Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 91 - 120 of 125

Full-Text Articles in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

La Diversidad Y La Densidad De Las Epífitas Vasculares En La Reserva Cerro Candelaria: La Diferencia Entre Las Alturas Y Dos Tipos De Bosque Nublado En Ecuador, Reilly Rosbotham Apr 2014

La Diversidad Y La Densidad De Las Epífitas Vasculares En La Reserva Cerro Candelaria: La Diferencia Entre Las Alturas Y Dos Tipos De Bosque Nublado En Ecuador, Reilly Rosbotham

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

En el bosque nublado, las epífitas son muy comunes por la neblina, o la “lluvia horizontal,” que permite el crecimiento de plantas sobre otras plantas. También, las epífitas son contribuidoras importantes para el crecimiento y mantenimiento de un bosque nublado saludable. Las epífitas pueden estar afectadas por la deforestación, y este ensayo investiga las diferencias entre la distribución, la densidad, y la biodiversidad de las epífitas en el bosque nublado primario y secundario. El estudio consiste en cuadrantes realizados en cuatro niveles de altura, y en el bosque primario y secundario adentro y cerca de la Reserva Cerro Candelaria, todo …


Species Censes & Local Conceptions Of Ornithological Fauna, Uzi, Alexandria Vandervest Oct 2013

Species Censes & Local Conceptions Of Ornithological Fauna, Uzi, Alexandria Vandervest

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Uzi Island is a rapidly growing and developing island with a wealth of flora and fauna found in very few other places around the world. Study is needed in every field, this was a preliminary study into the residential and migrant bird species presence on Uzi Island. Birds were observed in two of the main habitats present on Uzi Island, intertidal/mangrove and coral-rag. Three transects were cut and laid through each of the two habitats and monitored in the morning and evening hours over the course of 20 days. A total of 1949 birds were recorded comprising 71 species (708 …


Marine Turtle Health Assessment And Aquarium Suitability: Uzi Island, Zanzibar, Olivia “Warda” Crane Apr 2013

Marine Turtle Health Assessment And Aquarium Suitability: Uzi Island, Zanzibar, Olivia “Warda” Crane

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study assessed the health of the marine turtles in the aquarium on Uzi Island. Health evaluations of each turtle included size, eating habit, and physical abnormalities. Behaviorally the sea turtles were observed at two different time periods multiple times. Results were compared to research on wild sea turtles. The conditions of the aquarium were evaluated for water quality and holding capacity. The water temperature, pH, and salinity levels were tested to assess the water quality. The results showed that the overall health of the sea turtles were positive from the normal activities and few abnormalities. The overall aquarium conditions …


Comparison Study Of Fish Species Richness Of Two Mangrove Forests On Misali Island: Eastern (Extractive) V. Western (Core) Mangrove Forests, Spencer M. Mallette Apr 2013

Comparison Study Of Fish Species Richness Of Two Mangrove Forests On Misali Island: Eastern (Extractive) V. Western (Core) Mangrove Forests, Spencer M. Mallette

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The fish species richness of two mangrove forests adjacent to non-extractive and extractive zones, respectively, was investigated on Misali Island, Tanzania. Observations were done at each site for seven samplings, recording the different species observed upon each visit. A general list of species found in the intertidal area was also composed to get an idea of what species use this region as well. A total of twenty-four species were observed between the two sites, leading to a similarity index of 0.29, representing very little similarity between the two stands. Two different diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s) also supported the hypothesis …


Implications For Soil Microbe Research: Investigations Into The Feasibility Of Dna Amplification From Stained Roots And Temporal Patterns In Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities., Catherine Ausland Apr 2013

Implications For Soil Microbe Research: Investigations Into The Feasibility Of Dna Amplification From Stained Roots And Temporal Patterns In Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities., Catherine Ausland

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are obligate biotrophs that form symbiotic relationships with 80% of vascular plants around the world. Because of their beneficial relationship with plants in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, the implication of utilizing AM fungi in ecological restorations is immense. The following investigations seek to increase knowledge of the community ecology of AM fungi in order to enhance the potential for use of AM in ecological restoration. The first investigation replicated a novel method of AM visualization in plant roots, utilizing ink and vinegar as less destructive staining agents, to determine whether molecular studies could be feasibly performed …


An Integrated Research Approach To The Development Of Fungal Isolates As Bioherbicides For The Control Of Woody Weeds, Patrick Mershon Apr 2013

An Integrated Research Approach To The Development Of Fungal Isolates As Bioherbicides For The Control Of Woody Weeds, Patrick Mershon

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica) is an invasive weed tree in Australia, ranked seventh on the list of Weeds of National Significance because of its aggressiveness and its economic and environmental impacts. The significant downsides to manual and chemical control of this species drove the search for a biological control mechanism. Surveying and sampling stands of A. nilotica naturally exhibiting disease symptoms yielded several native Australian fungi capable of pathogenesis in this species, which are currently under assessment as potential bioherbicides for this weed. Three field trials were established at the same site in order to further advance current …


Pollinator Habitat Availability And Diversity In Various Tropical Agroforestry Management Systems Of Coffea Arabica In Santa Clara, Chiriqui, Julia Brokaw Apr 2013

Pollinator Habitat Availability And Diversity In Various Tropical Agroforestry Management Systems Of Coffea Arabica In Santa Clara, Chiriqui, Julia Brokaw

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Habitat loss due to increasing agricultural intensification and chemical use may result in the loss of biodiversity of bee species. This has implications for global economies and food security for people world wide. Focusing on coffee cultivation, an important cash crop in the tropics, this study aims to understand the availability for pollinator habitat resources in a management gradient from shade-grown coffee agroforestry to conventional farming systems that employ both organic and non-organic management practices. I examined the influence of farming and land-use practices on the availability and quality of habitats for social and solitary bee species through observations of …


A Woolly Monkey Travel Guide: An Assessment Of The Foraging Patterns Among Lagothrix Poeppigii On Sumak Allpa Island, Ecuador, Adrienne Mathis Apr 2013

A Woolly Monkey Travel Guide: An Assessment Of The Foraging Patterns Among Lagothrix Poeppigii On Sumak Allpa Island, Ecuador, Adrienne Mathis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This project was conducted to assess the foraging patterns of a troupe of seven woolly monkeys, Lagothrix poeppigii, on Sumak Allpa island in the eastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Recently, many studies concerning woolly monkey foraging and nutrition have been conducted near this area in Yasuní National Park, and these studies have defined this species of monkey as generalized frugivores (Stevenson, 2004). During this study, we observed the monkeys during 22 separate foraging sessions and recorded which plant families and species the troupe foraged from during these sessions. We then mapped the locations of the species which the …


Who Else Would Plant The Trees? A Status Update On The Pemba Flying Fox, Hannah “Hawa” Grose, Catherine Grace “Rahma” Clemmens Oct 2012

Who Else Would Plant The Trees? A Status Update On The Pemba Flying Fox, Hannah “Hawa” Grose, Catherine Grace “Rahma” Clemmens

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study assesses the current population of Pemba Flying Fox, Pteropusvoeltzkowi, at four key locations on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania previously noted as highly populated roost sites: Ngezi National Forest, Wete, Kidike, and MsituwaMbiji. We evaluate local knowledge, perceptions, and practices of communities surrounding the Pemba Flying Fox. This study also documents roosting and migratory patterns of the bats. We hypothesize a growth in bat population, an overall positive community perception of the bats, and a greater amount of conflict between fruit farmers and Pteropusvoeltzkowi. Results showed a decrease in estimated population. Additionally, reverse correlation was found …


Novelty Interactions Between Herbivorous Fish And Sargassum: Insight Into Macroalgal Phase Shifts, Christopher Pickens Oct 2012

Novelty Interactions Between Herbivorous Fish And Sargassum: Insight Into Macroalgal Phase Shifts, Christopher Pickens

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Herbivores play a key role in the maintenance of algal and coral communities. A reduction in herbivory has been shown to result in a shift to a macroalgae dominated system, which can have significant effects on the biodiversity and restorative capabilities of coral reefs. Several studies have been done to better understand how herbivorous communities respond to macroalgae. These have shown that only certain herbivorous taxa are capable of removing macroalgae and there are several factors (depth, density, etc.) that affect the susceptibility of macroalgae to herbivory. However, few studies have yet to determine if the novelty of the resource …


