The 2021 Advanced Field Course in Ecology and Conservation - Xishuangbanna (AFEC-X 2021), the 13^th of its kind, came to a successful end on December 6, with participants presenting their 7 interesting research to a panel of judges.  Prof. Yang Yongping, Prof. Chen Jin and other teachers were present. 

This year, 23 students from 6 countries formed 7 research groups both online and offline. Their research projects were as following: 

1.    The fate of Spondias pinnata seed in a botanical garden; 

2.    Sensitivities of beetle diversity along elevation: a cross-guild comparison; 

3.    Does light intensity affect fruit color choice of birds? 

4.    Effects of noises on Oriental Magpie Robin in XTBG; 

5.    Difference in flower visitation by potential pollinators between edible and non-edible Musa species: a case study in XTBG; 

6.    Herbivory rate: Gap, shade or leaf traits, which is more important? 

7.    The enigma of sugar: changes in aggressiveness of weaver ants across habitats in response to sugar suppliers. 

Evaluated by judges, the project “Does light intensity affect fruit color choice of birds?” was awarded the best project. The research project was accomplished by three trainees from Wuhan Botanic Garden, Guangxi University, and Yunnan Agricultural University, with the guidance of Prof. Kyle Tomlinson. 

As head teacher of the training course, Prof. Chen Jin hoped the participants to further think over their research career after the intense training.  

Prof. Yang Yongping sent warm congratulations to the successful completion of the course in such a complex situation. He encouraged the participants to contribute more to global ecological conservation and climate change, etc. 

AFEC-X is a six-week long intensive program in academic skills and research methods, including literature searching, reading, PPT making and presenting skills, scientific paper writing, research design, sampling and data analysis, intended primarily for early-stage graduate students in Ecology and Conservation.  

All participants fulfilled their tasks and earned certificates of completion from XTBG. 

Participants pose a photo. 

Teachers and preentation winners pose a photo.