Field Course in Animal Behavior - Roatan, HondurasFull course dates: 4 - 25 January 2010 Field dates: 7 - 16 January 2010 $2200 per person (USD) (fee does not include airfare) Lodging at Anthony's Key Resort (AKR) with coursework at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) Download our flyer.The DolphinsThe group of 20 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are housed in a spacious, natural enclosure, which links the animals to the natural environment. A good portion of the ongoing research being conducted by the staff at RIMS involves these mammals. Medical and morphometric data are systematically collected on the dolphins. With this information, a database has been established whereby health, growth patterns and characteristics unique to the bottlenose of the Honduran north coast can be monitored. Ongoing behavioral research has been conducted since the facility opened. In additon, RIMS is involved in a joint project of the Honduran Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.
Dolphin Communication ProjectThe Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is focused on the dual goals of scientific research and education: we take results from research projects and disseminate them into educational 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. We have 4 field sites that include wild and captive dolphins of 3 species. DCP collaborates with RIMS to study dolphins ranging in age from a few months to more than 30 years old. We observe these dolphins following the same protocol that we use at our study sites in the Bahamas and Japan. Please contact us for more details.
Learning Objectives- 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).
Course StructureNon- travel portions of this course will be completed remotely, via the free internet communication program, Skype. Exact dates and times are to be determined. Download the class schedule here. Daily Activities in the FieldDaily lectures and field observations will be completed. The exact schedule each day is dependant on weather and other logistics. Students will also be divided into teams which will rotate in assisting with data collection for DCP's long-term, longitudinal study on the RIMS dolphins. These data collection sessions occur at sunrise and mid-morning.
Additional Topics/Activities in the FieldTwo field trips are scheduled during our 2010 course, including Gumba limbo and local Iguana farm. Optional water sports (kayaks, canoes) and horseback rides are also included in the course fee, if scheduling permits.
Lodging in the FieldAnthony's Key Resort is locally owned and operated and is nestled on the northwest coast amidst lush tropical vegetation. Students will be housed (triple or quad occupancy, depending on enrollment) in bungalows overlooking the lagoon and reef. There is 24 hour electricity (220V) and each bungalow has a ceiling fan, private bathroom, hot water shower and porch with hammocks. The operators of AKR support the notion that Roatan's reefs, lagoons, forests and wildlife can no longer be taken for granted. With this in mind, RIMS was formed in 1989. Visited by US high schools and colleges, RIMS also serves local schools in promoting the study of tropical marine ecosystems and their resident bottlenose dolphins.
Travel to the FieldStudents are responsible for their own travel to and from Roatan. It is highly recommended that students travel directly to Roatan from the U.S. Suggested airlines and routes will be provided to each student (from either Houston on Continental; Atlanta on Delta; or Miami on Taca/AA). Please check with your airline at the time of booking for baggage allowances and other restrictions. US Citizens are required to travel with a valid passport. People with other citizenship should check with their native country. Transportation to/from the Roatan airport and AKR is included in the course fee.
Food in the Field3 meals a day are included in your course fee. Most meals are served in AKR's dining area at set intervals. Typical meals include fresh fruits and vegetables, rice or pasta, and a choice of beef, chicken or fish. You must inform us of special dietary restrictions at the time of registration. There is also a snack shop on the dive dock. Snacks and tolietries purchased here are not included in your course fee. Weather Conditions in the FieldRoatan is a tropical island with temperatures into the mid-high 70's F in the winter months. The evenings can be a bit cool. The winter months are often drier than other times of the year.
Money in the FieldWhile the limpera is the official currency of Honduras, the US dollar is accepted at Anthony's Key Resort and in many locations on Roatan. Major credit cards, traveler's checks and cash can be used to purchase incidentals while at the Resort.
Included:- 9 nights’ accommodation (quad occupancy)
- 3 meals/day
- 2 dolphin swims/encounters with bottlenose dolphins
- 2 field trips (Gumba limbo, Iguana farm)
- Water sports, horseback riding and more
- Admission to Roatan Museum
- Lectures & instruction by Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski and Stan Kuczaj
- Gratuity (hotel, cook, boat crew)
- Airport/hotel transfers on Roatan
- Certificate of completion (upon request)
Total: $2,200* per person course fee which includes 9 nights/10 days at AKR
*air travel is NOT included
*mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit can be rented at AKR. Associated fees are not included in the course fee.
*Recieve a ~3% discount if you pay by check or money order. Please
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for details on paying by check
We require a minimum of 8 students, maximum of 16 students. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS/REFUNDSPayment options include PayPal or U.S. currency check issued by a U.S. bank. A deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. Full payment is required by 6 November 2009. Refund policy is as follows:
Cancellation date and cancellation fee per person: - 60 days or more (November 6, 2009): 20% deposit
- 30-59 days: 50% of expedition fee
- 29 days or less (December 6, 2009): 100% of expedition fee
If paying be credit card or PayPal, please use the below options:
Pay for the course in full ($2,200):
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Pay the 20% deposit ($440):
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Pay the remaining 80% ($1760) in the event you have already made a 20% deposit:
Contact
DCP’s Director, Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski via our contact page.
Dolphin Communication Project
P.O. Box 711
Old Mystic, CT 06372-0711
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