciting ways, instructors will be responsible for facilitating group dynamic, communicating with headquarters, and being a role model for students.

Learn more about the trip at http://www.academictreks.com/programs/ds.asp.

Qualifications: Master's or Ph.D. in marine biology & experience studying and teaching about dolphins. Experience leading trips, working with teens and traveling internationally is preferred.

Dates: Staff training begins in late May. Programs run June-August. Eachcourse lasts 21 days.

Compensation: Round trip airfare to training and Belize, a stipend, meals, housing and program activities.

Apply: http://www.academictreks.com/contact/employment/index.asp and apply on line or send resume, cover letter, photo, and contact information for 3 references to Lauren Marchman, Broadreach Academic Treks, 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Fax: 919-833-2129
Phone919-256-8205/888-833-1907
Email: staffinquiry@gobroadreach.com.

Voluntariado: Australia.

I am seeking two research assistants to assist with the collection of behavioural and genetic data on Indo-Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Research assistants are needed between February and April 2008. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project for a minimum of one month. Applicants willing to participate for the whole 3 months will begiven preference.

DUTIES: Assistants should be prepared to work long hours (06:00 to 16:00 hours depending on weather conditions) and be expected to participate in the following duties: photo-identification, video, and behavioural data collection. Aboard the research boat assistants will be required to assist in boat piloting and handling, and participate in all regular duties related to the maintenance of the boat and research equipment. Field work is demanding but you will have a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and genetic sampling of marine mammals. Such experience will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in wildlife ecology, animal behaviour, and conservation biology.

APPLICANTS SHOULD:
1. Have a background in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field.
2. Have a genuine interest in pursuing postgraduate studies in marine mammal ecology and behaviour.
3. Previous field experience with photo-identification and boat handling skills would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite.
4. Be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, and have a positive attitude.
5. Be adaptable, flexible and patient as field work is highly weather dependent. This means: 1) sometimes we will be stuck onshore for long periods of time, 2) sometimes we will have long consecutive field work days, and 3) field work during weekends may be required.
6. Be prepared to rise early in the morning and work long hours in a small boat and in hot weather.
7. Be able to commit for a minimum of 4 weeks (though applicants willing to commit for the whole 3 months will be preferred).

COMPENSATION: Unfortunately I am unable to provide salary or housing and research assistant will be responsible for travel to Brisbane and their own living expenses. Living space will be provided during surveys and fieldtrips outside of the Brisbane area (e.g. Stradbroke Island). These trips will take place once a month and last a week depending on weather conditions.

HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested, please provide a short CV, two reference letters, and a letter explaining your interest in the project and career goals to:
Guido J. Parra g.parra@uq.edu.au by 5th of January 2008.

domingo, 18 de noviembre de 2007

Actualidad. Una ballena en el Amazonas.


Un rorcual aliblanco (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) de 5m y 12 toneladas (aunque por la mancha blanca de la mandíbula superior derecha podría parecer un rorcual común) ha encallado en un afluente del río Amazonas.

La ballena ha quedado atrapada a 1500 km del Atlántico, en el río Tapajós, afluente del Amazonas, en aguas poco profundas del Parque Nacional de Tapajós.

Se ha intentado sin éxito empujar al animal hacia aguas más profundas y rescatarla. Según la bióloga Fabia Luna (Instituto Chico Mendes) la ballena está herida, sufriendo de algunos cortes.
Se cree que el animal nadaba con un grupo siguiendo una ruta migratoria, y que ha podido desorientarse y penetrar por el estuario del Amazonas.




Los especialistas aguardan refuerzos técnicos del Instituto Brasileño de Medio Ambiente para continuar con el rescate.

LINKS:

Actualidad: los delfines fluviales de Sudamérica en peligro.


Fernando Trujillo (Fundación Omacha), biólogo marino, advierte que los delfines fluviales de las cuencas del Amazonas y el Orinoco están en peligro, tras abordar una expedición por 12 ríos de Sudamérica durante un año y 8 meses. Se han recorrido ríos de Venezuela, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia y Colombia, detectándose una notable disminución numérica de las poblaciones de delfines fluviales.
Fernando Trujillo reclaca que no se trata de un peligro de extinción inminente, pero que en la medida de que no se incrementen las políticas y acuerdos de protección, la amenaza que se cierne sobre estos cetáceos irá en aumento.

