Research
I study a diverse range of organisms, with a particular focus on reptiles, amphibians, and tropical mammals in some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. My research has centered on cryptic and understudied species like the Southern Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis), and banded galliwasp (Diploglossus fasciatus), exploring their ecology, behavior, and conservation needs. From tracking the predatory habits of anacondas in the Amazon to documenting the elusive canopy behaviors of the banded galliwasp, I aim to shed light on species that are integral to their ecosystems but often overlooked. My work integrates field biology, geospatial modeling, and innovative technology.
More recently, I began working on my PhD thesis, which broadly focuses on the diversity of African herpetofauna, including the venom diversity of Viperidae and the functional diversity of Afrobatrachia.
Ecology of the Short-eared dog, one of the rarest animals in the Amazon.
The short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) is a rare and enigmatic canid endemic to the Amazon rainforest. For several years now, I have been collaborating with Renata Leite-Piteman, an expert on the species. Our research has focused on various ecological aspects of this elusive species, including its spatial ecology, reproductive vocalizations, and trophic interactions. Through a series of collaborative studies, we have revealed the remarkable complexity of its diet, which spans a wide range of prey and plant materials, highlighting its ecological versatility. Additionally, we have documented the significant predation pressures faced by short-eared dogs from apex predators such as jaguars and large boas, contributing to a deeper understanding of its position within Amazonian food webs. This research advances knowledge of this little-known species and emphasizes the intricate dynamics of Amazonian ecosystems.
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Currently, we are working on updating the Mammalian Species Account for the species as well as an analysis of a radio-telemetry telemetry study tracking wild dogs.
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Papers published from our research:​
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Endemic and elusive trophic interactions: the first comprehensive description of the diet of short-eared dogs (Atelocynus microtis) in Amazon rainforests.
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​Predation of Atelocynus microtis (Carnivora: Canidae) by Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) in Southeastern Peru.
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Predation of Atelocynus microtis and Speothos venaticus (Carnivora: Canidae) by Boa constrictor (Squamata: Boidae) in Southwestern Brazil and Southeastern Peru.
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Osteocephalus taurinus (Manu Slender-legged Frog). Predation.​
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Conservation and Ecology on the Las Piedras River, Southeastern Peru.
The Las Piedras River, located in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru, is a biodiversity hotspot within the Amazon rainforest. Over the past decade, I have worked on the tributary in a number of roles, as field station manager, researcher and ecotourism consultant. Through long-term field studies, I have explored the distribution, habitat preferences, and behaviors of diverse taxa, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. This work has resulted in some discoveries, such as evidence of rare and elusive species, detailed dietary analyses, and insights into ecosystem dynamics. Collaborations with local and international researchers have further enriched this research, yielding publications that enhance conservation efforts and biogeographic understanding of the Las Piedras River and its surrounding habitats.
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If you are a researcher interested in conducting your research on the tributary, check out the Las Piedras River Researcher Resources page.
Green Anaconda ecology in Amazon Rainforests
My research on Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus) in the Madre de Dios region of southeastern Peru has advanced the understanding of this iconic species' ecology and behavior. By integrating spatial analysis, geospatial modeling, radio telemetry, and extensive field surveys, I have explored their habitat preferences, predatory habits, and ecological roles within the Amazon rainforest.
Through detailed field studies and the use of radio telemetry, our research revealed that Green Anacondas in some Amazonian regions may specifically target mineral licks as strategic hunting grounds. These licks attract a wide array of terrestrial vertebrates, providing a concentrated source of potential prey. This discovery highlights a previously underappreciated aspect of their predatory strategy, emphasizing their role as apex predators in shaping ecosystem dynamics.
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Morphological data collected from my projects has contributed to ongoing discussions regarding the potential existence of two distinct species of Green Anacondas. By examining sexual dimorphism and population-specific morphological traits, our findings support the hypothesis of significant ecological and evolutionary divergence between northern and southern Amazonian populations.
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Papers published from this research:
A Description of the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima sp. nov. Serpentes; Boidae): What Is in a Name?
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Does the Southern Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus, seek areas of high prey concentration in southeastern Peru?
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Ecology of Eunectes Murinus (Green Anaconda) in the Madre de Dios Region of Southeastern Peru Using Remote Sensing Techniques and Machine Learning Driven Geospatial Modeling.​
Applications of technology for Research
My research has leveraged advanced technologies to address pressing questions in ecology and conservation, particularly in biodiverse and understudied ecosystems. I enjoy combining geospatial analysis, remote sensing, acoustic monitoring, and telemetry tools, for innovative approaches to studying species behavior, habitat use, and ecosystem dynamics. These technological applications have significantly enhanced our ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data critical to conservation planning and ecological understanding.
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Geospatial Modeling and Remote Sensing
Using tools like satellite imagery and geographic information systems (GIS), I have mapped habitats and identified key ecological features, such as hydrological networks, forest canopy structures, and mineral licks. My projects, including those on Green Anacondas and amphibian and reptile biodiversity, have demonstrated the utility of remote sensing in detecting patterns that inform habitat management and conservation prioritization.
For example, geospatial models in the Madre de Dios region revealed correlations between hydrological features and species distribution, aiding in the identification of critical habitats for conservation.
Acoustic Monitoring for Species Detection
I have employed GPS-enabled audio recording devices to monitor the activity of species such as amphibians in tropical forests. This technology not only captures vocalization patterns but also enables triangulation of individuals, providing insights into population densities and spatial behavior. This approach is particularly effective for nocturnal or cryptic species that are otherwise challenging to survey.
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Telemetry and Tracking
By integrating radio telemetry into my research, I have tracked the movement and behavior of large, mobile species like Green Anacondas. This method provided high-resolution data on habitat use and predatory strategies, particularly in challenging environments like dense rainforests and aquatic habitats.
In the case of Green Anacondas, telemetry revealed their use of mineral licks as hunting grounds, offering new insights into their ecological role.
Machine Learning and Data Analysis
I have utilized machine learning algorithms to analyze large ecological datasets, including species occurrence records and satellite imagery. These tools enhance the detection of subtle patterns, such as changes in habitat quality or species distributions, and support predictive modeling for future scenarios under climate and land-use change.
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Papers published from this research:
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Initial assessment of the peatlands of The Upper-Ucayali Valley, Central Peruvian Amazon: Basic analysis of geographic products & predictors.
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Does the Southern Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus, seek areas of high prey concentration in southeastern Peru?
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Ecology of Eunectes Murinus (Green Anaconda) in the Madre de Dios Region of Southeastern Peru Using Remote Sensing Techniques and Machine Learning Driven Geospatial Modeling.​
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Central African Reptile and Amphibian evolution, functional diversity and ecology
In collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin and the New Brunswick Museum, I am contributing to research that aims to unravel the rich biodiversity, ecological roles, and evolutionary dynamics of amphibians and reptiles in Central Africa, one of the world’s most biodiverse and understudied regions. By applying cutting-edge field techniques, integrative taxonomy, and advanced ecological analyses, this work seeks to deepen our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary complexity of Central Africa’s herpetofaunal communities.
Aspects of this research will form chapters of my PhD thesis, which I have recently begun at the University of Queensland, Australia. This collaboration not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports conservation initiatives and capacity building in Central Africa.
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Research is ongoing.
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