The National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center Reproduction Department has an internship position available to study hormones and breeding success of clouded leopards.
Project Description
Clouded leopards in Thailand zoos represent a
key genetic resource to the survival of this species.
To address the challenges facing this important population,
a consortium was formed between the Zoological Park
Organization of Thailand, the Nashville Zoo, the Smithsonian
National Zoo, and the Clouded Leopard Species
Survival Plan to develop an improved clouded leopard
breeding program at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi,
Thailand.
Currently, there are 24 clouded leopards in the consortium. The majority (18) are housed at Khao Kheow Zoo. Since May 2002, animals have been moved from enclosures known to induce distress in clouded leopards (small size, lack of hiding places, large carnivores nearby) to large, vegetation-rich enclosures with nest boxes. Nutritionally poor diets have been altered to include whole prey and vitamin/mineral supplementation.
To monitor
the impact of management
changes on stress and reproduction, detailed data were
collected on animal behavior, enclosure size, carnivore
proximity, and enclosure enrichment, with daily fecal samples
being collected from all animals throughout the year. Never
before have such dramatic changes in management been
so thoroughly evaluated. When stress and reproduction
steroid hormone levels are measured in the feces, the
resulting hormone profiles will provide a detailed record
of the impact of management changes on reproduction
and health in an important carnivore. Currently, about 8,000
samples are awaiting analysis at the National
Zoo. An intern is sought to assist with
the timely analysis of these fecal samples.
Learn more about the 
Thailand
project.
Responsibilities
The intern will work at the National Zoo's Conservation
and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia. The intern will
work in the endocrine labs of the Department of Reproductive
Sciences. He or she will be responsible for conducting
hormonal analyses on clouded leopard fecal samples that
have been collected and shipped from Thailand zoos.
He or she will be trained in general laboratory techniques,
fecal extraction and enzyme immunoassay. All necessary
training will be provided on-site and the intern will
have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group
of researchers studying a variety of endangered species.
Desired Qualifications and Abilities
- Strong interest in biological, animal, and/or environmental sciences
- Minimum three years of undergraduate coursework in the aforementioned fields, including at least one laboratory course
- Ability to work independently, and be detail-oriented, efficient, responsible, and eager to learn. The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week.
Term of Appointment
Fall 2005, three months or longer
Spring 2006
Summer 2006
Stipend
Will not be provided
Housing
Will be provided
Location
Front Royal, Virginia
To submit your application
Complete the online application
form and send the following items as email attachments
here
.
- Cover letter
- Current resume or CV
- College transcript (unofficial or electronic version is acceptable)
- Contact information for two references, including affiliation, address, phone number, and email address. Indicate how they know you.
Application Deadline
October 31, 2005, for spring 2006 term
If you experience technical difficulties, print the application form, attach the additional application materials, and mail or fax your packet to:
Research Internship Program
NZP-CRC Education Office
1500 Remount Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
540.635.6540
Fax: 540.635.6506
