Field Course in Animal Behavior: Focus on Dolphins

  Honduras

Roatan

Term: Winter 
Dates: 4 - 25 January 2010

Description: The field portion of this course is 7 - 16 January 2010. Non- travel portions of this course will be completed remotely, via the free internet communication program, Skype. The group of 20 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are housed at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences in a spacious, natural enclosure, which links the animals to the natural environment. With accommodations at Anthony's Key Resort, the learning objectives of this course include:
*Examine behavior and communication of bottlenose dolphins, fish species, and if possilbe, iguanas, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and various bird species
*Develop field research skills in techniques including photo-identification, focal animal sampling, event (behavior) sampling, and in situ observations
*Experience the application of operant conditioning
*Improve research techniques and scientific writing skills through the completion of an individual research project including hypothesis construction, data collection and analysis, and written scientific report preparation (due via email 25 January 2010 by 17:00 EST).

Highlights:
While in the field, participants will receive:
*Daily lectures by Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski and Stan Kuczaj
*Observation opportunities of bottlenose dolphins and data collection sessions
*Field trips, including Gumba limba and local iguana farm
*9 nights' accommodation (quad occupancy) with hot water, ceiling fan and electricity
*3 meals/day
*2 swims/encounters with bottlenose dolphins
*Water sports, horseback riding and more
*Admission to Roatan Museum
*Gratuity
*Airport/hotel transfers on Roatan
*Certificate of completion (upon request)

*Air travel is not included

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 2,220

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Honduras Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Dolphin Communication Project's Mission Statement: The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), a US non-profit organization, is focused on the dual goals of scientific research and education: we take results from research projects and disseminate them into education programs for students of all ages. DCP has a team of researchers (graduated professionals, graduate students, undergraduate interns and volunteers) who work together to examine how dolphins communicate in order to shed more light on the meaning of the interactions between individuals and groups. With access to a data archive collected since 1991, questions focus on communication among Atlantic spotted dolphins in The Bahamas, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Japan, and common bottlenose dolphins in human care in Honduras and The Bahamas. In addition to studies of communication and behavior, DCP research associates also investigate comparisons between species, geographies, and habitats, as well as their own research topics. We are dedicated to continuing the long-term, longitudinal observations of dolphins in our four study locations.

Year Founded: 2000