Population ecology and conservation of the endangered land snail, Oreohelix cooperi, in Cypress Hills Park

Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution
March 10, 2023
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M. Sc. opportunity starting May 1, 2023 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge

The distribution of the endangered Cooper's Rocky Mountain snail in Canada is restricted to particular habitat types that occur in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. DNA sequencing has confirmed the presence of O. cooperi at cobble-dominated sites within Cypress Hills, but data on snail densities, life histories, and rates of survival are lacking. One aim of this work is to combine snail presence/absence data from spatial surveys at approximately 60 sites with geospatial data to build a habitat suitability model that predicts and maps potential suitable habitat within the park. At a subset of these sites, we will estimate snail densities, fecundity, development rate, age distribution, plant community composition, and risk of infection with an invasive sterilizing parasite. We will also use standard laboratory predation assays to evaluate rates of predation on snails by an invasive ground beetle. These data will be used to support management decisions that effectively protect this endemic invertebrate and its habitat.

A M.Sc. graduate research position is available as part of a collaboration between Dr. Cam Goater's Parasite Ecology lab (scholar.ulethbridge.ca/cpg/) and Dr. Jenny McCune's Plant Ecology and Conservation lab (jlmccune.weebly.com). The University of Lethbridge is a smaller University with a vibrant community of researchers. Lethbridge is an affordable and friendly city only 2.5 hours from Calgary, and only 1.5 hours' drive from stunning mountain Parks, including Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Wilderness Provincial Park.

We seek candidates with a passion for ecology and conservation, a love of being outdoors, strong communication skills, the ability to work independently and be self-motivated, and a B.Sc. in ecology or a related field. We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Please send a statement of interest, your curriculum vitae, and contact information of 2 referees to [email protected] before 24 Feb., 2023. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

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