Durante la expedición se recorrieron unos 4000 km en transectos sincronizados con un equipo de 25 científicos en barcos especiales. Se surcaron las aguas del Meta y el Amazonas en Colombia; el Orinoco, en Venezuela; el Napo, el Yasuni, el Lagarto y el Cuyabeno, en Ecuador; el Marañón, el Javari y el Samiria, de Perú, y el Itenez e Ichilo-Mamoré, de Bolivia.

Se cree que la alarmante disminución numérica del tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) y el boto (Inia geoffrensis) se debea la cercanía de grandes centros urbanos, donde se realiza una pesca sin control.

Fernando también destaca que la contaminación con mercurio en algunos ríos, especialmente en Venezuela y Brasil, en los que se realizan faenas de extracción de oro con ese metal puede haber influido negativamente sobre las poblaciones de delfines.

El censo realizado estima que en los ríos de Sudamérica quedan unos 18.880 delfines, cifra muy inferior a la que se registraba en las mismas aguas en 1980.

Aunque reconoce que Sudamérica está lejos de presentar los mismos problemas de conservación de delfines fluviales que Asia, destaca que hay que seguir cuidando el entorno. El baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) ha sido recientemente declarado extinto en las aguas del río Yangtzé, y el delfín del Ganges y el Indo (Platanista gangetica gangetica y P. gangetica minor) se encuentra en peligro crítico.

Esta expedición de la Fundación Omacha ha sido promovida por la Universidad de Sant Andrews (Escocia),la World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WSC) y el Fondo de Conservación Internacional. También con apoyos locales como Faunagua de Bolivia y la Fundación La Salle de Venezuela.
LINKS:
2023019.htm

Actividades: Balaena.

La Asociación Balaena (Universidad Complutense de Madrid) se ha puesto en marcha y os propone las siguientes actividades:

* 20 de Noviembre: proyección de documentales a partir de las 13h.
- Orcas: lobos de mar.
- La cara oculta de los delfines.

*4 de Diciembre: Conferencia "Virus en cetáceos. Morvbillivirus y herpesvirus" de 13h-15h.

Las actividades se celebrarán en la facultad de veterinaria de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Ya os iré informando de las actividades que tienen en marcha!

Gracias por leerme!

sábado, 17 de noviembre de 2007

Actualidad: Japón reanuda su actividad ballenera.

Una flota de pesqueros japoneses partirá mañana a aguas del Pacífico Sur a la caza de ballenas jorobadas o yubartas (Megaptera novaengliae) en pleno proceso de migración entre las aguas de Australia y Nueva Zelanda, tras recibir la aprobación del Gobierno japonés, dando por concluida la moratoria de 1963.

Los pesqueros, liderados por el Nisshin Mari, abandonarán el puerto de Shimonoseki, en el sur de Japón, mañana por la mañana, con órdenes de cazar hasta 50 de estos cetáceos que desde hace décadas se encuentran protegidos por la ley internacional y la Comisión Ballenera Internacional.

Además de las yubartas, otros cetáceos serán objeto de esta masacre, pues la flota japonesapretende dar caza a 935 rorcuales aliblancos (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) y 50 rorcuales comunes (Balaenoptera physalus). Japón lleva amenazando a la CBI con reanudar la caza de ballenas desde principios de año, y por fin con esta orden gubernamental, nuestros peores temores se desatan.

Aquí tenéis una entrevista realizada al representante de Japón en la Comisión Ballenera Internacional a principios de Octubre de este año, juzgad vosotros mismos.



La condena de los grupos medioambientales ha sido inmediata, 'Estas ballenas no tienen que morir', afirmó Junichi Sato, portavoz de Greenpeace, ayer viernes. 'Las ballenas jorobadas son cetáceos muy sensibles que viven en entornos muy cerrados, por lo que con sólo una muerte se podría provocar un enorme daño'. Con esta ofensiva de Japón, incluso podría llegar a darse caza algunos de los ejemplares que Greenpeace viene siguiendo con el "Gran Viaje de las Ballenas".

http://www.greenpeace.org/espana/campaigns/oceanos/the-great-whale-trail/follow-the-great-whale-trail

Precisamente Australia es el abanderado de la defensa de estas ballenas, y así lo ha demostrado hoy mediante una preciosa y original protesta. Miles de personas se han reunido en la playa Bondi, en Sydney para dar forma a una yubarta y reivindicar la protección de estos cetáceos.



