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Case Study #1

Case Study #1 — Conservation Biological of Atlantic Forest Species of Concern

Brazil Global Seminar, University of Colorado Study Abroad Program

Section links — Objective| Topics| Species | Approach| Format | Submitting| Pointers

I. Objective –Review the literature and write a review of the biology and conservation issues of a species of concern in the Atlantic Forest (whether in Brazil, Paraguay, or Argentina). Choose a species from those listed below (Species).

II. Topics to cover – In your review, cover the following for the species for where it occurs in the Atlantic Forest:

(1)The ecology and biology of the species —

  1. What is the current IUCN conservation status of the species
  2. What’s the distribution, population sizes, and current trends
  3. Note local (e.g., Brazilian) common name

(2)What threats are the species facing—

  1. Talk about these threats in terms of ultimate and proximate causes
  2. How do they fit into the scheme of physical, chemical, and biological threats
  3. Are these threats currently abating, continuing, or increasing

(Be specific as you can; refer to class notes and The Atlantic Forest text, Ch. 2)

(3)What about their ecology/biology makes them vulnerable to these threats —

  1. Discuss what is known about the species that affects the viability of its populations
  2. Are there synergisms among threats to be considered

(For examples, you look at ecological research questions pursued in the Case Studies you’ve heard in class)

(4)What conservation actions are compatible with their biology —

  1. Talk about how these solutions fit into IPÊ’s conservation model (below)
  2. To what extent have these actions been implemented – and with what success and what problems

(5)Summarize with: What are the prospects for the persistence of this species

III. Species. Selected species of concern in the Atlantic Forest:

Herptiles

(1)Tree frogs inhabiting bromeliad tanks (this is a guild rather than a species)

(2)Golden Lancehead Viper

(3)Sea Turtles

Birds

(4)Brazilian Merganser [duck]

(5)Crowned Solitary Eagle

(6)Mantled Hawk

(7)Black-Fronted Piping Guan

(8)Vinaceous Amazon [parrot]

Mammals

(9)Wooly Spider Monkey (Muriqui)

(10)Tapir (Anta)

(11)Brazilian Giant Otter

(12)Margay [feline]

(13)White-Lipped Peccary

IV. Approachto Your Review. Synthesize information from several sources to get a broader picture. We’ll provide a few references for each species to get you started, but you’re expected to explore (and use) the literature well beyond these.

Absolutely avoid plagiarism in making statements — put in your own words (not just changing the words around) — and provide the corresponding citation.

Sources should be peer-reviewed scientific articles in journals or chapters in books (such as The Atlantic Forest Hotspot book).

Use websites only to track down original works; exceptions are IUCN Red List, Birdlife International, WWF, Conservation International, and similar conservation organizations’ websites that are giving specific information on conservation status and action for your species (that is, not web articles for a lay audience).

V. Format. Your review should be on the order of 2-2½ pages single-spaced(not counting references and figures). Absolute max is 2½ pages. Format as this document:font Times Roman (or other serif font), font size 12pt (or if using other font, equivalent actual size as Times Roman 12pt). Include anextra line between paragraphs (as done in this doc).

Re-read your final product: proof for content, flow, and writing (see common comments in Pointersbelow) before submitting. Do paragraphs in the essay and sentences in paragraphs flow smoothly, presenting a logical progression of ideas?

Use ‘in-text’ citations with a list of references at the end; any standard citation format is ok so long as is complete and used consistently. For each article cited, include a DOI reference number or a link to the pdf (if we’ve provided the paper, simply state “As provided”). See course Citation Guide ( Cite websites as any other reference – look for page author, include access date (check out:

Be sure to give a caption for any figures and refer to them in your text. Compress images in final version if your doc >500k.

VI. Submitting. Due at 9am the day after the essay is assigned. To submit your essay:

  • Submit digitally as a .doc or .docx file.
  • Name your file: with your first & last name, species common name – in the following format: (FirstLastname_SpeciesCommonName_Essay1.doc).
  • Submit toboth instructors by email:,
  • Include “Essay 1” in the subject line.

VII. Pointers – Common Feedback on Essays. Most commoncontent and writing style comments (n.b., clarity of presentation naturally affects grade):

  • Be specific in your presentation of information (vs. vague – e.g., ‘they are protected’)
  • Well selected, well presented details give depth to understanding.
  • Support statements with citations, otherwise sounds like personal opinions.
  • Avoid ‘emotive’ phrasing – keep your writing professional.
  • Avoid directly quoting sources unless the wording is critical – put in your own words and cite.
  • Essay structure –
  • Flow – organization of paragraphs within essay, organization of sentences within paragraphs.
  • Sentence structure – nonsense or awkward phrasing, incorrect or lack of within-sentence punctuation (commas, semicolons).
  • Define scientific terms (jargon).
  • Wording –
  • Word use – avoid
  • Anthropomorphisms
  • Conversational style
  • Relative, vague terms (e.g., ‘over short distances’)
  • Grammar (effect/affect, data is/are)
  • Spelling (et. al. / et al.)
  • Include accents in Portuguese words.
  • Citations – see Citation Guide(
  • In-text formatting (Author year, Author et al. year)
  • References formatting (consistent format, etc.)

TKittel 511r, 512