Pre-Summer 2018

BIOL 4651/6651

FIELD TECHNIQUES IN VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

7–25 May 2018

EDWARD J. MEEMAN BIOLOGICAL STATION

FIELD TECHNIQUES IN VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

Field Techniques in Vertebrate Zoology (Biol 4651/6651; 4 hours) is a field- oriented course that provides students with an opportunity to study vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) in their natural surroundings. The course is designed to offer students an unusual opportunity to learn techniques in an intense (approximately) 3-week interval prior to the regular summer school session. Biodiversity, life history, techniques of field study, classification, and methods of collection and preservation will be emphasized. Field studies in mammalogy will be most prominent. The course is framed for students who enjoy the outdoors and rigors of fieldwork (e.g., camping, hiking, collecting in various parts of the region). Informal lectures and discussion will accompany the field experiences. Most of the course will be taught at the Edward J. Meeman Biological Station.

Station Information

The Edward J. Meeman Biological Station is a facility of the Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Memphis, established in 1968 to promote research and instruction in the areas of natural history, ecology, and environmental biology. The Station includes two sites: Meeman (located about 20 miles NW of the University’s main campus and adjacent to the Meeman-Shelby State Park and Mississippi River), which serves as the primary research and instructional center, and Brunswick (located approximately 20 miles NE of the University’s main campus and adjacent to the Loosahatchie River near the community of Brunswick), which serves primarily as a research and environmental education area. In total, the Station encompasses about 1,000 acres and serves numerous research, teaching, and service functions of the University.

The Station functions as an outdoor laboratory and provides students with opportunities for hands-on experiences not attainable in traditional classrooms. Students learn concepts and principles of biology but also gain first-hand experience in field techniques and procedures while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow students in a field environment.

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Michael L. Kennedy EB 307 901-678-2597 [email protected]

GENERAL SCHEDULE (tentative)

7 May (Mon., first day of class) – Meet at Meeman (the building is the Field Research Laboratory) at 9:00 am (wear field clothes).

Class activities and schedule will be discussed and preparations made for the remainder of the course. Some informal lecture and study of mammal specimens.

Students will go home on the night of the 7th and return on the morning of the 8th (Tues., 9:00 am) prepared to spend the remainder of the week at the Station.

There will be no class on Sat. (12 May), Sun. (13 May). Students will be free to go home in the late afternoon on Fri. (11 May).

14 May (Mon.) – 18 May (Fri.) – Meet at Meeman (Field Research Laboratory) at 9:00 am on Mon. (14 May). Will be in western Tennessee throughout the week.

18 May (Fri.) – in the late afternoon or Friday night, students will be free to go home for the weekend.

21 May (Mon.) – Meet at Meeman (Field Research Laboratory); students arrive at Meeman at 9:00 am on Mon. (21 May).

22 May (Tues.) – 25 May (Fri.) – Will be in western Tennessee during the week. Students complete the course this week.

EXAMS—There will be a quiz Fri. afternoon of the first week and Fri. afternoon of the second week. Final Exam will be on last day of the course. Final exam will include 3 parts: specimen exam (identification of mammalian species), field exam (identification of selected species of vertebrates in the field and/or signs of vertebrate species; for example, bird or amphibian species, mammal track. Course should be completed by late afternoon on Fri., 25 May). Books

1. The Wild Mammals of Missouri, C. D. Schwartz and E. R. Schwartz 2. The Audubon Society Field Guide-Birds; Peterson Field Guide, Eastern Birds 3. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians

Field Clothes

Field clothes—just clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Probably best to bring a change of clothes for each day. You can wash clothes on weekends. Be sure to bring some long-sleeved shirts and long pants. The mosquito situation could be rough in some places.

Bring some type of rain wear. We can probably count on a little rain.

Shoes—boots are best (leather or rubber will do). Need something for hiking but also for wading in the water (old tennis shoes work well or rubber boots). Bring hip boots or waders if you have them (don’t buy for this class).

Supplies

1. Hand light (flashlight, etc; extra batteries) 2. Linen for bed; pillow 3. Leather gloves (1 pair each); just working gloves for handling bats or other 4. Again, light raincoat 5. Insect spray (for both mosquito and tick protection)**** 6. Personal equipment and materials (toothbrush, etc.)

Additional Supplies (bring if you have but not necessary to purchase)

1. Field glasses 2. Camera 3. Field guides (e.g., to trees, wildflowers, fish, and other) 4. Water bottle or canteen 5. GPS unit 6. Compass Food

We will be doing our own cooking. Students will be responsible for their own food. Usually, small groups go together and eat as a group. I will talk about what types of food work best on the first Monday. These are usually foods that can be prepared fast and do not take a lot of clean up. Hot dogs and such are good examples. Again, we will talk about this on the first Monday.

Strategy for Success

Plan on working hard AND BEING CAREFUL!

Note!!!!!!!!!!!

There could be several rainy days. Poison ivy could be a problem. Mosquitoes will be out. Ticks will be out. Snakes will be a concern.

Bring any type protection that you might like. Plan on being careful and safe.

Directions to the Edward J. Meeman Biological Station (on web site)

The address is: 1250 Cuba-Millington Rd. There is a Meeman sign in the field adjacent to the white-gravel driveway. The gate will be open. A phone # is: 901-876-2050 (this is the Field Research Laboratory).

7 May – 25 May 2018