LINKS:

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/sociedad/2007/11/17/00031195297682725766158.htm
http://actualidad.terra.es/internacional/articulo/japon_jorobadas_restaura_permiso_caza
_2023487.htm
http://www.antena3.com/a3noticias/servlet/Noticias?destino=../a3n/noticia/noticia.jsp&sidicom=si&id=13315854
http://www.greenpeace.org/espana/campaigns/oceanos/the-great-whale-trail/follow-the-great-whale-trail

Bibliografía: Manual de Necropsias.

El Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, ha publicado un manual de necropsias de mamíferos marinos en pdf muy completito y con imágenes.

Obviamente está en inglés, pero ya sabéis, hay que ponerse las pilas.

viernes, 16 de noviembre de 2007

Aprende sobre cetáceos: Quiz!

Aquí os cuelgo un enlace de un test de conocimientos sobre cetáceos. Son de respuesta múltiple, y por supuesto en inglés para ir paracticando un poquito.

Puedes realizar el test tantas veces como quieras, pero las preguntas cambian tramposillo!

Ale, a darle caña!

http://www.cetaceanwatching.com/w4/quiz.aspx

martes, 13 de noviembre de 2007

Actividades: Marine Mammal Management Course.

WINTER 2008 MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

WELCOME- to all those interested in marine mammals. This is an opportunity for you to consider our unique offering in the study of a fascinating but curiously unknown aquatic form of life through: THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT

THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING.

Registration starts December 3, 2007, closes on January 11, 2008.
There are four versions:
a) full three credit graduate level - $695/credit hour. 3 credit course = $2085.
b) an undergraduate credit - $950
c) a general interest (audit) diploma - $1042.50
d) as part of the graduate certificate - contact the coordinator at douganj@nova.edu

The course runs from JANUARY 7 TO MARCH 28, 2008, and covers these topics:

Chapter 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals
Chapter 2. Marine Mammal Management
Chapter 3. Introduction to Cetaceans
Chapter 4. Beluga Whale, and "toxic soups"
Chapter 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use
Chapter 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance
Chapter 7. Orcas, of killers and Keikos Chapter
8. Pilots, stranding and utilization
Chapter 9. Introduction to Pinnipeds
Chapter 10 Monk Seals
Chapter 11. California Sea Lion, Big Sur and survival
Chapter 12. Harp Seal, to hunt or not to hunt?
Chapter 13. Introduction to Sirenids
Chapter 14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore
Chapter 15. Introduction to Marine Fissipeds
Chapter 16. Polar Bear, the Inuit, success and hope
Chapter 17. Acoustic Stimuli of Marine Mammals
Chapter18. Marine Mammal Conservation & Future Management

There are two essay assignments for those taking the credit versions. First is due on FEBRUARY 11th with a value of 30%; the last on MARCH 21st for 60% of the final mark. The remaining 10% is held for Interaction evaluation ? how well the candidate participates within any class e-mail discussion and replies to requests. Candidates will receive comments on the first assignment, mainly as an aid in the final essay, and evaluation. The last essay is equivalent of a final exam and is not returned. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments and participate in the Interaction; however, not for marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via e-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS Word" format.

For general information on the course, contact: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html and http://www.nova.edu/ocean/disted.html for general information on the Oceanographic Center's distance education programs.
For registration http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html

Empleo: American Cetacean Society.

World's oldest whale, dolphin, and porpoise conservation organization seeks a dynamic non-profit leader. If you have a bachelor's degree and two years of leadership experience in a non profit organization, are adept at raising money and managing fundraising programs, and have good fiscal management skills, the American Cetacean Society needs you!

For afull job description and application instructions, visit the ACS website at:
www.acsonline.org

Position open until filled.

domingo, 11 de noviembre de 2007

Voluntariado: California.

THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP

The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for its 2008 Stranding Department Internship Program.

Interns will assist staff and volunteers in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of stranded marine mammals (pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters). Stranding intern positions are unpaid. The Marine Mammal Center is an equal opportunity employer and volunteer organization.

Program Description: The Stranding Department Internship Program is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Stranding interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating responsibility for the after hours on-call. They will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range; and will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, Stranding interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds.
Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks.

