As the human population continues to grow,
urbanization and anthropogenic land use are affecting more species living in
their historical ranges by changing the habitat and environment conditions. Urbanization is quickly becoming a global issue, as the human population increases and more and more people move into urban environments. The Population Division of the United Nations estimated that close to 50% of the world’s population lives in an urban
environment, with the most rapid development happening in less developed
regions. China is the world’s most
populous country with over 1.3 billion people, and rapid urbanization has been
a notable feature of the past two decades in China. Nearly half of China's population now live
in urban areas, rising from 26% in 1990 and up 13 percentage points from 2000. China’s land cover has also changed
quickly. For example, between 2000 and
2005, China’s cultivated land decreased by 6.9×105
hm2, while the built-up
land increased 1.7×106 hm2, of which 75% were converted
from cultivated land, and the expansion of built-up land concentrated in
eastern China.
Nanjing
is the capital of Jiangsu Province of China and is a fast growing city both
economically and in urbanization. China also has rich bird diversity, but many bird species
are likely declining because of land use change due to urbanization. The objectives of the project are to study
how the avian community in Nanjing is affected by the ongoing urbanization
process and different land use practices. This study will provide insight into the landscape
factors that contribute to the bird community change for a poorly studied area in
China.
The REU student chosen for this project will be trained
to conduct field techniques, develop a hypothesis, and carry out the
project. The student will work with a
mentor to conduct bird surveys in Nanjing and surrounding areas. The student will learn to identify birds,
record bird behavior, enter data into computer database, and perform data
analysis. With the help of faculty and
graduate student mentors, the REU student will perform statistical analyses to estimate
relative abundance, diversity, richness and compare the variations among
different land use types. The REU
student will develop a report and a presentation based on the field data. The student will also have the opportunity to
apply for a travel grant to present his/her results at a professional meeting to build career relationships with professionals in the field. The selected student will have a strong
interest in field studies, preferably in ornithology, ecology, or a related field, and should be physically capable of
hiking under high heat and humid conditions, and spending long days in the field, often seven days a week (weather permitting).