Biodiversity Assessment Methods for Tropical Field Research

Catalog description

Offered in Madagascar, this intense experiential learning course is geared towards undergraduate students interested in field research in the tropics. Students will explore both the practical aspects of field biological research and conceptual topics related to tropical biodiversity. Emphasis will be learning to measure the species diversity, and population density of the species of plants, birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking with regards to the origins of tropical biodiversity. Practical, hands-on field techniques and methods will be conducted including safety, mapping, line transect surveys, mist netting, behavioral observations and collecting and preserving samples, photography, and measurement of environmental variables such as climate.