Hands-on research experience at the University of Inland Norway.
Background
Small rodents such as bank voles, field voles, and lemmings occasionally reach very high population densities. As herbivores, they can strongly affect vegetation during peak years — impacts that have even been detected by satellites in space! In other years, the populations are so small they're seemingly extinct. In the northern parts of Europe, this phenomenon happens in such a regular fashion every 3-4 years, that we call it population cycles. But why is it so regular? That remains one of the longest-standing mysteries in ecology, but we are getting closer!
Evenstad have long tradition for high quality research on small rodent populations using experiments enclosures and on natural populations in the field (e.g., published in the prestigious journals like Nature and Ecology). For the last couple of years, we have also expanded our studies to include live trapping during winter. At the moment, much of our focus involve food and predator interactions, climate and parasite effects – now also including owls in our research.
The internship
One of the main tasks will be trapping live small mammals to monitor this community over time. You’ll meet a lot of bank voles, but also other small rodents, shrews, even least weasels sometimes. In the study area, there is a rich animal community so if you have your eyes open you'll meet many more. When a vole is trapped and marked, we can perform various demographic measurements like determining species, sex, weight, parasite load, behavioural measures and more before we release them, depending on what projects that are active and your own interests. There are few wild animal species that we can get so close to, so easily, as the small rodents.
A normal trapping week is 4 days (3 evenings and 3 mornings in the field) starting on an evening. At Evenstad, it is one trapping week per month, but we also do fieldwork at other locations (though less frequent). The days when trapping often become long and you can expect to be tired afterwards, but all other days have a more comfortable time schedule. Besides from trapping, we try to adapt each internship to the interest and needs of the individual applicant. This might be to increase the focus on e.g. the plant community in this habitat or the climate's effects on the populations. Some work in the laboratory may also be possible, setting up smaller experiments, as well as analysing data. You will also be able to join other research topics, e.g., on owls, hares etc.
If you’re pursuing FELASA-accredited courses on animal experimentation for researchers and need to complete the required practical training, this internship offers the necessary hands-on practical experience.
There is always something new going on. We also record snow conditions and personality-related traits, and we collaborate with other research projects on larger mammals. Our newest addition is testing cameras designed to monitor small mammals. The vole internship can be combined with other projects as well. Fun outside work as well! Evenstad has a lively and active student environment that organises hikes, trips, parties, sports, and other activities.
When to apply: Right away! Since we have activities all year we welcome you to apply for internships that start any time of the year, but encourage stays that span over some time. Please put Associate Professor Dr Magne Neby on copy when applying or send an email directly to him at magne.neby (at) inn.no. Please also feel free to contact us for questions on the same email address.
Challenges and what to bring. At Evenstad, we are in the midst of the boreal/taiga biome, so all sorts of weather may occur, from 25 degrees hot to -25 cold. Deep snow, floods and impressive amounts of mosquitos...BUT, mostly its actually very nice working conditions! However, it's important that you bring clothing appropriate for the climate and season you will be visiting because no weather will keep us from going out. Please ask us for advice if unfamiliar with Scandinavian outdoor conditions to avoid surprises.
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Thesis? Sometimes students want to use this experience as part of their bachelor or master thesis. You are welcome to do this and you will be able to use the data that you have collected and get access to our long-time series, but remember to talk with us about this when applying for the internship to make sure you will get permission. Since you will not be enrolled in a degree at Evenstad we can’t offer you supervision/evaluation on your thesis if this is not clearly agreed on before arriving.
We hope to hear from you! Please contact Associate Professor Dr. Magne Neby at magne.neby (at) inn.no for any questions.
A special thanks to all contributors:
Credits:
Magne Neby