Rain Forest @ MindSay 
My project proposal, just in case you're interested
Livin’ On the Edge:
Variance in Mammalian Species Richness and Abundance
Between Eucalyptus and Pasture Edges of the Atlantic Forest
Introduction
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most unique environments on the planet—providing hundreds of priceless resources for human beings around the world—but after decades of degradation, pollution, and exploitation, only 7-8% of the original Mata Atlântica ecosystem remains (Galindo-Leal and Câmara 2003). Unfortunately, this small percentage is still threatened by unsustainable human practices and a lack of adequate preservation efforts. One of the most imminent issues jeopardizing the survival of these existing forest remnants is fragmentation, which isolates populations, curtails biodiversity, and exacerbates extinction risks (Chiarello 1999). A vital step in understanding and eliminating the consequences of fragmentation is determining species diversity at the forest edges, and measuring how this diversity varies across different edge types, in order to improve conservation techniques, develop more efficient management strategies, and advance policies regarding forest preservation (Marsden et al. 2001).
In my project, “Variance in mammalian species richness and abundance between eucalyptus and pasture edges of the Atlantic Forest,” I will attempt to evaluate both species richness (number of species) and abundance (number of individuals) at eucalyptus and pasture edges of the Atlantic Forest using baited sand traps to collect mammalian tracks. The results of this project will also be applicable when assessing the Green Hug concept, an important measure being taken to diversify forest edges. Eucalyptus forests are planted at the edge of the Atlantic Forest, in order to create a buffer between the forest and surrounding pastures and human inhabited areas. Theoretically, the presence of this buffer should indicate elevated species presence at this edge because the eucalyptus forest “hugs” the Atlantic Forest and mitigates the division between the two environs (Ferinmore and Cullen 2002).
The neighboring habitats that surround the forest fragment edges—such as eucalyptus stands and pastures—are known as matrixes (Gascon et al. 2000). These buffers are critical for the survival of the forest fragments that they converge with; the harshness of a matrix (how closely the matrix resembles the ecosystem it encircles) can determine whether or not it provides crucial protection for the forest interior because it limits the harmful outside factors—such as pollution—that infiltrate the forest (Umetsu and Pardini 2007). In my project, the forest edges and their corresponding matrixes are the areas that I’m concerned with—through my sand trap experiment, I will attempt to determine the difference between species diversity of edges adjacent to eucalyptus and pasture matrixes.
Question and Hypotheses
In this project, the main question I will be asking is: How does the richness and abundance of mammalian species at Atlantic Forest edges vary according to the presence of eucalyptus and pasture matrixes? Based on research regarding this topic and my own prior knowledge, I have formulated a hypothesis in answer to this question: There will be a difference in species diversity between eucalyptus and pasture edges; there will be more mammalian species richness and abundance present at eucalyptus edges than at pasture edges (Ha).
H0: Peucalyptus edge = Ppasture edge
Ha: Peucalyptus edge ≠ Ppasture edge
Methods
In order to obtain a more accurate measure of species richness and abundance at forest edges in the Mata Atlântica ecosystem, I have chosen three different sites in the Nazaré Paulista region of Brazil where I will lay my sand traps. Each of these selected sites is a forest fragment that has both a eucalyptus edge and a pasture edge, in an attempt to increase the statistical relevance of my results. At each site, I will lay six 50x50cm sand traps (three replicates at each edge) at randomly selected points along a 50m line, for a total of 18 traps. These traps will be baited with bacon and bananas, in order to attract mammals. In a study of Atlantic Forest matrix quality, Umetsu and Pardini (2007) analyze small mammal populations because they are the most diverse genre of mammals present in Neo-tropical regions. If my results are similar to those of previous sand trap projects completed by SEE-U students at IPÊ, most of the wild animal tracks in the traps will belong to small mammal species (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007).
After setting and baiting the traps, I will return early the following morning (to avoid disturbances and loss of data) to record the tracks; I will photograph each track and include a scale in each photo, in order to gauge size and aid in identification. In both previous SEE-U sand trap projects, students checked their traps 6-7 times. Neither of these students was able to disprove their null hypothesis (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007). I will check my traps a total of ten times; I would like to collect more information and possibly determine if these students were unable to disprove their null hypotheses because they did not gather sufficient data.
