Dominica

What is Operation Wallacea? Tropical scientific expeditions in 15countries 200+ academics running more than 120 projects Results published in peer-reviewed journals

What is Operation Wallacea? 30 new vertebrate species to science discovered Large temporal and spatial data sets obtained from tuition fee funded model Data used to assess the performance of conservation management programmes

Opportunity for worldwide comparative studies Cuba

Global Research and Conservation Strategy Stage 1 - Assessing ecosystem diversity and function Stage 2 - Monitoring ecosystem change Stage 3 - Monitoring socio-economic change Stage 4 - Establishing & monitoring the effectiveness of conservation management programmes

Caribbean Islands

Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot

11% of original vegetation 6550 endemic plants 45 endemic birds 18 endemic mammals 143 endemic amphibians 38 extinct species

Dominica

Clemson Rainforest Research Centre

Introductory day Orientation lecture and health & safety Caribbean Island Lectures on Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot Dominica forests and protected areas Survey techniques being used Group divided into small teams which circulate with a day on each of the research options

Option 1 – Herpetofauna surveys

Competition between endemic and invasive Anole Anolis oculatus (endemic) Anolis cristatellus (invasive) Distribution of the invasive anole Habitat and niche partitioning Competitive interactions Thermal preferences of each species

Option 1 – Herpetofauna surveys

Option 2- Bird Mist Netting and Forest structure surveys

Bird mist netting

Forest structure surveys

Option 3 – Invertebrate Species Inventory

Option 4 – Freshwater Ecology

Bat mist netting

Canyoning

i During your week you will also have the option to complete a half day ‘Canyoning’ course. This is an optional extra and is run by Extreme Dominica. If not completing this training course you will complete a hike in one of the more remote areas of the island Freshwater Lake Boiling Lake

Whale Research and Transfer Day

Week 2 – Fort Shirley, Cabrits

Week 2 - Dive training to Open Water

Week 2 - Caribbean Reef Ecology Course

Week 2 – Referral dive course and Caribbean reef ecology

Week 2 – History and culture of Dominica

Summary Week 1 in Clemson University research centre completing Caribbean Island Ecology course and working on forest structure, herpetofauna, electrofishing and invertebrate Chance to learn canyoning On Sunday learn about whale research and transfer to Fort Shirley Week 2 learn to dive or complete Caribbean reef ecology course

Health & Safety Training of students in safety procedures Risk assessments Medical cover Communications Emergency evacuation plans BS8848 compliant Medical statistics published each year

Links toCourse Work, and University Entry Relevant practicals and lectures for IB, AP, A level or Highers IB – extended essay, CAS, PSOW Stand alone extended project EPQ UK universities – University Award or CoPE US universities – course credit University applications and interviews

Example research questions Why is the Caribbean such an important biodiversity hotspot? How are the Caribbean endemic species of parrots faring? What problems are being caused by invasive species on Caribbean islands? What methods are used to survey river and stream fish communities? Social structure and communication in sperm whales

Fundraising support

£1,210 for expedition costs + International flights and in-country travel

Any questions?