Photo by Sarah Pryke.
An enthusiastic and capable volunteer field assistant is required for a research project on frillneck lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) in Wyndham, Western Australia. This project will form part of a PhD study on the colour and function of the frill in the frillneck lizard in tropical Australia. Fieldwork will involve:
– locating and capturing lizards in order to fit them with radio-transmitters
– taking morphometrics and other fitness indicators (e.g. bite force)
– tracking radio-collared lizards to determine territory size
– conducting behavioural focals on territorial males
– assisting with performance experiments on captive lizards at the field station
The position requires commitment to the full field season, which will run from late October/early November 2011 until February 2012. Travel to and from the field site will be covered by the university, as will food and accommodation for the duration of the field season.
Volunteers will have a background in zoology, preferably some reptile handling experience and must be comfortable with fieldwork in hot, humid conditions. This is an excellent opportunity for recent science graduates to gain valuable field experience of in-depth behavioural and evolutionary research.
Application deadline: 1st October 2011
For more information, and to apply, please contact David Hamilton (davidghamilton@hotmail.com).