When analyzing the results of my experiment, I will use a two-tailed t-test to determine the difference in species diversity between the two matrix types. By including multiple replicates, selecting random trap sites, and checking the traps additional times, I hope to collect statistically viable data that will prove my hypothesis. In previous SEE-U sand trap experiments, students faced two main obstacles when laying their traps: steep inclines and a lack of forest clearings (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007). In order to avoid the first issue, I have chosen sites with as little incline as possible, although some was unavoidable. Regarding the latter issue, I may have to adapt the random selection of my trap locations if I am unable to place them in relatively clear areas. Another complication I anticipate is inclement weather, which may disrupt my sand traps (so I will check the traps as early in the day as possible).
A notable limiting factor of my project is the proximity of my sites; I cannot measure the general species diversity of the Atlantic Forest because all of my sites are located in the Bairro do Moinho, but I have chosen three different sites instead of using pseudo-replicates, which will hopefully expand my data and increase their pertinence regarding this specific location.
References Cited
Chiarello, A. G. 1999. Effects of fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest on mammal communities in south-eastern Brazil. Biological Conservation 89 (1): 71-82.
Ferinmore, S. C. and L. Cullen Jr. 2002. Projecto Abraco verde: A practice-based approach to Brazilian Atlantic Forest conservation. (cases). Endangered Species Update 1-10.
Galindo-Leal, C. and I. G. Câmara. 2003. Atlantic Forest hotspot status: An overview. The Atlantic Forest of South America: Biodiversity Status, Threats, and Outlook 3-11.
Gascon, C., G. B. Williamson, and G. A. B. da Fonseca. 2000. Receding forest edges and vanishing reserves. Science 288 (5470): 1356-1358.
Marsden, S. J., Whiffin, M., and M. Galetti. 2001. Bird diversity and abundance in forest fragments and Eucalyptus plantations around an Atlantic Forest reserve, Brazil. Biodiversity and Conservation 10 (5): 737-751.
Mintz, E. 2007. Do small forest fragments lack mammalian diversity? SEE-U Brazil. Session 1. PowerPoint.
Peterson, J. 2006. Are eucalyptus forests devoid of mammals? SEE-U Brazil. Session 1. PowerPoint.
Umetsu, F. and Pardini, R. Small mammals in a mosaic of forest remnants and anthropogenic habitats—evaluating matrix quality in an Atlantic Forest landscape. Landscape Ecol 22: 517-530.
Variance in Mammalian Species Richness and Abundance
Between Eucalyptus and Pasture Edges of the Atlantic Forest
Introduction
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most unique environments on the planet—providing hundreds of priceless resources for human beings around the world—but after decades of degradation, pollution, and exploitation, only 7-8% of the original Mata Atlântica ecosystem remains (Galindo-Leal and Câmara 2003). Unfortunately, this small percentage is still threatened by unsustainable human practices and a lack of adequate preservation efforts. One of the most imminent issues jeopardizing the survival of these existing forest remnants is fragmentation, which isolates populations, curtails biodiversity, and exacerbates extinction risks (Chiarello 1999). A vital step in understanding and eliminating the consequences of fragmentation is determining species diversity at the forest edges, and measuring how this diversity varies across different edge types, in order to improve conservation techniques, develop more efficient management strategies, and advance policies regarding forest preservation (Marsden et al. 2001).
In my project, “Variance in mammalian species richness and abundance between eucalyptus and pasture edges of the Atlantic Forest,” I will attempt to evaluate both species richness (number of species) and abundance (number of individuals) at eucalyptus and pasture edges of the Atlantic Forest using baited sand traps to collect mammalian tracks. The results of this project will also be applicable when assessing the Green Hug concept, an important measure being taken to diversify forest edges. Eucalyptus forests are planted at the edge of the Atlantic Forest, in order to create a buffer between the forest and surrounding pastures and human inhabited areas. Theoretically, the presence of this buffer should indicate elevated species presence at this edge because the eucalyptus forest “hugs” the Atlantic Forest and mitigates the division between the two environs (Ferinmore and Cullen 2002).
The neighboring habitats that surround the forest fragment edges—such as eucalyptus stands and pastures—are known as matrixes (Gascon et al. 2000). These buffers are critical for the survival of the forest fragments that they converge with; the harshness of a matrix (how closely the matrix resembles the ecosystem it encircles) can determine whether or not it provides crucial protection for the forest interior because it limits the harmful outside factors—such as pollution—that infiltrate the forest (Umetsu and Pardini 2007). In my project, the forest edges and their corresponding matrixes are the areas that I’m concerned with—through my sand trap experiment, I will attempt to determine the difference between species diversity of edges adjacent to eucalyptus and pasture matrixes.
