“Afstudeerproject” course at the Ecology and Biodiversity Group

Mortality of mussels in the Oosterschelde   
Where: Wageningen Marine Research in Yerseke. 
When: Start 4-9-2023 for at least 3 months, longer is possible.

Background

Since 2014, mass mortality events (MMEs) in farmed and wild blue mussel populations have been reported in several European countries. Despite extensive research, a single explanation for these MMEs is often not found. It is likely that multiple factors, such as diseases, hypoxia, pollution, harmful algae blooms or temperature extremes, play a cumulative role that leads to weakening of the mussels and ultimately to death. However, MMEs can seriously affect wild mussel populations and the commercial production of mussels, leading to ecological disruption and socio-economic vulnerabilities. It is therefore of utmost importance to gain a better understanding of the risk factors for mass mortality in mussels.

The project

In order to do this we collected data from mussel farmers in the Oosterschelde. The data comprises the amount of mussels seeded somewhere and the amount of mussels collected after a certain time. By calculating the survival probability, we hope to discover patterns and link survival probability to environmental factors. Your job will be to edit the data and perform data analysis.

We offer you the opportunity to work on a current problem and perhaps on the solution. We will help you to improve your data analysis skills. We encourage it to also participate in other ongoing projects at the institute.

Requirements

• Affinity with data
• Experience with excel
• Experience with R and/or Qgis is an advantage but not a strict requirement

Additional note: There is an internship allowance.  
Contact: Jildou.schotanus@wur.nl

Peat meadows in the Netherlands emit large amounts of greenhouse gasses. The clay-in-peat projects researches if clay addition (1 cm) can reduce CO2 emissions from peat meadows. We are currently testing this measure in 15 demosites and would like to get more insight in the clay intrusion into the peat. 

As you can see in the picture below a layer of clay can be clearly visible after drying. We would like to indicate from these pictures the clay depth and the shape of the clay. Of course we are open to other information that could be extracted from the pictures. 

We are looking for a student that would like to set up an automated image analysis protocol. This could also include field work (taking peat samples) and setting up a protocol for taking pictures. 

At the Louis Bolk Instituut we research various aspects of sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health. We focus on integrated methods that can be applied in practice. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact me: l.vandenberg@louisbolk.nl

Figure 1 On top is the control site, below the site with clay addition.

Stage onderwerpen

Voorkomen van boommarter en bunzing  met cameravallen- en sporenonderzoek. Verspreiding en terreingebruik  (winter)

Monitoring kamsalamander: aantalsbepaling (april – september)

Populatieonderzoek adder in Vledderveld, versnipperingsonderzoek. Zenderen? (maart-september)

Aantalsmonitoring springkikker en boomkikker, heikikker, poelkikker (maart – juni)

Poelenanalyse: soortenrijkdom bepaling amfibieën. Welke parameters bepalen voorkomen van soorten, biotisch en abiotisch (maart – september)

Basiskwaliteit natuur; ‘gewone’ soorten onderzoek. Bruine kikker, kleine watersalamander en gewone pad (maart-september)

Scriptie onderwerpen

Verkeersslachtoffers onder marterachtigen, analyse van meldingen bij de Marterstichting. Hoe, wat waar en waarom? Literatuurstudie met analyse meldingen bij de Marterstichting.

Biodiversiteit in het buitengebied; inrichting en beheer bij natuurbeheerders en particulieren. Zoek de verschillen en overeenkomsten….

Wat te doen bij steenmarteroverlast? Er is behoefte aan een goed protocol, gebaseerd op literatuuronderzoek.

Terugplaatsen van marterachtigen in de natuur (na opvang). Literatuuronderzoek met adviezen voor Nederlandse opvangcentra.

Exoten in Nederland: goed of slecht? Op basis van ‘The New Wild’ van Fred Pearce analyseer je Nederlandse voorbeelden.

‘Rewilding’ is in de mode bij natuurbeheerders. Is het goed voor de biodiversiteit?  Je analyseert de voor en tegens op basis van literatuuronderzoek.

