Instructor: Dr Falk Huettmann fffh@uaf.edu
Dates: Jun 22 to July 6, 2008

Bioblitz: A quantitative modeling clinic towards inventorizing the Biodiversity of Ometepe, Nicaragua. Topics:
DISTANCE Sampling, Capture Mark Recapture, GIS Mapping, GPS, Resource Selection Functions, Online Biodiversity Databases (SQL based), Predictive Modeling, Computing Languages and Software (R, S-PLUS, SAS, MARK, Cybertracker)

Lecturers: Falk Huettmann (FH) & Andre Breton (AB)

Location: Fieldstation at Ometepe, Nicaragua

Philosophy of the course: An interactive applied learning experience on latest quantitative methods
to provide digital inventories for global biodiversity management

Taxa covered: Primates (Howler and Capuchin Monkeys), large and small mammals, Land- and Waterbirds,
Reptiles, Fish, Insects, Trees and Lower Plants

Organisation and Topics: 

Daily lectures (8 by FH, 8 by AB)
Days field work
Days data work-up, analysis and presentations
Computer work (digitization, data transfer, computing, R,

SPLUS, SAS, MARK and DISTANCE Sampling):

Compilation of biodiversity database project
Map of biodiversity database
Written report about findings
Online presentation of (tropical) field work
Oral project presentation

Who Should Participate:

Every scholar interested in latest quantitative inventory and study methods applicable to (tropical) wildlife and
habitat management. A basic education in statistics and computing would be an asset. This course is ideal for the
graduate student of (tropical) Landscape Ecology, Wildlife and Biodiversity, but open for every individual motivated
to learn topics above.

Lecture Themes:

5* DISTANCE Sampling (Theory, Software, Fieldwork,
GIS, Analysis,Alternatives, Special Issues)
5* Capture Mark Recapture (Theory, MARK,
Research Design)
3* Databases (overview, set up, analysis,
SQL, Relational)
3* GIS (Concepts, Data, Applications, GPS, Cybertracker)
2* Computing and Analysis (R, S-PLUS, SAS)

Marking Scheme: Participation, Fieldwork,
Analysis, Lectures, Presentation of Database

Project:

This class can be combined with Rain Forest
Ecology and Conservation, La Suerte Costa Rica

Map of Ometepe Island Nicaragua:

Blue shows rout from Managua to San Ramon,
Ometepe Island.
Class takes place in San Ramon Ometepe Island
(the end of the blue line on the island

General Daily Schedule:
Sunrise - 9:00 Field work
11:00 AM - 12:00 / 13:00 - 14:00 lecture
15:00 - 17:00 Field work
19:30 - 20:30 Field book updates,
potential lecture
There will also be the option to participate in night excursions to investigate nocturnal birds

Note: This schedule can be affected by weather and others factors, and could change.

Course Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Day 2: Introduction to Field School and Study Site

Day 3: ‘Wildlife Walk’ and Project Planning

Day 4: Project Design and Project Research (Pilot)

Day 5: Project Research (Pilot)

Day 6: Project Research (Pilot)

Day 7: Off (work on journals, research proposal, presentations etc.)

Day 8: Exam, Project Proposal and Project Research

Day 9: Project Research

Day 10: Project Research & Computer Applications (team)

Day 11: Project Research & Computer Applications (team)

Day 12: Project Research & Computer Applications (team)

Day 13: Final Exam, Final Project Presentations, End-of-Course Party

Day 14: Departure