Photograph by Alexandre Turmaine, a MSc student at McGill University
Through this photograph, we get to peer into the excavation process of worker California Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex californicus) expanding their burrow. Thanks to their strong exoskeleton and their tiny proportions, ants are remarkably proficient at carrying loads many times their own body weight. These two ants along with the rest of the workers had been hard at work all afternoon removing one miniature boulder at a time from their underground home.
About the photographer: My name is Alexandre Turmaine, following the completion of my undergraduate studies in environmental biology, I am starting a masters in the Renewable Resources department at McGill University studying the foraging success of a cliff nesting seabird (Thick-Billed Murre) using GPS accelerometers.
By Mikaela Gerwing, a PhD student at Concordia University
Bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) are famous for their use of tools, using large stones to crack open fruits. This is a skill that is necessary for their survival that is passed down through social learning, and trial and error – so what happens when a monkey doesn’t have a social group to learn from or have access to wild foods and stones for practice? We put them in school! In Brazil, the government-run wildlife rescue centres (hereafter CETAS) accept, confiscate and rescue thousands of animals every year. For example, monkeys are frequently rescued from illegal trafficking, are turned over to the government, or found injured or orphaned. When a capuchin monkey arrives at CETAS, their journey back to the wild is often a long one, as they have never had the opportunity to learn and develop the skills necessary to survive in the wild. The goal for these wildlife rescue centres is to successfully reintroduce animals back into the wild amongst a social group of other individuals that was formed at the CETAS centre. The path from rescue to reintroduction is one of many considerations – from ensuring the health and safety of every monkey, to navigating individual personalities to ensure the formation of a cohesive social group. It is during this journey towards reintroduction that rehabilitation workers will provide the monkeys with the opportunity to learn skills like cracking open fruits, giving them the training necessary to be able to survive in the wild. I am interested in how a monkey’s behaviour and personality may correlate with a successful reintroduction. I’m particularly interested in stereotypic behaviours – the often repetitive actions associated with stress or discomfort in captive animals – and how these behaviours relate to personality and external factors like length of time in captivity or age at rescue. I am also curious as to how these stereotypic behaviours impact an individual’s behavioural diversity. Do capuchin monkeys who engage in more stereotypies show reduced behavioural diversity by re-playing certain stress-motivated behaviours over and over, thereby limiting natural behaviours? If that is the case, then the rehabilitation process can act as a method to increase behavioural diversity and encourage behavioural plasticity – traits that will positively impact a monkey’s ability to acclimate and flourish in the wild.
Wild juvenile bearded capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) in northeastern Brazil.
The Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS) Excellence award helped fund a five month field season in northeastern Brazil in 2023. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Sarah Turner, my supervisor at Concordia, in collaboration with my co-supervisor Dr. Renata Ferreira and her students at the Universidade Federale do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), located in Natal, Brazil. I spent around three months in Natal, observing and collecting behavioural data on capuchin monkeys in the CETAS centre alongside my field assistant. I spent the latter half of my time in Brazil based at the reintroduction site in the state of Ceará with another field assistant, planning and preparing to bring a small group of monkeys to be released back into their natural semi-arid habitat in the Caatinga biome. This preparation also included working with the local community, a nonprofit organization, and researchers from UFRN to share knowledge and collaborate on conservation initiatives. I conducted in-depth interviews with community members and a series of presentations at local schools and community associations to better understand opinions on wildlife and nature, and to share details about our project. During this time, I also had the opportunity to get to know the plant and invertebrate biodiversity of the Caatinga. I was able to observe the release of a group of monkeys in a soft-release enclosure. This is an outdoor enclosure that allows them to observe and adjust to their new home (the forest), while hopefully integrating with the group of wild monkeys. Post-release monitoring was done using camera traps and ultra high frequency radio collars, and working with local community members and government officials.
Observing behaviour at the CETAS centre in Natal, Brazil.
Observing monkeys – or any animals – in close proximity over extended periods of time is a unique experience that allows one to really get to know every individual for who they are. Beyond knowing the monkeys, researchers will unwittingly develop a relationship with them simply by sharing space over time. If I am conducting a focal sample observation (monitoring every behaviour performed by a single monkey during a set period of time) on a monkey and I sneeze, the monkey’s reaction to that sneeze integrates me as the researcher into the behavioural observation itself. This is one of the elements of behavioural research that grips me, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do this work, thanks in part to the QCBS Excellence award. I am hopeful that my research will help rescue centres better understand and prepare capuchin monkeys for reintroduction – a process that not only provides the monkeys with an opportunity to return to the wild, but can have positive effects on biodiversity conservation through species and ecosystem protection, expanding public awareness and conservation education.