Paleoecological Study Of Unguja: Can Past Environments Be Inferred From Fossilized Corals And Mollusks?, Meredith Burger, Jory Lerback Apr 2012

Paleoecological Study Of Unguja: Can Past Environments Be Inferred From Fossilized Corals And Mollusks?, Meredith Burger, Jory Lerback

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A study was conducted on Unguja, an island off the eastern coast of Tanzania, to provide an overview of the paleoecology found in the cliff shelves across the island. It is known that Zanzibar was a submerged reef from the Neogene, approximately 23 million years ago (Ma). Two tests were carried out in 16 sites around the island. One test looked at coral fossils, while the other studied fossilized shells. Both tests measured biodiversity, with one specifically studying patterns of ocean currents, and the other studying nutrient levels and deposition rates. Biodiversity tests were inconclusive but coral diversity showed a …


Coarse Woody Debris In A Tropical Rainforest In North Queensland, Australia: Relationships With Stand Structure And Disturbance, Nadine Rea Apr 2012

Coarse Woody Debris In A Tropical Rainforest In North Queensland, Australia: Relationships With Stand Structure And Disturbance, Nadine Rea

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coarse woody debris (CWD) refers to the woody material on the forest floor, including fallen stems, large branches, coarse roots, wood pieces, and standing dead trees (snags) (Harmon et al. 1986). CWD is an essential but often overlooked aspect of ecosystems. It plays many key ecosystem roles and is instrumental in overall ecosystem functionality. While a piece of CWD decomposes, it provides key habitat for many different species, minimizes soil erosion, affects soil development, stores nutrients and water, and influences the global carbon cycle (Harmon and Hua 1991). In some forests, CWD can exist on the forest floor for hundreds …


Effect Of Light Level On Feeding Behavior In A Lemur Species (Eulemur Rubriventer) With A Color Vision Polymorphism., Ainsley Lockhart Apr 2012

Effect Of Light Level On Feeding Behavior In A Lemur Species (Eulemur Rubriventer) With A Color Vision Polymorphism., Ainsley Lockhart

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Understanding the visual capabilities and correlated behavior of prosimians provides vital information regarding the evolution of color vision. Feeding behavior in particular is often modified based on color vision status in various primate taxa. The present study examined feeding behavior under various light conditions in Eulemur rubriventer, a lemur species with a color vision polymorphism in which only females can have trichromatic vision. Behavioral observations were conducted for a single E. rubrventer group over a 13 day study period in April 2012. Results found no significant difference in rates of frugivory or exploitation of green vs. non-green food between male …


Effects Of A Cymothoid Ectoparasite On The Turning Behavior (Lateralization) Of The Bridled Monocle Bream Scolopsis Bilineata, Laura Strong Apr 2012

Effects Of A Cymothoid Ectoparasite On The Turning Behavior (Lateralization) Of The Bridled Monocle Bream Scolopsis Bilineata, Laura Strong

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Lateralization, or behavioral asymmetry, is the tendency to favor one side of the body over the other, and exists in humans and animals including in mammals, birds, and fishes. It has been found to increase performance in certain behaviors such as escape from predators by lowering reation time. Lateralization has predominantly genetic bases, but can also be influenced by environmental factors. For example, lateralization has been observed to increase in populations of fish subject to high predation pressure as it decreases their response time to predatory attacks. Parasitism may also have important effects on lateralization. In particular, increased drag from …


Temporal Comparisons Of Avifauna In Enashiva Nature Refuge, Tanzania An Examination Of Species Richness And Abundance, The Effects Of The Onset Of The Short Rainy Season, And The Migrant Communities Present, Taran Catania Oct 2011

Temporal Comparisons Of Avifauna In Enashiva Nature Refuge, Tanzania An Examination Of Species Richness And Abundance, The Effects Of The Onset Of The Short Rainy Season, And The Migrant Communities Present, Taran Catania

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examined avian species richness, abundance, distribution, and diversity in relation to seasonal and temporal changes in Enashiva Nature Refuge, Tanzania. Data was collected in using point-counts along pre-established transects in four distinct habitats – wooded grassland, grassland, woodland, and riverine – over an 18-day period from November 6 to November 23, 2011. Transects were comprised of five point-count spots, at which data on avian species an abundance was collected for 30 minutes each. Data was compared to two previous studies conducted in November 2009 and April 2011 with similar methodologies over comparable time frames. Descriptive statistics, community similarity, …


