6 SANAP symposium Reflections: Ecosystems part 1

6 SANAP symposium Reflections: Ecosystems part 1

Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren (left) chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery with the first plenary talk of the symposium by Peter Convey(right) of the British Antarctic Survey ” Terrestrial biological invasions and their potential impacts in the maritime Antarctic”.  (Abstract) Peter Convey discussed that there are around 15 species of non-native plants and invertebrates  currently known to be established in the maritime Antarctic . He further emphasize that effective biosecurity measures are required to ensure that further human-assisted transfer both on Signy Island and beyond is avoided. Prof Bettine Jansen van Vuuren chaired the session of Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Biodiscovery.

Bettine gave an overview of research that included research done by Daniela and Shilpha as they could not attend as they were on Marion Island. Foregrounding geodiversity in landscape ecology studies: insights from the sub-Antarctic – Daniela Monsanto (Abstract) Detecting signals of adaptive selection of an invasive springtail on sub-Antarctic Marion Island – Shilpha Parbhu (Abstract)

Daniela Monsanto, Shilpa Parbhu, Sandra Durand, Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Peter Teske, David Hedding

Morgan Raath-Kruger(left) and student of Peter le Roux at University of Pretoria gave an oral presentation and an introduction to her poster.

  • Long-term spatially-replicated data show no physical cost to a benefactor species in a facilitative plant–plant interaction. (Abstract)
  • Do anisotropic processes influence fine-scale spatial genetic structure of a keystone sub-Antarctic plant species? (Abstract)

Another abstract submitted but Carol Jacobs(right) could not  present is on the biosecurity within the South African National Antarctic Programme. (Abstract)https://alp.lib.sun.ac.za/handle/123456789/29301

Marion Island – Vacancy : Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project Research Assistant

Marion Island – Vacancy : Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project Research Assistant

Vacancy for Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project Research Assistant on Marion Island (March 2024 – May 2025) 

BirdLife South Africa, via the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Non-Profit Company (NPC), is offering an opportunity to a suitably qualified candidate to spend a year on Marion Island to continue monitoring studies designed to support the ongoing planning for the mouse-eradication operation. The position will include collecting field data on mice, continuing the monitoring of weather parameters, undertaking further field trials relating to the bait and, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, contributing to the collection of baseline data on invertebrates and plants. 

To read more about the Mouse Free Marion project – Click here

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CLOSING DATE 12 FEBRUARY 2024

Read more about Marion Island and Overwintering Teams on the SANAP website

Key Responsibilities on Marion Island and Basic Academic Requirements, Experience, and Skills are is listed in the advertisement.

 At least a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in conservation biology, ecology, or a related field.  
 Experience of field work in rugged terrain is required. 

Please e-mail your application to Dr Isabel Human, at isabel.human@birdlife.org.za see relevant documents to be included in advertisement

South African applicants will receive priority. Please note that appointments will be contingent on availability of ship berths and funding.
For queries contact Dr. Sue Tonin, the Mouse-Free Marion Assistant Project Manager, at sue.tonin@birdlife.org.za 

Marion Island – Vacancy : Field Researcher in Ecology

Marion Island – Vacancy : Field Researcher in Ecology

Vacancy for field researcher on Marion Island (March 2024 – May 2025) –

Mouse impacts on invertebrates and plants

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants.

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CLOSING DATE 4 FEBRUARY 2024

Read more about Marion Island and Overwintering Teams on the SANAP website

REQUIREMENTS (full list available in advertisement

 Minimum BSc (Hons) degree in an ecological field.  
 Experience of field work in rugged terrain is required. 
 Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, meticulous observation, note-taking 
and record-keeping abilities. 
 Experience of invertebrate and/or plant surveys.
 Computer literacy with experience in data management, statistical analysis (at least
one undergraduate statistics course) and report writing are required.

Applicants should submit their applications here.

South African applicants will receive priority. Please note that appointments will be contingent on availability of ship berths and funding.
For queries contact Prof Greve (michelle.greve@up.ac.za) via email.

TEL: +27 (0)21 405 9400
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