Modules

Module 1 (Literature review - 2500 words) :

Topic: Biology and Behaviour of the Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) ( plus an option of some other topics to choose from )

Aim:
1) To collate all the know information that there is published on the subject.
2) Pinpoint the data gaps and questions that need to be answered in the future
3) See if there are any significant differences reported in the behavior and biology of the species in different parts of its range.

Module 2 (Learning Otter behaviour through data analysis) :

Topic: Behavior analysis of the Smooth-coated otter by looking at camera trapping footage.

Aim: 1) Learn to identify and characterize different behaviors presented
2) Convert qualitative information into quantitative data
3) Create an ethogram based on 1) and 2)
4) Collate the data and present key findings

Eg. Of questions that can be answered include:
·Interactions between pups and family members.
·Disturbances at the site.
·Resting Behaviour
·Behaviour differences during different sets of seasons

Note: You will present your study design on the last day of the program to the whole team.

Module 3 (Science communication) :

There will be one presentation on a scientific topic over the course of the internship, about halfway through your internship (about 7 mins long). This will be on a webinar style as a Pecha Kucha. Topics may range from environment, wildlife, ethics or outside of the immediate scope. There will also be a team activity on creating a mini social-media feed on a topic. The idea is to learn to communicate science effectively to a general or a specialized audience, be able to research on topics outside of the scope of regular work and build opinions based on data.

* Please note some specifics of the modules may change depending upon the interests of the intern and the scope of requirement of Wild Otters.

Time Expectations

This is a part time program, where you work at your own pace. But still its good to have an idea of the time involvement, and you expect approximately the following over 3 weeks :
1. 8 sessions from the Wild Otters Team (about 1.5 hours each) = 12 hours
2. 12 hours of independent work per week = 36 hours
3. Intern presentations or Sci communication activity = 3 hours

So approximately, this should work out to about 50-51 hours over 3 weeks (ofcourse most of it is not on a schedule, so you can do when you have time.) Please note we'll like you to attend atleast 70% of the sessions by the Wild Otters team LIVE (there will be recordings made available of any you miss), so you can interact with the teams in a fruitful manner.

Beyond the internship

We encourage interns to continue our collaboration and joint work even after the training ends. This could be by :
1. Joining one of our projects, or us helping you with your own project
2. Joining hands for outreach or awareness efforts
3. Any other means of creating value.