Question and Hypotheses
In this project, the main question I will be asking is: How does the richness and abundance of mammalian species at Atlantic Forest edges vary according to the presence of eucalyptus and pasture matrixes? Based on research regarding this topic and my own prior knowledge, I have formulated a hypothesis in answer to this question: There will be a difference in species diversity between eucalyptus and pasture edges; there will be more mammalian species richness and abundance present at eucalyptus edges than at pasture edges (Ha).
H0: Peucalyptus edge = Ppasture edge
Ha: Peucalyptus edge ≠ Ppasture edge
Methods
In order to obtain a more accurate measure of species richness and abundance at forest edges in the Mata Atlântica ecosystem, I have chosen three different sites in the Nazaré Paulista region of Brazil where I will lay my sand traps. Each of these selected sites is a forest fragment that has both a eucalyptus edge and a pasture edge, in an attempt to increase the statistical relevance of my results. At each site, I will lay six 50x50cm sand traps (three replicates at each edge) at randomly selected points along a 50m line, for a total of 18 traps. These traps will be baited with bacon and bananas, in order to attract mammals. In a study of Atlantic Forest matrix quality, Umetsu and Pardini (2007) analyze small mammal populations because they are the most diverse genre of mammals present in Neo-tropical regions. If my results are similar to those of previous sand trap projects completed by SEE-U students at IPÊ, most of the wild animal tracks in the traps will belong to small mammal species (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007).
After setting and baiting the traps, I will return early the following morning (to avoid disturbances and loss of data) to record the tracks; I will photograph each track and include a scale in each photo, in order to gauge size and aid in identification. In both previous SEE-U sand trap projects, students checked their traps 6-7 times. Neither of these students was able to disprove their null hypothesis (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007). I will check my traps a total of ten times; I would like to collect more information and possibly determine if these students were unable to disprove their null hypotheses because they did not gather sufficient data.
When analyzing the results of my experiment, I will use a two-tailed t-test to determine the difference in species diversity between the two matrix types. By including multiple replicates, selecting random trap sites, and checking the traps additional times, I hope to collect statistically viable data that will prove my hypothesis. In previous SEE-U sand trap experiments, students faced two main obstacles when laying their traps: steep inclines and a lack of forest clearings (Peterson 2006 and Mintz 2007). In order to avoid the first issue, I have chosen sites with as little incline as possible, although some was unavoidable. Regarding the latter issue, I may have to adapt the random selection of my trap locations if I am unable to place them in relatively clear areas. Another complication I anticipate is inclement weather, which may disrupt my sand traps (so I will check the traps as early in the day as possible).
A notable limiting factor of my project is the proximity of my sites; I cannot measure the general species diversity of the Atlantic Forest because all of my sites are located in the Bairro do Moinho, but I have chosen three different sites instead of using pseudo-replicates, which will hopefully expand my data and increase their pertinence regarding this specific location.
References Cited
Chiarello, A. G. 1999. Effects of fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest on mammal communities in south-eastern Brazil. Biological Conservation 89 (1): 71-82.
Ferinmore, S. C. and L. Cullen Jr. 2002. Projecto Abraco verde: A practice-based approach to Brazilian Atlantic Forest conservation. (cases). Endangered Species Update 1-10.
Galindo-Leal, C. and I. G. Câmara. 2003. Atlantic Forest hotspot status: An overview. The Atlantic Forest of South America: Biodiversity Status, Threats, and Outlook 3-11.
Gascon, C., G. B. Williamson, and G. A. B. da Fonseca. 2000. Receding forest edges and vanishing reserves. Science 288 (5470): 1356-1358.
Marsden, S. J., Whiffin, M., and M. Galetti. 2001. Bird diversity and abundance in forest fragments and Eucalyptus plantations around an Atlantic Forest reserve, Brazil. Biodiversity and Conservation 10 (5): 737-751.
Mintz, E. 2007. Do small forest fragments lack mammalian diversity? SEE-U Brazil. Session 1. PowerPoint.
Peterson, J. 2006. Are eucalyptus forests devoid of mammals? SEE-U Brazil. Session 1. PowerPoint.
Umetsu, F. and Pardini, R. Small mammals in a mosaic of forest remnants and anthropogenic habitats—evaluating matrix quality in an Atlantic Forest landscape. Landscape Ecol 22: 517-530.
Loooong hours in the classroom
Today was not the most exciting, but I really can't complain--I am in paradise, after all. I woke up early and went for a run with Julia (my roommate) and Aylesse. We ran for about 40 minutes. I definitely feel better about my performance today; yesterday I could barely make it up the hills (there are many, many hills). Retrospectively, I've decided to attribute my violent wheezing and chest pains yesterday to the higher altitude. Otherwise I would have to acknowledge just how out of shape I have become. No thank you.
