National Chung Hsing University

Lab of Behavioral Conservation

Ming-Feng Chuang
https://lifes.nchu.edu.tw/web/faculty/detail.php?lang=en&cid=8&id=73

Research Field

Agriculture

Introduction

  • Tunghai University    Department of Life Science    Postdoctoral Researcher    Feb 2014-Apr 2018
  • Society for Conservation Biology    Korea Chapter    Executive Secretary    Jan 2019-Dec 2019
  • Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea    Division of EcoScience    Postdoctoral Researcher    May 2018-Apr 2020
  • National Chung Hsing University    Department of Life Sciences    Assistant Professor    Aug 2020 until now

The Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Conservation studies vertebrates (especially frogs and birds) in Conservation Biology and Vertebrate Ecology, and explores the animal adaptation under the effects of human activities. Research fields include Reproductive Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Animal Vocal Communication, and Conservation Biology. Animal acoustics is very important in ecology, but the academic community in Taiwan is still in its infancy, such as the use of sound signals to assess biodiversity in the environment, the use of song to monitor the population dynamics of rare species, the use of song to monitor the reproductive phenology of animals under global warming, and the use of song characteristics to assess the geographical variation of species relatives. Research data can be obtained through bioacoustic studies. In addition, with the development of global transportation, alien species have also caused many ecological problems. A variety of alien amphibians and reptiles in Taiwan have expanded their population size and distribution range in recent years. This study will also use the experience of removing alien species to assist the control and management of alien species.


Research Topics

Current research focuses on

  • The effects of artificial light on the calling behavior of the treefrog, Kurixalus idiootocus
  • The effects of herbicides on the survival and upper thermal tolerance of amphibian larvae
  • The effects of parental care behavior on the spatial movement pattern of treefrog, Kurixalus eiffingeri
  • The reproductive phenology of species breeding in static waters, including Zhangixalus moltrechti, Zhangixalus taipeianus, Nidirana adenopleura, and Nidirana okinavana, etc.
  • The temporal and spatial changes in amphibian biomass in stream ecosystems
  • The detection rate and effects of microplastics in amphibian larvae
  • The effects of anthropogenic noise on bird song activity

Honor
  • 2014 The Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor

Educational Background
  • Tunghai University    Department of Life Science    Doctor    2006-2013
  • National Changhua University of Education    Department of Biology    Master    2002-2006
  • National Changhua University of Education    Department of Biology    Bachelor    1998-2002

1 Vacancy

Job Description

Soundscape analysis: using software to analyze the complexity of sound and compare the relationships between sound complexity and invertebrate biodiversity. 

Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduate/Graduate student who is currently pursuing a degree in Ecology, Bioacoustic, Soundscape Biology, or a related field.

Skill sets or Qualities

Basic understanding of bioacoustic concepts and field survey techniques

Basic taxonomy knowledge for general invertebrates

Proficiency in using sound recording equipment and bioacoustic data analysis software

1 Vacancy

Job Description

This study will reconstruct the phylogenetic tree of midges, and seek the evolution of frog-bit behavior. 

So, the other important mission for the intern is to the Diptera for phylogenetic or taxonomic works on Diptera.

Preferred Intern Education Level

Graduated students, including master's or phD students, are welcome

 

Skill sets or Qualities

Fieldwork on collecting midges, so candidates should have basic knowledge of the ecology of midges.

This research will conduct the phylogenetic study of East-Asia frog biting midges, candidates should have phylogenetic-related skills, including sample collecting and storage, DNA extraction, and PCR.