Stranding Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: Stranding internships are open to all applicants 18 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, or a related field. Non-citizens must have a current visa. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. These are unpaid positions and all Stranding interns are responsible for arranging for their own housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals and other physical tasks.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability.

Please forward all application materials to: The Marine Mammal Center Stranding Department, Attn: Erin Brodie
1065 Fort Cronkhite
Marin Headlands Sausalito, California 94965
Or email to: brodiee@tmmc.org

There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of February 1 and the last available internship beginning October 15.

Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance
Approximate Internship Time
Winter December 12, 2007 December 13-14, 2007 December 21, 2007 February - April
Spring February 27, 2008 March 3-5, 2008 March 10, 2008 April - June
Summer April 23, 2008 April 28-30, 2008 May 5, 2008 June - August
Fall June 25, 2008 June 30-July 2, 2008 July 7, 2008 August - October
Winter August 20, 2008 August 25-27, 2008 September 1, 2008 October - December

Celebrating its 33rd year in 2008, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of ill and injured marine mammals, and to research about marine mammal health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 12,000 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation.

For more information, please visit our website at:
www.marinemammalcenter.org. Erin

Actividades: Marine Mammal Course.

The Duke University Marine Laboratory invites applications to its summer field course on the biology of marine mammals. Topics covered include the ecology, behavior, management and conservation of marine mammals, with emphasis on field study of the local population of bottlenose dolphins.

Dates: Summer Term II: 7 July - 8 August 2008.
Course limit: 15 students (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals).
Application deadline (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2008.
Application deadline (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2008.
Application deadline (no funding support): 8 June 2008.

This is a field and laboratory-intensive course designed to provide first-hand experience with research techniques such as photo-identification and mark-recapture analysis, sampling prey distribution and abundance,behavioral sampling techniques, acoustic recording and analysis, and dissection techniques.

As part of Summer Term II Integrated Marine Conservation Program, a corecourse BIO 109/ENV 209 (Conservation Biology and Policy) may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. Approximately ten Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis to international students, especially those from developing countries, and will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both BIO 109/ENV 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one elective course subject to availability. Electives include: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; and Independent Research.

Experience the beautiful North Carolina coast! Join students from all over the world in participating in this unique summer session experience.Enrollment is limited, apply early!

For more information: mL_admissions@nicholas.duke.edu
(Tel:252.504.7502).

http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summer2.html http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/admissions/forms.html http://www.env.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/scholarship.html

sábado, 10 de noviembre de 2007

Voluntariado: pasantías con el BDRI.

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI, I am pleased to announce that we are seeking Dolphin Research Assistants / Thesis work Students for our 2008 Winter (January-March) season in Sardinia, Italy. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects can be supported with boat time and office space.

An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammals research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers. Learning, at its best, should be an active process, one in which the students are challenged on a daily basis with responsibilities that play a large part in the outcome of the research projects. Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of a Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin population (Tursiops truncatus) along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment.

Interns are required to complete a research project on an assigned relevant topic, to be written in collaboration and supervision with the BDRI's thesis advisor. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can present this personal research project as their Thesis (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, DEA, etc). Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship.

BDRI internships provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other. Working with us and our staff, you will rotate between tasks on land and sea. Onboard our research vessel the "Spartana" you will work together with our team in search of cetaceans. To refine details of bottlenose dolphin population biology and responses to human activities at sea, we will take identification photos, observe behaviour, and monitor vocalizations using a hydrophone, etc.

There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! If you are interested and have the required experience and skills, please Visit our website:
www.thebdri.com

to download information on Dolphin Research Internships and/or Thesis work in Aranci Bay and how to get there.

Bruno Díaz López
Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist
Chief Researcher
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute
BDRI, V.Armando Diaz N?4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy
info@thebdri.com
Tel: + (39) 346 0815414

jueves, 8 de noviembre de 2007

Actividades: Balaena en forma!

BALAENA es una asociación sin ánimo de lucro para el estudio investigacion y conservacion de animales marinos y su hábitat, formada por estudiantes y profesionales de diversos campos, como son la Biología, Veterinaria y otras disciplinas afines al tema de trabajo de la asociación. Se constituyó legalmente en 1994 y su sede está ubicada en la Facultad de Veterinaria de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Balaena fue fundada en 1994 por Mario Morcillo Moreno.

