| Affiliations: | Aggie Research Mentoring Program |
| Project Leader: | Alaya Keane
layak.97@tamu.edu Ecology and Conservation Biology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Thomas Lacher, Ph.D. |
|
Meeting Times:
|
TBA |
|
Team Size:
|
3
|
| Open Spots: | 1 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
There are many opportunities for students to learn or improve new skills as well as aiding in publications or presentations that can be recorded on a resume/CV. If students are interested in attending conferences or further networking, things can be arranged to ensure that the team is beneficial for all. I am very open to understanding what it is that team members are looking to get out of being a part of the group! |
|
Team Needs:
|
It is preferred that team members have at least 1 (ONE) of the listed skills:
-Experience with statistical analyses using R |
|
Description:
|
This project combines ecological and social sciences to better understand the conservation value of Brazilian cabrucas— traditional cacao agroforestry systems. Many scholars have suggested the use of traditional agroforestry systems as alternatives to modern agriculture for biodiversity conservation. However, gaps in knowledge are still present in how well agroforestry systems conserve species across taxa. This study will directly contribute to this gap, among others, by analyzing the conservation value of Brazilian cabrucas in the Atlantic Forest as it relates to a community of threatened arboreal primates using an interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach. To assess these values, we will analyze the behavior and ecology of the vulnerable and declining primate, Callithrix kuhlii. In additional to ecological data, ethnographic methods will also be utilized to understand stakeholder perspectives on the focal species and the efficacy of cabrucas for conservation. Results will be used to promote the conservation of these systems and create meaningful outcomes for local stakeholders and future conservation planning through continuous communication, environmental education, and workshops.
Team members may aid in: |