Contact:
Edo van Uchelen. 05-53645023 info@wildernistrek.nl
Ecologisch advies en onderzoek - Wildernistrek

Location: Tarfaya, Morocco           
Duration: Flexible (Please contact for details)        
Period of Internships: Ongoing, with specific starting periods available        

Stichting Duurzame Innovatie is offering exciting internship opportunities for BSc/MSc students from Utrecht University to join a pioneering environmental restoration project in Tarfaya, Morocco. This project aims to combat desertification in the North African region, particularly around the Sahara Desert, using a mix of technical, ecological, and community-centered approaches to foster a sustainable ecosystem.

Project Overview:

As part of the long-term restoration plan, the project’s first phase involves developing a pilot plot of 500 trees. These trees will help reduce wind erosion, improve soil moisture retention, and enhance plant cover and biodiversity. The area’s subtropical desert climate is ideal for testing innovative water harvesting techniques for irrigation. In the future, the project plans to expand the pilot plot, diversify plant species, and introduce additional methods such as aquaponics and desalination to further support the local ecosystem and farmers. The initiative will also collaborate with local institutions and international partners to contribute to the Great Green Wall initiative.

Internship Details:

Interns will work alongside environmental science experts and local partners in Tarfaya, contributing to various tasks and gaining hands-on experience in desert restoration, sustainable development, and applied research. Interns will have the opportunity to tailor their learning objectives to their areas of interest. Some of the tasks interns may be involved in include:

• Implementing and monitoring water harvesting techniques (e.g., fog-collection systems)
• Collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance community involvement
• Researching plant species and soil amendments for desert conditions
• Supporting data collection and analysis on ecological restoration impacts
• Contributing to the development of sustainable revenue streams (e.g., carbon credits, ecotourism)
• Assisting in landscape planning and restoration strategies using GIS mapping

Expectations from Interns:

Interns should be motivated, proactive, and passionate about environmental science and sustainable development. They will be expected to engage in research, project tasks, and community collaboration while learning from experts and contributing to real-world solutions for desert restoration.

Contact Information:

For more details or to apply, please contact David Tsofnas at info@duurzameinnovatie.eu

We are excited to welcome passionate students who are eager to contribute to this impactful project. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Location: Central Tuli, Botswana 
Duration: Maximum 3 months, starting May/June 2025      
Period of Internships: Continuous, with starting periods available in May/June 2025

Here are exciting internship opportunities for students to participate in a unique research project based in Central Tuli, Botswana. This comprehensive research project includes two sub-projects focused on carnivore behavior and ecosystem engineering. The internships offer the chance to contribute to critical fieldwork on spotted hyenas, brown hyenas, and aardvarks, and gain hands-on experience in ecological research in an African wildlife setting.

Sub-Project 1: Spotted Hyena and Brown Hyena Behavior, Ecology, and Latrine Site Use             

Location: Central Tuli, Botswana 
Duration: Maximum 3 months, starting May/June 2025

Background:

Latrine sites, which are areas where hyenas accumulate faeces and scent marks, play an important role in hyena communication and population dynamics. This study will investigate the function of latrine use in spotted and brown hyenas by collecting data from line transects and camera traps. The area’s high density of both hyena species makes Central Tuli an ideal location for this research.

Project Tasks:

• Walking line transects to identify hyena latrine sites and other important hyena sites
• Setting up camera traps to capture spotted and brown hyenas for baseline monitoring
• Identifying hyena behavior and assessing population dynamics

Sub-Project 2: Aardvark Burrow Site Selection and Shared Burrow Use

Location: Central Tuli, Botswana 
Duration: Maximum 3 months, starting May/June 2025

Background:

Aardvarks are ecosystem engineers that dig burrows used by multiple species for safety, rearing young, and escaping harsh climates. This project will examine how aardvarks select burrow sites and explore co-existence patterns with other species using these burrows. Camera traps and line transects will be used to gather data on aardvark burrow use and the species interacting with these sites.

Project Tasks:

• Walking line transects to identify aardvark burrows and record site characteristics
• Relating environmental variables to aardvark burrow site selection
• Placing camera traps at active aardvark burrows to monitor burrow use by other species

General Requirements for Both Projects:

• Affinity with data and research
• Physically fit and comfortable with outdoor fieldwork
• Willingness to camp in a wild, dangerous game area
• Experience with R and QGIS is an advantage
• Strong command of the English language

Contact Information:

For more details or to apply, please contact Sander Vissia at sander.vissia@hotmail.com

This is an exciting opportunity for students to gain fieldwork experience in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. If you are passionate about ecology, animal behavior, and wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply!