  My work uses non-invasive techniques to collect data on rare and elusive species. I use mark-recapture techniques to estimate population parameters, such as density, occupancy, and abundance. In particular, I have an interest in studying the wildlife of Madagascar, which faces serious threat due to on-going habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict. As a result of this widespread habitat fragmentation and degradation, I also work towards conservation through education in schools and villages throughout my study area. I am interested in studying elusive species for which we know very little about. For my undergraduate and masters research I focused on the presence and distribution of the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar (Farris et al. 2011). The aye-aye is a highly elusive nocturnal lemur that is extremely difficult to observe. As a result, only a handful of field studies have been conducted on this primate leaving us with a dearth of information concerning population density, social behavior, and behavioral ecology. My thesis research and an additional collaborating has resulted in two publications on this enigmatic species.
Currently, I am working with Marcella Kelly and Sarah Karpanty to investigate the effects of fragmentation, human encroachment, and poaching on Madagascar's carnivores. I am photographically sampling carnivores, invasive species, and humans using remotely sensing cameras to estimate population density, occupancy, and/or abundance across fragmented and contiguous forests in the Makira forest. I am interested in determining which of the following variables has the greatest influence on endemic carnivore species across the Masoala-Makira landscape: 1) Landscape variables; 2) habitat features; 3) climate; 4) co-occurring carnivore density/occupancy; 5) lemur density; 6) small mammal abundance; 7) invasive species occupancy/abundance; and/or 8) human trap rates Additionally, I am collecting carnivore scat samples across both fragmented and contiguous forest sites to conduct genetic and diet analyses. I plan to compare fosa and co-occurring carnivore diet across fragmented and non-fragmented forest sites The goal of my dissertation research is to address a significant
gap in our understanding of carnivore ecology and the effects of fragmentation,
human encroachment, and poaching on carnivore densities. The results of this research will have wide-ranging impacts and will provide critical data to conservation and governmental organizations (ex. IUCN, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund, and Conservation International) working to conserve these endemic, elusive species. |
