USM Eco/Con Lab Member Excels in International Ecology and Conservation Course, Wins Best Team Research Award

Kier C. Dela Cruz of the Ecology and Conservation (Eco/Con) Laboratory at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Department of Biological Sciences, was among the 26 students chosen from the tropical region to be part of the 2024 6-week Advanced Field Course in Ecology and Conservation (AFEC-X) organised by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Yunnan, P.R. China.

The AFEC-X is an intensive course designed for early-stage graduate students and young scholars in the fields of ecology and conservation biology and focuses on both theoretical and advanced research skills. It aims to improve the research capabilities and confidence of young scientists, cultivate international conservation leaders, and foster collaboration within the Asia-Pacific region. By building a regional network and promoting cooperation among researchers, the program seeks to strengthen China’s role in global tropical biology research and biodiversity conservation.

The 6-week course includes three major modules, which feature three key components:

1. Frontier Studies cover critical topics, such as tropical biodiversity, environmental challenges, conservation biology, and climate change.
2. Research Technologies offer training in areas such as experimental design, R-programming, canopy science, drone monitoring, and scientific communication.
3. Independent Projects, where participants design, execute, and present their own group-based research.

Delivered through lectures, fieldwork, and expert mentorship from the XTBG, the program offers a comprehensive platform for skill development and collaborative learning in tropical ecology and conservation sciences. AFEC-X students also visited the ecological stations of XTBG in Bubeng and the Ailao mountains.

An alumnus of the Eco/Con Lab, Kier has rejoined the group and is now actively involved in the group’s major research projects. “The AFEC-X experience greatly boosted my confidence and would definitely play a key role in my personal and professional growth. More than a month of training underscored the value of collaboration and taught me how to work effectively with individuals who bring diverse ideas and perspectives”, Kier stated. “Beyond enhancing technical skills, the course made a lasting impact by fostering deep connections and friendships among participants from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I truly believe that these relationships last a lifetime,” he added.

One highlight of the program was the two-week group research project, where Kier and his teammates, Kohei Nakatsuji (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan), Sadikshya Tiwari (XTBG, China) and Han Zhao-lun (Fudan University, China), won Best Project under the mentorship of Professor Akihiro Nakamura.

Their study, “How Topography and Vertical Position Influence Predation Pressure in Tropical Forests”, explored predator-prey interactions using real and artificial prey models. The project utilised a canopy crane at the Bubeng ecological station to investigate how factors, such as forest height and terrain, shape predation dynamics. The team’s success highlighted its ability to apply course learning to real-world research while showcasing the power of teamwork and shared vision. The winning team will be supported by the course to attend and present their findings at the annual meeting of the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation in Mexico next year.

The conclusion of Kier’s AFEC-X experience in China marked the beginning of a new phase. He intends to apply his newly acquired expertise and abilities at the Eco/Con Lab, enriching ongoing studies and offering valuable learning prospects for students engaged in independent research. This accomplishment further highlights the Eco/Con Lab’s commitment to nurturing leaders in ecology and conservation.

Contributed by Kier C. Dela Cruz