Department of Biology

Area of 2006 study (4,000 square kilometers)

Dissertation Research

Carly Vynne

Biology Department

University of Washington

Box 351800

Seattle, WA  98195-1800

 

Phone: 206-437-5247

Fax: 206-543-3041

E-mail: cvynne@u.washington.edu

The goal of my research is to contribute to our understanding of how changes in the landscape matrix (the areas surrounding remnant habitat and protected areas) are likely to affect the viability of wide-ranging species.  By utilizing non-invasive, novel techniques in endocrinology to assess the physiological health of wildlife populations, I will be able to determine the relative health of individuals utilizing the landscapes outside versus inside of reserves.  These physiological measures can provide accessible early warning indicators to predict population decline and subsequent degradation of ecosystem function, and will help inform management of large regions and prioritize lands for conservation.  Specifically, I propose to study how functional connectivity of a rapidly changing system, the Cerrado of Brazil, is being affected by agricultural development.  By applying non-invasive techniques to study abundance and physiological health of an endemic carnivore, the maned wolf, I will be able to assess the relative contribution of different land uses to population persistence.

 

2006 Fieldwork Summary Report with maps of results.  This document includes draft outputs of 2006 season.  Not to be used in any final documents or for publication.

 

2006 Press Release (in Portuguese).  Information about the 2006 field season in the Cerrado of Brazil.

 

2005 Presentation to Society for Conservation Biology, Brasilia.  Powerpoint presentation.

 

National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Proposal.  Link to Research Proposal.

Contact Information:

University of Washington