Speaking about our project at a school local to the release site in northeastern Brazil.
About the author:
Mikaela Gerwing is a wildlife conservation biologist and current PhD student at Concordia University, working in the department of Geography, Planning and Environment under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Turner and Dr. Renata Ferreira in the Primatology and Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies (PIES) Lab. Her research focus is threefold: the rehabilitation and reintroduction of bearded capuchin monkeys in the Brazilian Caatinga, human-wildlife coexistence in the area of release, and the effectiveness and ethical integrity of wildlife rescue centres in the areas of animal welfare, human welfare and conservation.
Mikaela holds a BSc. in Natural Resources Conservation, Global Perspectives from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (2019) and an MS in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University, New York (2022). She has worked and volunteered in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in four continents with countless animals, and most notably, spent two years working as a conservation biologist and the volunteer coordinator for Taricaya Eco Reserve and Rescue Center in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. Mikaela is passionate about wildlife conservation and reintroduction, community development, and animal welfare, with a particular affinity towards primates, elephants and bears.
By Brielle Comartin, a MSc student at McGill University
I recently had the opportunity to present my Master’s research at the International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS 2024). Although the conference was not international for me (it took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia), over 300 people attended from all over the globe, including places such as Belgium, Fiji, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Netherlands, Philippines, United States and England. ICAIS was my first conference at this scale, making it a great opportunity and learning experience. Here is my anecdotal list of dos and don’ts when attending an international conference
Before the conference
DO: Participate in pre-conference social events
DON’T: Only socialize with your lab mates during the pre-conference social events
My lab mate and I decided to show up fashionably late to an event organized for students and early career professionals the night before the official conference. However, our tardiness resulted in there being no spots left at the communal table, and we were forced to sit by ourselves. At this point, discussions (and drinks) were flowing between students at the communal table, and we felt too shy to join the group. We missed our opportunity to make connections with people our age from different countries with similar interests. Not to mention, it would have been nice to have some familiar faces in the room during my presentation.
Presenting your research during the conference
DO: Present your research (poster or talk) with confidence
DON’T: Underestimate yourself
In my opinion, the primary reason for attending a conference is to hear about the latest research happening in the field. I highly recommend presenting your research so you can be a central part of that conversation. (Yeah, I know this is something your supervisor probably says too!). But seriously, present something! Whether it’s a poster or a talk, this will open many doors for you, career-wise, in ways you might not expect. I was extremely nervous to give a 15-minute talk, and probably even more nervous about the 5-minute question period that would follow. I also thought everyone could tell how nervous I was when I presented. However, to my surprise, I was awarded 3rd place for the best student talk at the conference closing ceremony and was also approached by many professionals to have further discussions regarding my research. Although giving a presentation is extremely nerve-racking, it can be SO rewarding.
Where to stay during the conference
DO: Stay somewhere that is a walkable distance from the conference venue
DON’T: Stay in the hotel suggested by the conference organizers
Typically, hotels suggested by the conference organizers are very close to the conference center for convenience. However, these hotels cost a fortune per night, which is unrealistic on a student budget where the conference expenses are often being funded by minimal grant money. My lab mate and I opted for an Airbnb that was a 20-minute walk away from the conference center. By doing so, not only were we able to save money, but by the end of the conference we were also extremely familiar with the city of Halifax from taking different routes to the venue every day. Okay, so maybe we had to share a bed in a 100 sq ft space, but that’s all part of the fun, right? Besides, you won’t be spending much time in your room – it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a new city!
Networking during the conference
DO: Introduce yourself to professors, government scientists, etc. on the first day
DON’T: Feel like you are “being a bother” when trying to network
One thing I realized quickly during this conference was that professionals in the field want to be spoken to. One of the main purposes of a conference is to network, and that holds true for those with already established research careers as well. When approaching a professor, a simple introduction of my name, research group and university was enough to get a conversation started. As many of my conversations were not even academically focused, I realized that these professionals are regular people that were once in the same position as me, just looking to have a chat. Having these conversations during the coffee breaks on the first day was extremely beneficial, as I no longer felt like a stranger in a room full of strangers. Plus, I got to hear some great anecdotes from professors and government scientists who worked with my supervisor back in the day (which I can now tease him about)!
