The Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) is holding its 7th European Conference of Tropical Ecology from 16th to 18th February 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal http://www.soctropecol-conference.eu/. This forum promotes and communicates new and emerging knowledge among tropical ecologists and conservationists from around the world to advance the understanding of tropical ecosystems and their protection. The conference connects students and academics with an interest in tropical ecology to understand and preserve the biodiversity and functions of tropical ecosystems.

We are excited to announce the ‘Role and potential of working dogs in conservation in the tropics’ https://www.soctropecol-conference.eu/index.php?cat=sessions_tile_description&sid=7 has been accepted as a session. The session will be chaired by Noreen Mutoro (ACK research scientist and PhD candidate at University of Salzburg), Dr. Leopold Slotta-Bachmayr (ACK Canine Consultant and researcher at University of Salzburg , Jane Sharp (ACK Canine Consultant and Instructor and Assessor with Mantrailing Global) and Mary Wykstra (ACK Director). Noreen, Leo and Jane will submit abstracts and will be a part of the 6 presenters should their abstracts be accepted.

The session will focus on 1) the potential and limitation of using conservation dogs in the tropics, 2) best practices for using conservation dogs in wildlife research, and 3) conservation dogs used to fight wildlife crimes. We have invited speakers with expertise and exerience in working with conservation dogs in tropical ecosystems. The sessions will include 12-minute talks which are followed by three-minute Question/ Answer sessions. Invited speakers include experts in the field of canine detection in the field, canine behavior, and in the roles of control of illegal trafficking.

Each presenter is expected to submit an abstract via the conference’s online submission platform before 30th November 2023. Only physical attendance and participation is allowed for the conference and each participant must be prepared to cater for registration, transport and accommodation at the conference. To enable this session we would like to offer financial support to cater for all or some of the expenses to the participants. They must enroll with registration at the time of their abstract submission due on 30 November. To enable presenters to complete their submission we would like to offer assistance or full catering of their expenses. To do this we are seeking support from our partners in grants that will cater for the attached budget for one or more of the 6 presenters.

Budget:

Travel and Visa: est $1500

Registration: $350

Accommodation: est $1000

Per Diem: $500

Total per person $3,350

TOTAL for 6 participants $20,100