FIELD METHODS IN THE WILD

A comprehensive and intensive course for motivated individuals, who are seeking thorough training in approaches to the study of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Students will participate in boat-based research surveys investigating ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Students will actively participate in data collection and analyses as part of an ongoing research.

BDRI's research courses give an insight into the workings of a research team, and provides valuable experience in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more. To be successful participants in this project, students should have open minds, flexibility in changing situations, and a desire to help and to learn.

All classes will be in a form of both (a) lectures that will lead to more "informal" discussion, hopefully ending with a constructive brain-storming on the specific topic, as well as (b) instructions with hand-on practical component, especially when it involves field techniques.

Practical training, lessons in the field base, and discussions include:

•  Marine mammals biology

• Dolphins ecology: habitat use and bottlenose dolphin presence

•  Behavioural sampling methods

•  Interaction between dolphins and human activities

•  Photo-identification techniques

•  Diving behaviour

•  Bioacoustics

•  Ecological & behavioural transcription

•  Cleaning of equipment and primary data analyses

•  Computer orientation.