graduate assistantship available - University of Hawaii

[Robert H. Cowie]

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Center for Conservation Research and Training
Pacific Biomedical Research Center


Graduate Research Assistantship available


THE PROJECT

TITLE: Identity and origins of apple snail pests
OBJECTIVES: Apple snails (family Ampullariidae) are freshwater snails
distributed throughout the humid tropics and subtropics. Species in the
genus Pomacea have been introduced, originally from South America, to
many parts of southern and eastern Asia, to Hawaii and other Pacific
islands, and most recently to the mainland U.S. These snails have become
major pests of wetland crops in Asia and Hawaii, and recent
introductions to the U.S. mainland threaten the rice crops especially of
Texas and California. The taxonomic identity and precise geographic
origins of the pest species are, however, not well understood. This has
led to blanket legislation in some states (e.g., Mississippi, Hawaii),
covering all species of Ampullariidae, including all those used in the
popular domestic aquarium trade, some of which may not be of major pest
potential. This has engendered controversy, even flouting of the law. In
addition, without understanding the true identity and origins of the
pest species, it is not possible to develop truly effective pest
management programs (e.g., a search for biocontrol agents). Therefore,
we propose to 1) distinguish the major taxa in the "Pomacea canaliculata
group" of South American "apple snails" (the group that includes the
pest species) using molecular phylogenetic techniques; 2) resolve the
identity and geographic origins of the species of apple snails that have
been introduced and have become major agricultural pests in Asia and
Hawaii and that threaten the mainland U.S.; and 3) develop diagnostic
tools to distinguish pest and non-pest species of apple snails.
APPROACH: The study will take a primarily molecular approach. Given the
confusion surrounding the traditional shell morphology based taxonomy of
the species, this seems to be the most appropriate approach. We will not
attempt a complete, traditional taxonomic revision of the group. Such a
revision would be beyond the scope of the planned project. Our focus
will be on evaluating variation among the "species" in South-East Asia
and matching that variation to distinct "species" and localities in
South America. We will achieve this by developing a phylogenetic
hypothesis for the South American specimens, and incorporating the pest
specimens into it. Future work based on this molecular work and
involving detailed study of type material and detailed morphological
analysis will be necessary to fully revise the taxonomy of the group. We
will, however, use conchology, internal anatomy, and perhaps radular
morphology as supporting aspects of the study and these morphological
features will be important in the broad characterization of the taxa and
in the development of identification tools.

DUTIES

The GA will undertake a major part of the laboratory work, primarily DNA
sequencing of material collected in South America and elsewhere.
Ideally, he/she will develop his/her own thesis/dissertation research
based on the project and expanding it. There may be opportunities to
travel to South America.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Classified full-time graduate student admitted to and enrolled in either
the MS or PhD program in the Department of Zoology or related field with
major coursework in Zoology.  Experience in molecular genetics (DNA
sequencing).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with phylogenetic analysis.

POSITION DETAILS

The position will be funded through CCRT/PBRC. The project is scheduled
to last for a period of 3 years and the GA-ship will be available for
the entire period. The position is 0.50 FTE (i.e., 20 hours per week)
and will begin the fall semester of 2003 (probably 1 September 2003).

SALARY

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Minimum
$1246.05/month.

HOW TO APPLY

As soon as possible, submit (via e-mail) a cv and a message explaining
your interest to:
        Dr. Robert Cowie - cowie at hawaii.edu
        Phone:  (808) 956-4909

DEADLINE

Continuous recruitment, applications will be reviewed beginning12/4/02
until the position is filled.

_________________________________________________
Dr. Robert H. Cowie
Center for Conservation Research and Training
University of Hawaii
3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 408
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
USA

Phone: (808) 956 4909
Fax: (808) 956 2647/9608

EECB: http://www.hawaii.edu/eecb/eecb_faculty/fac_pages/robertcowie.html
Samoan Snail Project: http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/PBS/samoasnail/
IUCN (Tentacle): http://www2.hawaii.edu/~cowie/
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