Today was lectures and exercises and more lectures. We had a quiz too, but I got a 9/10 so I'm pretty happy with that. I need to get an A in this course since it's 6 credits and will serve as a fairly solid boost to my GPA. I'm at a 3.6 right now and I need to hit 3.7+ by graduation so that I can qualify for a Marshall Scholarship and get my PhD for free in the United Kingdom. It's a lofty goal, but it would be an amazing opportunity. And who knows, it might happen.
We had a lesson today about ecological footprints, a subject I find very interesting. I did two calculations and determined that my footprint in New York is much smaller than in Maryland--no surprise there. (If anyone who knows me, or knows my shoe size, is reading this, I'm sure you're thinking about how big my footprint is anywhere. Har har.) Being a vegetarian really reduces my impact on the planet; being a vegan would reduce it even further. Definitely an option I would consider, but I'd have to give up ice cream. And yogurt. And cheese. That would be rough.
The food here has continued to exceed my expectations. I've been eating yogurt, granola, and bananas for breakfast, followed by lots of vegetables (squash, beets, potatoes, zucchini, etc.) and salads for dinner. Everything smothered in hot sauce, just how I like it. And I've been drinking lots of water, tea, and coffee. I hope the water is negating the dehydrating effects of the caffeine. The only issue is that since I've been eating so many meals per day (breakfast, coffee break, lunch, coffee and cake break, dinner), I haven't been able to measure how much I've been eating. Everything is healthy and incredibly unprocessed (a welcome change from my usual diet), but I just hope that I don't get fat(ter) while I'm here.
This evening we had individual discussions with our professor and TAs to discuss our project topics. I think I'm going to scrap the idea about dogs (I just can't think of a hypothesis or experiment) and study erosion control methods instead. I'm still in the planning stages, but I'll probably spend Friday hashing out the details.
I'd like to reflect more on what I learned today, but my mind is drawing a blank. This entry seems a little vacuous, so hopefully I'll actually be able to express some thoughts tomorrow. I might go to bed soon... Julia, Kaitlyn, and I watched half of Paris, Je T'aime last night (one of my *favorite* films), so we'll probably finish it after our reading is done. The nights here have been very laid back so far, but we're having our first "social" tomorrow night, so things are bound to get a little crazy. I hope.
Today was lectures and exercises and more lectures. We had a quiz too, but I got a 9/10 so I'm pretty happy with that. I need to get an A in this course since it's 6 credits and will serve as a fairly solid boost to my GPA. I'm at a 3.6 right now and I need to hit 3.7+ by graduation so that I can qualify for a Marshall Scholarship and get my PhD for free in the United Kingdom. It's a lofty goal, but it would be an amazing opportunity. And who knows, it might happen.
We had a lesson today about ecological footprints, a subject I find very interesting. I did two calculations and determined that my footprint in New York is much smaller than in Maryland--no surprise there. (If anyone who knows me, or knows my shoe size, is reading this, I'm sure you're thinking about how big my footprint is anywhere. Har har.) Being a vegetarian really reduces my impact on the planet; being a vegan would reduce it even further. Definitely an option I would consider, but I'd have to give up ice cream. And yogurt. And cheese. That would be rough.
The food here has continued to exceed my expectations. I've been eating yogurt, granola, and bananas for breakfast, followed by lots of vegetables (squash, beets, potatoes, zucchini, etc.) and salads for dinner. Everything smothered in hot sauce, just how I like it. And I've been drinking lots of water, tea, and coffee. I hope the water is negating the dehydrating effects of the caffeine. The only issue is that since I've been eating so many meals per day (breakfast, coffee break, lunch, coffee and cake break, dinner), I haven't been able to measure how much I've been eating. Everything is healthy and incredibly unprocessed (a welcome change from my usual diet), but I just hope that I don't get fat(ter) while I'm here.
This evening we had individual discussions with our professor and TAs to discuss our project topics. I think I'm going to scrap the idea about dogs (I just can't think of a hypothesis or experiment) and study erosion control methods instead. I'm still in the planning stages, but I'll probably spend Friday hashing out the details.
I'd like to reflect more on what I learned today, but my mind is drawing a blank. This entry seems a little vacuous, so hopefully I'll actually be able to express some thoughts tomorrow. I might go to bed soon... Julia, Kaitlyn, and I watched half of Paris, Je T'aime last night (one of my *favorite* films), so we'll probably finish it after our reading is done. The nights here have been very laid back so far, but we're having our first "social" tomorrow night, so things are bound to get a little crazy. I hope.