Tras algún tiempo de inactividad, BALAENA se pone en marcha con nuevas actividades (de las que os mantendré informados) y con nuevo foro.

Aquí os dejo la información tanto de la página web como del foro:

http://www.ucm.es/info/balaena/index.htm
http://es.groups.yahoo.com/group/BALAENAUCM/

Actividades: Curso Monitor de Avistamiento de Cetáceos Cádiz.

CURSO MONITOR DE AVISTAMIENTO DE CETACEOS

Organizado por: Wildlife and Oceanic Company (WOC).
Lugar de celebración: Tarifa, Cádiz.
Fechas: del 19 al 30 de Noviembre en horario de tarde (16-21h).
Precio: gratuito.
Plazas limitadas a 15 alumnos.

PROGRAMA:
Módulo 1: Los cetáceos.
Módulo 2: Entono natural y uso del hábitat.
Módulo 3: Identificación de especies.
Módulo 4: Pautas en la observación de cetáceos.
Módulo 5: La observación de cetáceos a nivel internacional.
Módulo 6: Gestión de grupos: claves del éxito de la observación de cetáceos.
Módulo 7: Términos específicos sobre el avistamiento de cetáceos en diferentes idiomas.
Prácticas: incluye salidas al mar en un barco de avistamiento de cetáceos.

Se entregará diploma de asistencia.

Información e Inscripciones: enviar solicitud de inscripción a:
cursos@wocplanet.com
adjuntando datos personales completos (Nombre y apellidos, dirección, teléfono de contacto, y carta de intención indicando los motivos para participar en el curso)
www.wocplanet.com

Actividades: Curso MEER La Gomera.

The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 28 March - 11 April 2008.

The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera.

In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resultedf rom this project is given below.

The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background informationon whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photoidentification and others.

The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera.

For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure anda booking form) please visit:
http://www.m-e-e-r.de/praktikum.0.html

One course is offered during the 2008 springtime field season: 28 March - 11 April 2008. The price is 875.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 11 December 2007 at a price of 814.- €

e-mail: newsletter@m-e-e-r.de

*Este curso es único en tanto que se centra en el comportamiento de los cetáceos. De momento es el único de esta tipología que se imparte en España. A los que no podáis asistir en la convocatoria de primavera, os agradará saber que también suelen celebrar otra en otoño (a mediados de octubre).

miércoles, 7 de noviembre de 2007

Actividades: Guía Turismo Sectorial modalidad Observación de Cetáceos.

Convocatoria para la habilitación de Guía de Turismo Sectorial en la modalidad de Observación de Cetáceos en Las Islas Canarias.

Las bases de la prueba se recogen aquí:

http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/boc/2007/196/008.html

INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EL CURSO A DISTANCIA SOBRE “MEDIO MARINO Y OBSERVACIÓN DE CETÁCEOS”

1. El contenido del curso es el de la Unidad III del temario de las pruebas de habilitación de GTSOC (Orden de 23 de octubre de 2001, de la Consejería de Turismo, BOC 14/11/01).

2. El material para estudio de dicho temario se encuentra disponible en la siguiente dirección:

http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/cmayot/medioambiente/biodiversidad/ceplam/
vidasilvestre/formacioncetaceos.html

3. La evaluación del curso tendrá carácter presencial, mediante un examen tipo test (20 preguntas) y dos (2) preguntas breves de desarrollo, y 2 horas de duración.

4. La fecha del examen del curso será el ______ de enero de 2008, a las _________ horas.(fechas aproximadas: 17-18 de enero. pendiente de confirmar ).

5. La sede de examen para evaluación del curso será en las islas de Tenerife y Gran Canaria (pendiente de confirmar el lugar).

Puedes encontrar el resto de la información:

http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/turismo/dgopt/guias_modcet.htm

Empleo: Canadá.

Position opening: Harbour Seal Nurse

Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a nonprofit society dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of regional wildlife, with an emphasis on Harbour Seals and avian species. We are seeking a candidate for the full time position of Harbour Seal Nurse.

IWNCC is located in the Pacific Northwest, on Salt Spring Island, in the Canadian Gulf Islands. We are a small but very busy centre, situated in an outdoor setting on a forested 4-acre property. We treat about 500 avian and terrestrial animals per year and rescue and rehabilitate an average of 90-120 Harbour Seal pups each summer.

