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Feeding Ecology of Virunga Mountain Gorillas
Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2008-08-12
Position Description:
The goal of this project is to conduct an in-depth investigation of the feeding ecology of the Virunga mountain gorillas. Despite numerous, detailed studies conducted on the feeding ecology of mountain gorillas at Karisoke and other areas of the Virungas, many questions remain. In particular, additional ecological studies can contribute to our understanding of trends in population dynamics over the past decades and assist in conservation efforts of this endangered population.
In particular, we are interested in examining the following questions:
-how has the availability of food resources for the gorillas changed over time (area last surveyed 15-30 years ago)?
-how does the availability of food resources vary in different regions of the Virunga Volcanoes?
-what is the energy intake and energy expenditure of the gorillas and does it change depending on season, group size, etc?
-what is the relationship between group size and within-group feeding competition?
To address these questions, the person will conduct vegetation surveys in the area of the Karisoke research center as well as other regions of the Virunga Volcanoes. Behavioral observations will be made on the habituated gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center to measure food intake as well as measures of feeding competition. Additionally, the person will assist with supervising Rwandan undergraduate and MSc students with their field work projects.
The position will be jointly funded by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. The person will spend the first few months in Leipzig, Germany developing the project, then the next year in Rwanda conducting field work, followed by additional time in Leipzig for analysis and write-up.
The position will start approximately November 1, 2008 and run for 1-2 years.
Qualifications/Experience:
The successful candidate:
-must have completed a PhD in biology, zoology, anthropology, or related field.
-must have prior field work experience, preferably with ecological studies.
-must have experience working in a developing country, preferably in Africa.
-must be fluent in English and have basic knowledge of French.
-must be able to work independently, responsibly, and show evidence of ability to help supervise student projects.
-have excellent verbal and written skills.
-must have excellent knowledge of statistics.
-must be prepared to write grants to help fund the project.
Salary/funding:
2,100 euros per month
Term of Appointment:
1-2 years
Application Deadline:
September 15, 2008
Comments:
Please send the following to to Dr. Martha Robbins by September 15th:
- CV (resume)
- letter of interest, that includes a description of your field research experience
- names and email addresses of 3 referees
Please do not apply if you do not have your PhD finished.
Contact
Information:
Martha Robbins
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04013
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49 341 3550 210
Fax Number:
+49 341 3550 119
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat.html
E-mail Address:
robbins@eva.mpg.de
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