Research

OUR Research

longterm primate MONITORING

How long do tamarins live? Are all of them equally likely to reproduce? The very rich drama of the social lives of three primate species forms the backbone of this study. We annually identify, track and evaluate individual primates to study them holistically, exploring demographics, reproduction, dispersal, and relatedness. Additionally, our research includes the analysis of microbiomes found in tamarin's gut, skin, and scent glands. Our study is essential to further understand the complex social lives of primates and to better comprehend the factors influencing their survival in the wild.

barcoding the amazon rainforest

To effectively monitor biodiversity using DNA, it is essential to establish a comprehensive reference library. We utilize noninvasive and nonlethal techniques to obtain tissue samples from bats, birds, and small mammals through capture-release programs, facilitating the advancement of DNA barcoding efforts for biodiversity tracking. These samples can take various forms such as hair, scat, or a scent-gland secretions. Through an extension of this project, we are actively developing advanced methods to derive individual signatures from environmental DNA, thereby improving our ability to monitor populations of under-studied mammals.

animal Movement Ecology

As we embark on this exciting project, our aim is to push the boundaries of traditional conservation methods. We believe that by harnessing cutting-edge technology, we can significantly increase the speed and accuracy of data collection. Furthermore, we are fully committed to providing affordable solutions that are accessible to as many biologists as possible. With our low-cost tracking devices, biologists can track the movements of animals across large areas without breaking the bank. Our radio-based autonomous grids are set up to collect accurate data without any human intervention. Lastly, our smart capture-release devices are designed to minimize the risks of injury to captured animals. Overall, we are excited about the possibilities that this project presents, and we look forward to sharing our progress with you.

Community Disease ecology

Our team focuses on studying pathogen communities present in wild and captive non-human primates, bats, birds, and small terrestrial mammals located in southeastern Peru. Our aim is to determine the typical pathogen patterns found in Neotropical wildlife. We want to know what is considered "normal" in this region when it comes to pathogens, which will help us better understand the health risks posed to both animals and humans. Our research is crucial in advancing scientific knowledge about pathogens and wildlife communities.

Diet and Pathogen Metabarcoding

We utilize state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing-based methods to categorize the predominant pathogens in a varied sample, such as feces or saliva, following a collection of non-invasive tissue samples. This program aims to investigate the correlation between diet, microbiomes, and overall health to gain insights into the role of microorganisms in maintaining widllife health.