Seasonal work hours are long and the work is fast-paced and physically demanding. The position reports to the Director of Animal Care and will participate in coordinating rescues; hands-on daily animal husbandry and critical care; the leadership, training, supervision and scheduling of interns and volunteers; maintaining the day-to-day running of the seal clinic such as procuring and managing inventory of supplies, equipment and medications, keeping accurate detailed records and liaising with industry professionals.

This position starts May 2007. The successful candidate must have a minimum of 5 years hands-on marine mammal rehabilitation experience at a senior level. She/he must be experienced in examinations, diagnosis and treatment plus have proven supervisory and communications skills and be physically fit.

Salary and benefits are negotiable and commensurate with experience. IWNCC will facilitate required work permits however priority will be given to qualified Canadian applicants.

Please send your CV & references to Jackie Ballerone,
Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre,
322 Langs Road,
Salt Spring Island,
BC V8K 1N3 Canada.

Or email iwncc@aol.com F

or more information regarding Island Wildlife visit our website at:
www.sealrescue.org

Voluntariado: Florida.

STRANDING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS

Mote Marine Laboratory´s Stranding Investigations Program (SIP) is seeking applicants for spring, summer, and fall internships. SIP provides 24-hour response to sick, injured and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in west central Florida. In addition, the program aims to increase our understanding of the biology, ecology and pathology of marine animals, investigate natural and human-related mortality, monitor long-term mortality trends, and provide data to managers for effective conservation of marine species.

The intern will be directly involved in the 24-hour response, recovery, and transport of live and dead stranded marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and manatees) and sea turtles from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties. These internships are unpaid.

INTERN DUTIES:
Share responsibility for responding to a 24-hour stranding notification pager and coordinating response based on the species, number, size, and condition of the animal(s). Direct involvement in marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and recovery is required. Involvement in the examination, data collection, necropsy, tissue sampling, processing and distribution, and disposal of marine mammal and sea turtle carcasses. Data entry, database management, supplies inventory and biological sample archive management. Equipment maintenance, errands, and other duties as requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid Florida Class E drivers license or equivalent. The ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, swim, walk long distances, work in hot field conditions, tolerate strong odors, and work with the public and media. The ability to work independently and follow instructions. The ability to operate personal watercraft and ATVs, or the willingness to learn.

DESIRED SKILLS:
Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, ArcGIS), strong verbal and written communication skills, and high attention to detail.

DESIRED EDUCATION:
A background or degree in biology, zoology, or animal behavior.

OTHER:
Must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. This position can require long days, including late night and early morning hours. Please understand that the level of stranding activity is not only physically demanding, but also extremely unpredictable. As a result, there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will encounter. In addition, much of the work related to SIP can be classified as "non-glamorous". In many cases, field examination, dissection, tissue collection, and disposal of large decaying carcasses is involved. Interns should be prepared for direct involvement with large, putrid carcasses. Interns may be able to participate in other marine mammal and/or sea turtle program activities, as needed, and as time allows.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
Interns should wear casual and comfortable clothing, and be prepared for all types of weather. Clothing should be suitable for public presentation, but casual enough to withstand getting wet and dirty. Occasionally, a swimsuit or wetsuit is required for stranding response.

SUPERVISION:
The intern will be trained by Stranding Investigations Program staff. Once the intern has gained adequate knowledge about the strandings program, biology of the animals, and the tasks involved in our stranding response, they will be assigned independent projects, some of which they will help initiate. The supervisor/s will monitor the projects and remain accessible to the intern for questions and advice.

HOURS/SALARY:
This position requires a commitment of 3 months, 40 hours per week, on a voluntary basis, interns will not be paid, nor will housing or transportation be provided (however Mote can assist interns in finding housing). There is flexibility on the start dates.

SCHOLARSHIPS:
Mote provides the opportunity for some interns to receive a scholarship to help pay for living expenses during the internship. Please visit our website at:
www.mote.org

TO APPLY:
Please visit www.mote.org for internship applications and general information. When submitting your application, please indicate your interest in the Stranding Investigations Program on the form.

QUESTIONS:
Any general questions regarding internships at Mote should be directed to Dana O?Mara at danaomara@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 462. Any questions directly related to the Stranding Investigations Program Internships, please contact Vikki Socha at vsocha@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 239.