Non-conference related activities
DO: If feasible, extend your stay beyond the conference dates to explore the city
DON’T: Hide out in your room after the conference
This was my first time in Nova Scotia, so I took the opportunity to extend my stay by a couple of days to explore Halifax and surrounding areas. Because, why not? If extending your stay is not an option, take advantage of your evenings post-conference. My lab mate and I were able to redeem ourselves from our missed opportunity of socializing with other students when we were strolling by the waterfront and ran into some faces we recognized from the conference. Over a few drinks, we learned about their remote research in Fiji and the Philippines! Later in the week, over lunch with some Belgian students, we learnt about how difficult securing funding is for PhD students in Europe. While out exploring, we were also joined by a student from England who saw a fire hydrant for the first time! Overall, our post-conference social evenings and days exploring the province really allowed our entire conference experience to be a positive one.
About the author:
Brielle Comartin is an MSc student in Biology at McGill University under the supervision of Prof. Tony Ricciardi. She is interested in conservation biology and aquatic ecology, and currently researches the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity in a freshwater ecosystem.
Photograph by Alexandre Turmaine, a MSc student at McGill University
This photograph, taken in central Arizona, pictures a Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) in the middle of his push-up reps. This brightly coloured reptile marks its territory and asserts its dominance in front of other males with none other than grueling push-ups in the heat of the desert sun. When faced with competition, greater earless lizards show off their athletic prowess in a push-up duel against the trespasser to assess which of the two lizards would potentially win in a battle to the death. As push-up duels avoid fights that could result in injury, this mutual agreement is beneficial to both individuals.
About the photographer: My name is Alexandre Turmaine, following the completion of my undergraduate studies in environmental biology, I am starting a masters in the Renewable Resources department at McGill University studying the foraging success of a cliff nesting seabird (Thick-Billed Murre) using GPS accelerometers.
By Lidia Colejo Durán, a PhD candidate at Université de Sherbrooke
Introduction
During my recent visit to Western Australia, where I was invited as a speaker for a seminar at Curtin University in Perth, I had the remarkable opportunity to explore the state. While there is so much about the region that I could talk about, something that stood out to me was the diverse wildlife. One particularly memorable excursion took me to Shark Bay, a World Heritage Site located in the Gascoyne region; it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse marine life, and unique ecological features. Here, I encountered fascinating creatures and gained insights into their behavior and significance in the Australian ecosystem. In this article, I share my encounters with dolphins, emus, and kangaroos, highlighting their unique characteristics and the challenges that they face in the wild.
Dolphins in Monkey Mia
One of the highlights of my trip was observing the dolphins in Monkey Mia, a popular tourist destination with clear turquoise waters, where ongoing research has enhanced our understanding of their intelligence and social dynamics. These majestic creatures, with their playful antics and captivating displays, mesmerized me instantly. I even had the privilege of witnessing a newborn individual, one that was barely the size of a cat. This was all lovely; however, it was disheartening to learn about the dangers they encounter, particularly from shark attacks, only exacerbated by human activities such as fishing and boating. Despite the locals’ best efforts to protect them by encouraging volunteers to patrol the area, some visitors disregard guidelines, endangering both the dolphins and themselves. This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts to safeguard these iconic marine mammals.
Emus in Monkey Mia
During our excursion, we camped for a few nights at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. Here, we encountered emus, whose prehistoric-like appearance and distinctive calls left a lasting impression. These flightless birds are not only fascinating to observe but also play a crucial role in seed dispersal within their habitat. However, once again, they are not without their challenges. Their curious nature often leads to them scavenging for food in campsites and picnic areas, giving them the reputation of opportunistic thieves. We experienced this firsthand when an individual took advantage of our distraction during a minor car accident to steal some of our food. While their behaviors may amuse tourists, it is essential to minimize human-wildlife conflicts by properly securing food and waste.
Kangaroos in Margaret River
No visit to Australia is complete without encountering kangaroos, the symbols of the country’s unique fauna. While these marsupials are celebrated, they also face a variety of threats, including habitat loss and vehicle collisions. This has prompted the people of Australia to reinforce their cars with bull bars and adapt their driving habits by avoiding long drives around sunrise and sunset. Kangaroos are also commonly hunted for their meat and hides, highlighting the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Despite these challenges, kangaroos thrive both in the wild and in captivity, where they serve as ambassadors for their species, educating visitors about the importance of conservation and biodiversity.
Conclusion
My journey through Western Australia offered a glimpse into the incredible diversity of Australian fauna, from the playful dolphins of Monkey Mia to the quirky emus and emblematic kangaroos. While each species faces its own set of challenges, their presence enriches the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. As visitors, it is our responsibility to appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures for future generations to enjoy. By fostering a deeper understanding of their importance, we can work towards ensuring that Australia’s unique wildlife continues to thrive in the years to come.