El Perro De Monte De Sechura: Su Relación Con El Bosque Seco Tropical Y La Gente De La Región Central De Manabí, Julian O. Buffam Oct 2011

El Perro De Monte De Sechura: Su Relación Con El Bosque Seco Tropical Y La Gente De La Región Central De Manabí, Julian O. Buffam

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Cerro Hojas-Jaboncillo, located in Central Manabí, Ecuador, is a Patrimonial site that, in addition to containing the ruins of an ancient culture, is home to a species of mammal endemic to the tumbesian eco-region. Currently listed by the ‘LibroRojo de los mamíferos del Ecuador’ as vulnerable, the Sechuran Fox (Lycalopexsechurae) is a nocturnal and solitary animal, of a medium size, that is rarely seen due to its elusive behavior. This species is the focus of this investigation, which seeks to gain an understanding of the plants and animals that the Sechuran Fox requires for food, the home …


Presence Of The Dingo (Canis Lupus Dingo) On Risk Sensitive Foraging Of Small Mammals In Forest Ecosystems, Amanda Lu Oct 2011

Presence Of The Dingo (Canis Lupus Dingo) On Risk Sensitive Foraging Of Small Mammals In Forest Ecosystems, Amanda Lu

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Trophic regulation of mesopredators through top order predators can have profound effects on ecosystem community and diversity. In the absence of top predators, invasive mesopredators exert strong selective pressures on native prey and can alter prey foraging behavior. When foraging in the presence of predators, prey must weigh predation risk against food gain. To examine the indirect impacts of dingo baiting on risk sensitive foraging in forests, we measured differences in giving up densities (GUDs) and surveyed local populations of mesopredators and mammals. We hypothesized that in baited areas, mesopredators would be more abundant and prey would perceive greater predation …


Animal Enrichment Strategies For Promoting Natural Behaviors In Captive Populations Of Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii), Tierney O’Neal Oct 2011

Animal Enrichment Strategies For Promoting Natural Behaviors In Captive Populations Of Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii), Tierney O’Neal

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The population of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) is in rapid decline due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease, and insurance populations have been created in captivity for potential future introduction into the wild. Many problems can arise within captive animal populations including loss of natural behaviors, and development of negative stereotypical (i.e. pacing) behaviors. These issues can decrease ecological fitness, potentially jeopardizing success of introductions of animals into the wild. By providing captive animals with enrichment, natural behaviors can be increased, and stereotypical behaviors can be decreased. Enrichment is defined as an activity or item that promotes the mental and physical …


Effects Of Coral Stressing On The Feeding Preferences Of The Coral Predator, Acanthaster Planci, Harriet Booth Oct 2011

Effects Of Coral Stressing On The Feeding Preferences Of The Coral Predator, Acanthaster Planci, Harriet Booth

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral predators have always been a natural occurrence on coral reefs, but recent studies have begun to focus on the feeding preferences of these predators in relation to bleached and damaged corals. The recent mass bleaching events, mainly resulting from factors of climate change, have motivated researchers to study the effects of predation on the affected corals to determine the extent of harm these large-scale disturbances may be causing to reefs. This study examined how coral stressing affects the feeding preferences of Acanthaster planci, a coral-feeding starfish that has been known to cause widespread damage to coral reefs, especially during …


What Is The Value Of A Sea Turtle?: A Case Study Of The Conservation Ethics Of Sea Turtle Fishermen In The Caribbean Coast Of Nicaragua, Alicia Conte Oct 2011

What Is The Value Of A Sea Turtle?: A Case Study Of The Conservation Ethics Of Sea Turtle Fishermen In The Caribbean Coast Of Nicaragua, Alicia Conte

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The sea turtle populations on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua have dramatically decreased as a result of human use and consumption. All species of sea turtles are endangered and at risk of extinction. This is an environmental issue because if sea turtles go extinct, many other plants and animals in marine ecosystems will be negatively impacted by this loss, and the environment will be drastically altered. This is also problematic for locals who depend on this resource for food and as a source of income. Conservation efforts have been initiated by an international NGO, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); however, …


