Call for Proposals: AOU International Grants Program (Deadline 1 April 2015)

[Carla Cicero]

The AOU International Grants Program Committee invites proposals from graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in Latin American institutions to conduct benchmark surveys of bird communities in Latin America. Benchmark surveys have the purpose of establishing baseline information on the richness and abundance of birds in Neotropical locations during this dynamic time in history. As climate and land-use patterns change, our understanding of how Neotropical birds respond to such changes will be facilitated by establishment of a network of well-studied reference sites. Site selection should be justified by referencing to existing literature that highlights risks posed to habitats from climate, land-use, or other changes. Sites can be those that are under-represented in the literature, that provide opportunities to address additional ecological questions such as linking bird community data with plant community data (e.g., surveying birds on established tree community survey plots), or that represent widespread yet poorly studied habitats. Survey methodology should be clearly described and should include modern methods that allow the observer to account for the challenges of variability in detection probabilities and should evaluate quantitatively the degree to which the bird community has been thoroughly surveyed. For recommendations on the format of proposals, please see: (put web link here).

 

Funding will support travel costs and basic supplies. Support for stipends is not allowed. The committee anticipates funding 1 to 3 proposals. Budgets of less than $2,000 will be most competitive.

 

To apply, send (as a single PDF) the following items: a one-page cover letter summarizing your qualifications to conduct bird surveys by sight and sound in Latin America; a 2-page proposal following the guidelines outlined at the web link; a C.V.; and names and email addresses of 3 professional references, at least one of whom can address your experience identifying birds by sight and sound in the region you propose to work. Proposals may be written in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Please see application instructions for complete details. The PDF should be sent by email to: aouinternational@gmail.com. Applications must be received by 1 April 2015. Awards will be announced after 1 May 2015.