Bahamian Conservation Biology Summer 2024 (6 credits)
BSC 495 (Ecological and Evolutionary Dimensions of Conservation Biology in the Bahamas, 3 cr.)
FW 445 (Human Dimensions of Conservation Biology in the Bahamas, 3 cr.)
Dr. Brian Langerhans and Dr. Nils Peterson
North Carolina State University

This page will serve as the primary source of information for the course, including the posting of readings, assignments,
relevant links, research project information, etc. Check back later for updates.

Latest Update: 19 June 2024.

General Course Information:
Dates of Entire 10-week Summer Program: May 15 - Aug 1, 2024 (includes offsite reading, writing, assignments, lectures, etc.)

Onsite Dates in The Bahamas: May 30 - June 13, 2024

Syllabus

Research Project Proposal Guidelines

Suggested Packing List for the trip

Fish and Coral Identification Lists

Swimming: One critical requirement for the program is the ability to swim (moderate to advanced capabilities). Many field activities require swimming (especially snorkeling), although advanced capabilities and diving certifications are not required. There will be a swim test conducted on the first day on-site to ensure that all students can safely conduct any required activity.

Travel Logistics:
Students are responsible for air travel to/from Andros Island. We will arrive on Andros May 30th and depart on June 13th. We will provide further details regarding specific flights, but the general plan will be to fly roundtrip to Nassau, Bahamas (arriving by mid-day May 30th, leaving late afternoon-evening June 13th) using a major airline carrier, and fly roundtrip from Nassau to Fresh Creek (AKA Andros Town), Andros Island using a domestic carrier (LeAir). Your luggage will be checked to Nassau, where you will clear customs, and bring your luggage to the relevant airline desk in the Domestic Departure airport check-in.

Once in the Bahamas, be aware of "island time," and roll with the punches. Many things do not run on time, and many seeminingly simple or routine tasks in the US may take very long in the Bahamas. Be prepared for delays. However, we have found that this travel arrangement typically results in the most prompt arrivals and departures (and that more luggage typically arrives on time using the recommended travel plan).

Don't forget you need a passport to enter the Bahamas!

Pre-trip Readings:
The readings below are meant to provide both a general background for this study abroad program, as well as provide the initial foundation for your literature reviews for your research projects. Everyone should read the papers listed for each project. Each group is expected to find a number of additional papers relevant to their research topic. To better understand your topic, the more reading, the better.

- Brief introduction to some study systems and research on Andros Island:
-Read these to get a sense of the study systems and questions addressed on Andros.-
  Layman et al. 2004
  Langerhans et al. 2007
  Heinen et al. 2013
  Hayes et al. 2015
  Heinen-Kay et al. 2015
  Shapiro et al. 2016
  Valdez et al. 2019
  Hulthén et al 2021
  Jenkins et al. 2021


- Patterns and Determinants of Biodiversity In and Around Inland Blue Holes:
  Björnerås et al. 2020
  TNC Bahamas Protected Project 2017
  Steadman et al 2015
  Langerhans 2018
  Gonzalez et al. 2011
  Heinen et al. 2013 (also above)
  Kjellmark 1996
  Smart 1984

Research Project Summary:

Patterns and Determinants of Biodiversity In and Around Inland Blue Holes
For many reasons, we cannot conserve ALL biodiversity and other natural features. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the most important areas for conservation to effectively maintain the most salient processes, organisms, and features for future generations. Inland blue holes of The Bahamas are well-recognized as critically important but vulnerable anchialine habitats in need of protection. However, only a small percentage of blue holes are currently protected, and their protection was not previously prioritized based on conservation importance. To better protect inland blue holes, we need an improved understanding of biodiversity patterns and their underlying causes. With this information, a more-informed, evidence-based, conservation prioritization may occur. While we still know relatively little about many aspects of most blue holes, existing data on biotic and abiotic characteristics of blue holes and their surrounding can be leveraged and synthesized to accomplish the goals of this project. To quantify and evaluate the patterns and determinants of biodiversity in and around inland blue holes, students will visit, observe, and measure a range of features across many blue holes, and utilize existing data (e.g. water chemistry [including vertical depth profiles], tidal amplitude, cave features, endangered species habitat use, and diversity of fish, zooplankton, plants, and birds).
          Everyone has been assigned to this project!