Preferencias Sexuales De Aves A Las Carreteras Los Efectos De La Carretera Cuenca - Molleturo – Naranjal En Las Proporciones De Los Sexos En Los Individuos De La Especies De Phrygilus Unicolor En El Parque Nacional De Cajas, Sarah Takushi Oct 2011

Preferencias Sexuales De Aves A Las Carreteras Los Efectos De La Carretera Cuenca - Molleturo – Naranjal En Las Proporciones De Los Sexos En Los Individuos De La Especies De Phrygilus Unicolor En El Parque Nacional De Cajas, Sarah Takushi

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Through the recent years, the Cuenca-Molleturo-Naranjal highway that cuts through the Cajas national park has been the object of much environmental research. In particular, the effects of the highway on the territorial distribution of the local avifauna—that includes many endemic and endangered species—has been a very important subject of study for the conservationists and the park managers. The following study is supplementary to the work of the University of Azuay and the University of Stoneybrook in New York. Here, we analyze how the highway may influence the sex ratios of one of the most commonly found specie—Phrygilus unicolor. Using observations …


Predators Of Enashiva: A Survey Of Occurrence & Distribution, Adrienne Fisk Bowles Apr 2011

Predators Of Enashiva: A Survey Of Occurrence & Distribution, Adrienne Fisk Bowles

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study was conducted during a period of 16 days (April 10 to April 26, 2011) at the Enashiva Nature Refuge in Northern Tanzania. It was a modified repeat study, using the same methodologies of a mammal survey conducted in November 2009, however this study only focused on occurrence and distribution of predators in the highest trophic level and accounted for reptile and birds, in addition to mammals. Based upon the findings of the November 2009 study, it was hypothesized that the woodland would have the highest predator species richness. This hypothesis was supported by the data; the woodland habitat …


Examining Trends In Taste Preferences, Market Demand, And Annual Catch In An Indigenous Marine Turtle Fishery In Southwest Madagascar, Kristin Jones Apr 2011

Examining Trends In Taste Preferences, Market Demand, And Annual Catch In An Indigenous Marine Turtle Fishery In Southwest Madagascar, Kristin Jones

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The worldwide exploitation of marine turtles has been common throughout human history, turtle products including carapaces for decoration and use, skin for leather, and eggs and meat for consumption. The hunting of marine turtles has long established economic importance among Madagascar's coastal inhabitants and is an activity traditionally associated with integral cultural and spiritual values. Due to overexploitation and a combination of relatively newer threats such as pollution, habitat loss, and incidental fisheries take, however, all marine turtle species in the Indian Ocean are considered to be endangered or critically endangered. Although Madagascar's marine turtles have been legally protected from …


Landscape Factors Impacting Survival Of Sympatric Red-Necked Wallabies (Macropus Rufogriseus) And Swamp Wallabies (Wallabia Bicolor) In Urbanized Areas, Karen Zusi Oct 2010

Landscape Factors Impacting Survival Of Sympatric Red-Necked Wallabies (Macropus Rufogriseus) And Swamp Wallabies (Wallabia Bicolor) In Urbanized Areas, Karen Zusi

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Urbanization and infrastructure build-up often includes many processes that can damage the natural environment in surrounding areas. Road, powerline, and dam construction, as well as mining, drilling, and overall land-clearing, have severe impacts that resonate through the adjacent wildlife communities. Some species, however, are able to persist in the fringes of urban environments; the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor, is one such example in Australia. A different species of macropod, the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), is similar to the swamp wallaby in many ways but has failed to persist in the outskirts of urban areas. This study aimed to quantitatively differentiate …


Traditional Plant Use Of The Raglay In Cãu Gãy Village, Núi Chúa National Park, Alex Greene Oct 2010

Traditional Plant Use Of The Raglay In Cãu Gãy Village, Núi Chúa National Park, Alex Greene

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Members of the Raglay community of Cãu Gãy Village were interviewed to determine the extent and nature of their traditional reliance on plants. This community, located in the buffer zone of Núi Chúa National Park, was found to utilize 64 plant species for a wide variety of uses. Botanical specimens and photographs were used to identify 42 plants to species level, 13 to genus level, and 6 to family level, while 3 remained unidentified. For each plant, the Raglay name, local Vietnamese name, use, specific application, and preparation were documented, as well as any details of ritual or commercial significance. …


