2017-2018 Faculty Research Grants
Daniel Gonazalez-Socoloske (Biology)
Detection, population estimate, and habitat assessment of Amazonian manatees in Amazonas, Brazil & continued Eastern Massasauga population and habitat assessment in Berrien County MI, USA.
Population estimates and habitat characterization are critical steps to determine the status and sustainability of threatened and endangered species. While very different in size and geographic range, Amazonian manatees and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes share many of the same basic needs and threats. Both require very specific habitats that provide shelter, food, and access to mates. Unfortunately, both have experienced dramatic population losses from historic numbers in large part due to habitat loss from human development. In addition, both have also experience direct persecution by humans, although for different reasons (Amazonian manatees - hunted for food; massasaugas – killed out of fear or collected for illegal pet trade). The main objective of these projects is to locate and characterize the remaining habitat of both of these species in some of the last remaining strongholds (Brazil for Amazonian manatee and Berrien County, Michigan for Eastern Massasauga). Ultimately, these studies will provide scientifically based information that can be used by governing agencies to better conserve these endangered species.