How much more can we stand to loose?
Basialy in North American the Prairie Ecosystem is our rain forest. In fact it at one time had a biodiversity that was on par with the tropical rain forests and had a greater capacity to work as a carbon sink while producing oxygen.
But all but 0.003% of the Prairie is no gone. Here's a little example that I have been working on to illustrate how much there once was compared to what is still around today.
First get your self a $100 bill. Then go down to your local savings and loan and ask to exchange it for pennies.
But all but 0.003% of the Prairie is no gone. Here's a little example that I have been working on to illustrate how much there once was compared to what is still around today.
First get your self a $100 bill. Then go down to your local savings and loan and ask to exchange it for pennies.
Here's what $1 of pennies looks like
Here's $100 in pennies
Here's $100 in pennies
Spread out all the pennies on the floor. Then take of those pennies and cut it up into 10 pieces with a hack saw. Put 7 of those pieces bak onto the floor. Those 3 little slivers of copper left in your hand are all the prairie that still exists out of that $100 worth of pennies. Basically it is the area the size of good ol' Abe's head on the face of a penny.
So the question is how much more can we stand to loose? I say that we have enough suburbs, mal-warts and strip shopping centers. It is not worth it to loose even one more acre of this highly endangered ecosystem just so that we don't have to walk that extra three blocks to the next closest 7-11.
Preparing to go abroad and on air
I just finished recording a live radio session with Drew Olanoff (the creator of Blog.Abroad) in Philly and David Lawerence of the David Lawerence Show in LA. After Drew told me about the opportunity to speak for an hour on live radio I skipped around the house and did a rather graceless victory dance. Tee hee. Then I proceeded to the local Sunny Surplus to purchase the supplies listed on my Field Guide Handbook checklist. As you can imagine, it was slightly difficult to focus on the explanation the salesman gave on the merits of various hiking socks. Why does a pair of hiking socks cost $16? Apparently they are completely comfortable, wick away all moisture, and are guaranteed not to stink. I’m skeptical but I bought two pairs anyway. Ended up spending $160 tonight.
Perhaps I paid less attention than I should of to prices because I was so excited about speaking on live national radio! Upon arrival home I thoroughly brushed my teeth (seemed like the thing to do for an interview), drank 2 cups of hot chai and then completed sun salutations and other yoga moves interspersed with more skipping around the house. I bet Drew just sat patiently with a magazine, he seemed much more like a pro on the radio.
Despite saying, “ummm” a little much I’m very happy with how the interview progressed. David Lawerence gave me the great suggestion of bringing Old Bay, the classic Baltimore spice, as a gift for the Ticos so that they could try something of my culture. I will definitely bring along a couple gift tins as well as some other Baltimore themed gifts (audience, I am open to ideas). His second piece of advice was to purchase a solar water heater. This idea I am not so hot on (excuse the pun) because I’m just a poor college student. If he is correct that I will be miserable with a cold outdoor shower, I hope that one of my classmates will empathize and let me borrow theirs.
Now I definitely want to check out Will Wheaton’s book and apparently classic blog. I apologize to those more experienced bloggers for my ignorance.
One comment that David Lawerence made that surprised me a little was when he said I was the stereotypical idealist in a pool of sharks (or something to that effect). As far as idealism goes, I believe in having a healthy disregard for the impossible, but I consider wishful thinking a waste of time. Ask anyone in the club I lead at UMBC, Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), and they will tell you that I am very results oriented. Compared to the hippies of the sixties, I believe that today’s activists are much more data driven. Previous generations of environmentalists had the role of generating awareness. Due to their efforts, most people know about acid rain, global warming, the hole in the ozone layer, endangered species, habitat loss, and deforestation. These are generally accepted problems. My generation’s role is to collect the hard data and formulate plans using the scientific method to determine best management practices for a sustainable world.
Though I would love to travel back in time and see the Costa Rican rainforest at a time before European settlement, I am glad that I am living today. The present is a very exciting time to live because of all of the new tools and technology we have to study and see places as was never before possible. Remote sensing, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), GPS (Global Positioning System), GIS (Geographic Information Systems), digital cameras, and satellite phones give us so much freedom and power. Who’d a thunk 15 years ago that I would be able to send text, images, and audio to you from remote locations in the rainforest? It makes you wonder where we'll be in another 15 years. Carpe Diem!
~Tammy
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