Date: Friday, 10th May 2024
Gathering Time and Place: 6:30am meeting spot will be sent by WhatsApp once participation is confirmed
Duration: 3-4 hours
Trip Leader:Dr Kuei-Chiu Chen.
Trip Coordinator: Treena Bron
Trip Registration
Registration is mandatory. This event is open to all present and past members as our registration process is still on. However, priority will be given to present members.
Please share your name, number of participants and phone number (for the Ramble’s WhatsApp group) To Treena by email: treeqat@gmail.com. A WhatsApp group will be formed Thursday evening before the ramble takes place.
Ramble Summary
As an extension to our May talk by Dr Chen, we will journey out to the desert to visit an ephemeral lake after all the winter/spring rains this year. Native freshwater species in the country include a group of crustaceans, adapted to live in temporary freshwater rain pools: tadpole shrimp or Triops (three-eyed animal). After years of dormancy, the eggs have hatched and they are present here in the Qatari desert!
We are delighted that this weekend’s ramble also coincides with World Migratory Bird Day! The 2024 World Migratory Bird Day campaign asks for our focus on the insects that are so critical to successful bird migration, and the concern about decreasing insect populations worldwide. Thus this ramble is also a chance to view migratory birds & insects taking advantage of the ephemeral wetlands, and invites our discussion about insect conservation and migratory bird awareness. Please see worldmigratorybirdday.org for more information.
Trip Leader Bio
(Kuei-Chiu Chen)
After receiving her Ph.D. in biology from New York University, Kuei-Chiu Chen worked as a forensic biologist in New York City’s Medical Examiner’s Office. She returned to academia and taught at UCLA and Cornell University in the USA. After joining Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) in 2012 she has been focusing her teaching on capacity building and conducting student-centered research. She has received multiple grants from Qatar National Research Fund and WCM-Q to support her student research on biodiversity and conservation of animals in Qatar. With her dual interests in teaching and mentoring students on research, she has received multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards and the Best Research Mentor Awards from WCM-Q.
Trip Coordinator Bio
(Treena Bron)
Dr Treena Bron is a geologist (BScHon, PhD) with expertise in sedimentology, petroleum geology, planetary geology and environment. She has worked in research, industry and academia and done fieldwork worldwide from Africa to Canada, from Arctic to Outback. She is a passionate naturalist & environmental advocate.
What to bring?
- It’s getting hotter! Bring lots of water!
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long shirt strongly advised
- Camera & Binoculars (optional)
- Snacks (optional)
- 4WD is not required.
Notice: Please remember that every person attending the Ramble is responsible for their well-being and safety. Make sure to carry you QID.
Children are welcome to join our activities, but should remain under parents supervision.
