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I am interested in application of behavioral and demographic information to the conservation of endangered species. I have seen first hand what can happen when the behaviors and requirements of species are not taken into consideration when conservation decisions are made. It is my opinion that a fuller understanding of these issues, particularly those involving the reproductive behaviors of species, is of vital importance if conservation efforts are to be truly successful. For my Ph.D. research, I explored the function of the juvenile stage in mammals via the mother-infant bond. As a graduate student, I conducted a study on the mother-infant bond of wild horses, its effects on the behavior and survival of the infant, and the implications of these effects for the function of the juvenile stage in mammals. Specifically, I was interested in how the characterization and maintenance of the mother-infant bond, and the typical temporal changes with increasing foal growth, were affected by the behaviors of different mares and foals, and how challenges to foal survival were or were not ameliorated by the ‘relationship’ with their mothers. Since earning my Ph.D., I have managed two research projects in East Africa. As Coordinator of the Zebras of Kenya Project in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, I collected data on the population dynamics, behavior, and individual identification of both Grevy’s and Plains zebra, for the purpose of developing a viable conservation strategy for Grevy’s zebra, one of East Africa’s most endangered species. I also managed the Carnivore Disease Project in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The aim of this ongoing project is to conduct an integrated epidemiological study of three emerging viral diseases–rabies, canine distemper and canine parvovirus–in the Serengeti region. These diseases all infect multiple host species, including domestic dogs, wild carnivores and, in some cases, humans.The project explores the infection dynamics of these three diseases, and is working to identify disease reservoirs and transmission pathways with the implementation of a large-scale program of dog vaccination in more than 100 villages bordering the western boundaries of the Serengeti National Park. |
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Office: 204 Eno Hall Tel: 609-258-3836 Email: cmvnunez@Princeton.EDU Curriculum Vitae Statement of Research Interests Teaching Philosophy |
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© 2008 The Trustees of Princeton University Web page feedback: amyb 'at' Princeton [dot] edu | Last update: May 6, 2008 |
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