About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.
Project Location: USFWS San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center, San Marcos, Texas
Position Dates: April 14, 2025 - April 11, 2026 = 52 weeks
Project Description:
The Edwards Aquifer Refugia Program (EARP) is responsible for providing captive assurance for 10 species dependent upon flows from the Edwards Aquifer. This study will examine two captive reproductive strategies of Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus pecki/PCA). PCA are a small crustacean native to southwestern and central Texas. PCA are manually and passively collected from the wild using dip nets, biofilm lures, as well as drift nets. PCA are returned to USFWS facilities for incorporation into refugia populations.
Reproduction in captive populations of PCA is rare. Female PCA are known to be cannibalistic when held in captivity (including their offspring), especially when the female is larger than other amphipods. Even when fed, PCA continue to exhibit cannibalistic behavior. PCA reproduce sexually and may only be receptive to mating for a short period following molting. Recent observations suggests gravid female amphipods may extract newly hatched offspring (neonates) from their marsupium and cannibalize on the neonates. It is unknown whether this behavior is normal or a captive stress response, a response to shifted diet, or something else entirely. Previous pilot studies show promising survival of neonates after physical separation from the brooding female. Additionally, some experimentation into exclusion housing has occurred and may provide neonate refuge to avoid cannibalism.
Member Key Responsibilities and Duties:
This research project has two objectives: Our first objective is to determine the efficacy of manual separation of PCA neonates and passive separation of PCA neonates from gravid female amphipods. Our second primary objective is to compare the success of both methods.
This internship is to set up and test exclusion housings, test physical exclusion of neonates from brooding females, care for neonates and brooding females, and assess survival of neonates and brooding females.
Member Benefits:
Living Allowance: $570.00
No housing; local candidates only.
AmeriCorps Eligible.
