The [EFS] 2013 Venezuela will cover the behavior and ecology of feral horses from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis will be given to the Venezuelan feral creoles, offering a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on field experience in a truly extraordinary setting: the tropical savannah of Los Llanos, also known as the Serengeti of South America. This savannah, surrounded by tropical forest is rich with remarkable flora and fauna.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Our {EFS} Venezuela Program has been postponed to April 2013 in order to synchronize our field studies with the foaling season.
At the same time we are pleased to announce that this course will be accredited by the Catedra Libre del Criollo Venezolano (UCLA).
It is a privilege for us to count with ethologist Lucy Rees, with her years of field expertise, to introduce us to the wondrous world of Equus caballus and an ethological approach to the study of their behavior. In addition to Lucy Rees; Victor Ros, Dr. Jose Luis Canelon and Dr. Julio Vargas will contribute by classes and lectures on specific topics of the program outline.
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This is an intensive field course in equid behavior, and is equivalent to an upper-level undergraduate course. It is also physically demanding, and an enjoyment of highly physical outdoor adventures is an advantage.
Most days are spent rising before dawn to hike to the savannah to begin observations of horses. Evenings are usually spent in data transfer, classroom lectures and discussion. After the first week of the course, students will develop independent research projects under the supervision of the tutor.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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To understand the ecological influences on sociality and behavior.
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Formulate and test hypotheses by designing appropriate observation regimes & experiments relating to animal behaviour and suggest avenues for future research
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Develop classification systems relevant to the collection and storage of behavioural data
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Choose and apply appropriate analytical techniques to interpret field data
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Collaborate as a group to reach research goals
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Communicate their research findings effectively and concisely
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REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
The following books are essential for supplementary support and further understanding of the behavior and ecology of feral horses.
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The Wild Horses of the Great Basin – Joel Berger
Berger, J. (1986) Wild Horses of the Great Basin: Social Competition and Population Size University of Chicago Press, Chicago
The Horse’s Mind – Lucy Rees
Rees , L. (1984) The Horse’s Mind Stanley Paul, London
The Equid Ethogram – Sue McDonnell
McDonnell, S (2003) The equid ethogram: A practical field guide to horse behavior. Eclipse Press
You can also view our list of EquineBiblio!
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COURSE STRUCTURE
The course will be broken up into two main sections:
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Feral horse behavioral ecology/field techniques
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Independent research project.
Equid ecology and field techniques: this section is the first half of the course and is based on classroom lectures, participation in discussions, oral presentations, and field observations exercises.
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The specific lecture topics will fall under the following general categories:
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Equid Evolution & Behavioral Ecology (niches, polyspecific associations, predators)
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Equid Social Life – A comparatrive review of feral horses
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Dietary Ecology of feral and wild equid populations
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Research Design: Methodology and Data Collection Techniques
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Field Exercises
This part of the course involves supervised participation in data collecting techniques, methods, and procedures discussed and practiced under actual field conditions. Students will work closely with the professor and teaching assistant on the following field techniques:
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Habitat Description
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Equid Population Analysis: you will learn how to census large feral or wild equid groups.
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Observation Techniques and Ethograms: you will learn techniques for aging, sexing, and identifying individuals, as well as developing a behavioral profile.
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In addition, there will be research methodology exercises that will provide useful practice for various data-taking techniques that will be used during the independent project. You will learn various elements of research design, including how to develop an ethogram (or “behavioral repertoire”), and various behavioral sampling methods.
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The second half of the course will be dedicated to Independent Research Projects (IRP’s).With the help of our faculty, you will develop and carry out your own field research project. The IRP will be an original project of your own choosing on some topic of equid behavioral ecology.
It will involve researching, developing, writing up, submitting and getting feedback on a specific research proposal, carrying out the project, analyzing and writing up your results, and orally presenting these results to the rest of the class at the end of the field course. I will be available throughout the process to help with research design, and to offer advice during the data collection process.
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Further information, final dates in 2013 and instructions for registration will be posted shortly!
Please check back!
You can also send us an email to show your interest! Click here!
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