A Study Of Corallivores Of Bawe And Chumbe Islands, Zanzibar, Rachael Mallon Oct 2010

A Study Of Corallivores Of Bawe And Chumbe Islands, Zanzibar, Rachael Mallon

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are considered keystone ecosystems due to their socioeconomic, ecological, and educational value. In Zanzibar, Tanzania, reefs provide income and a protein source for large portions of the population. Fish are reliant upon reefs as grounds for feeding, breeding, and nursing. Reefs are related to mangrove and seagrass ecosystems; the three ecosystems are interconnected in their functions of protecting biodiversity of coastal organisms, coastal erosion, and improving water quality. Coral reefs are also subject to degradation by both anthropogenic and natural causes. Predation is one example of natural degradation of coral. Six species of corallivores were studied to compare …


Development Of Predatory Behavior In Juvenile Fish: Evidence Of Attraction To Prey Chemical Alarm Cues By Naïve Coral Reef Predator, (Pseudochromis Fuscus), Shannon Odell Oct 2010

Development Of Predatory Behavior In Juvenile Fish: Evidence Of Attraction To Prey Chemical Alarm Cues By Naïve Coral Reef Predator, (Pseudochromis Fuscus), Shannon Odell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Chemical alarm cues and their function on the coal reef has become an area of increasing interest in the study of predator-prey dynamics (Smith 1999, Friesen and Chivers 2006, Holmes and McCormick 2010). One prominent question in understanding the evolutionary basis for the development of chemical alarm cues is determining how these cues benefit the sender directly (Chivers 1996). One way chemical alarm cues found in freshwater systems have been found to benefit the sender of the cue is through attraction of secondary predators to the chemical alarm cue, which then interfere with the primary attack and increase chances of …


Un Estudio Ecológico De Las Lagartijas Del Valle Seco De Buenavista Y De Los Valles Húmedos De La Josefina Y Salango, Ross Brennan Apr 2010

Un Estudio Ecológico De Las Lagartijas Del Valle Seco De Buenavista Y De Los Valles Húmedos De La Josefina Y Salango, Ross Brennan

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

La región costera del sur de la provincia de Manabí, Ecuador es un lugar de gran biodiversidad y endemismo. En esta zona el desierto peruano del Tumbes y el bosque húmedo del Chocó se encuentran. La gran cantidad de especies endémicas y la alta biodiversidad resultan de la interacción entre las dos regiones y la diversidad de hábitats que crean. Hay bosques secos tropicales y bosques húmedos muy cerca de Puerto López. Sin embargo, esta región está cambiando rápidamente debido a las actividades humanas; hay progresiva desertificación y otras amenazas a la diversidad. Además, no hay muchos estudios de la …


Miti Iko Wapi Ii ?, Taylor Tully Apr 2009

Miti Iko Wapi Ii ?, Taylor Tully

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Vegetative communities within the savannah ecosystem oscillate between grassland and woodland states. Research has found that ecological perturbations resulting from elephants, fire, other herbivores and humans have a significant influence on the oscillation of vegetative communities. Understanding these forces and how they interplay to influence vegetative dynamics states is essential to a developing any effective conservation management program. A previous study, in 2003, was conducted to establish baseline data on vegetative community structure, elephant damage and fire damage within Ndarakwai Ranch. (Hamilton and Downing 2003). However, the study drew few definitive conclusions and suggested further research. This study was a …


Pomacea Canaliculata In Tram Chim National Park: An Examination Of The Golden Apple Snail Within Local Vegetation Populations, Justin Loiseau Apr 2009

Pomacea Canaliculata In Tram Chim National Park: An Examination Of The Golden Apple Snail Within Local Vegetation Populations, Justin Loiseau

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is an invasive species that was first introduced into Southeast Asia in the 1980’s. Nearly three decades later, Pomacea canaliculata has become a widespread pest that threatens several key crops of the region, including Vietnam’s expansive rice fields. Although the economic implications of the spread of Pomacea canaliculata throughout Vietnam are disastrous, the environmental implications are also quite shocking. In Tram Chim National Park, the golden apple snail has shown its ability to survive and thrive off of local grasses and wild rice. To better understand the threat level of Pomacea canaliculata to Tram …