About the author: Lidia Colejo Durán is a PhD candidate at Université de Sherbrooke (UdS), where her research focuses on the carry-over effects in the preindustrial human population of Québec. Specifically, her thesis explores the impact of early life environmental factors on fitness, as well as the effects of delayed motherhood and short interbirth intervals on offspring survival. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lidia serves as the Director of Science Communication at RECSUS, the graduate student association of the Faculty of Sciences at UdS.
Par Émile Brisson Curadeau, étudiant au doctorat à l’Université de McGill et l’Université de La Rochelle
Les manchots ou Sphéniscidés (qui ont aussi leur propre ordre, Sphénisciforme), sont si uniques et emblématiques qu’ils sont connus de tous, même si peu de gens ont réellement la chance de les voir. Ce sont, parmi les oiseaux, les experts de la plongée, avec certaines espèces plongeant régulièrement à plus de 200m, où la pression est plus de 20 fois supérieure à celle de la surface. Cette particularité, entre autres, fait des manchots un modèle d’étude vraiment intéressant. Les manchots sont donc très étudiés par les scientifiques et méritent donc leur propre conférence !
En septembre dernier, grâce à la généreuse contribution du CSBQ, je suis allé à la Penguin Congress au Chili pour présenter mes travaux de recherche sur les manchots royaux. À première vue très spécialisée, cette conférence a été assistée par un nombre impressionnant de scientifiques. Les sujets étaient variés : écologie, physiologie, épidémiologie, conservation, et bien d’autres ! Évidemment, au centre de chacun de ces thèmes se tenait une ou plusieurs des 18 espèces existantes de manchots. Ce fut très enrichissant de discuter avec autant de personnes qui s’intéressent à cette famille d’oiseaux si fascinante !
Quant à moi, je suis allé présenter sur une anomalie de reproduction qui a été observée pendant deux années d’affilée sur une des plus grandes colonies de manchots royaux au monde. Avec plus de 100 000 couples nicheurs, cette colonie nommée Ratmanoff est située dans le sud de l’Océan Indien et offre un spectacle magistral aux quelques chanceux qui ont la chance de l’observer. Normalement, le succès reproducteur de cette colonie est autour de 60% par année, c’est-à-dire que 60% des couples vont réussir à élever leur unique poussin avec succès. Or, en 2009 et 2010, le succès reproducteur a été presque nul ! Je me suis penchée sur cette mystérieuse anomalie pour essayer d’éclaircir les raisons qui ont causé ces saisons de reproduction catastrophiques. Spoiler alert : je n’ai pas réussi à tout résoudre, mais j’ai certainement trouvé des pistes !
Tout d’abord, il faut savoir que le manchot royal possède un cycle de reproduction assez particulier; c’est le plus long parmi tous les oiseaux. Effectivement, alors que même les plus gros oiseaux prennent normalement quelques mois entre le moment de la ponte et l’envol des poussins, les manchots royaux ont besoin de plus d’un an pour que leur progéniture puisse enfin partir en mer. Par conséquent, un individu ne peut pas se reproduire avec succès deux années d’affilée, puisqu’il commencerait la ponte en retard la deuxième année. La majorité des individus se reproduisent donc seulement tous les deux ans.
Sachant cela, j’ai découvert que la période qui a été déterminante pour les deux saisons de reproduction (2009 et 2010), est en fait la même : l’hiver 2009. Avant cette période, la reproduction de la cohorte 2009 allait bien ; les poussins étaient relativement gras et le taux de survie était élevé. Après l’hiver, les adultes ont eu de la difficulté à alimenter avec succès leur poussins, qui sont presque tous mort de la famine. Quant aux individus se reproduisant en 2010, ils rejoignent normalement la colonie au printemps mais cette année là, ils sont arrivés en retard. Ce retard fut probablement dû à des conditions hivernales difficiles en mer. Ces manchots ont donc commencé la reproduction avec un gros décalage, ce qui a engendré un échec massif de leur reproduction.La prochaine question que je me suis posé fut « mais qu’est-il bien arrivé en hiver 2009 ? ». Malheureusement, c’est là qu’il reste encore des mystères. Vous pouvez toutefois lire quelques hypothèses dans mon article scientifique publié dans Scientific Report et intitulé Investigating two consecutive catastrophic breeding seasons in a large king penguin colony.
À propos de l’auteur:
Émile est un étudiant au doctorat, en cotutelle avec l’Université de McGill et l’Université de La Rochelle. Son projet examine l’effet des changements climatiques sur les manchots royaux. C’est également un passionné d’oiseaux depuis son enfance, ayant toujours des jumelles à son cou!
