Poster Abstracts in Word 29oct - American Museum of Natural History

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Research methods: I modelled the distribution of the genus Ateles in Colombia usingGenetic Algorithms for Rule set Prediction (GARP) incorporated into a GeographicInformation System (GIS) to perform Gap analysis. The combination of GIS and GARPanalysis is useful as it enables the connection of distributional information to land use andprotection to identify gaps and priorities for conservation action.Relevance to conservation: In this research I found that only 18.8% of the distribution areaof Ateles hybridus is remains and less than 0.7% of this area is being protected by theProtected Areas System in Colombia. I also identified priority conservation areas forColombian spider monkeys. These areas are characterised by their (relatively) large size,degree of connectivity and “low” human-related pressures.ANALYSIS OF ATTITUDES TOWARD EURASIAN LYNX IN SLOVENIAJASNA MULEJ TLHAOLANGUniversity of Ljubljana, Biotechincal faculty, department for biologyUndergraduate fourth yearmulej.jasna@gmail.comConservation problem or question: For successful conservation of large carnivores a supportof public and key interest groups is required. Large carnivores management is often moresocio-political in nature than biological, as they are controversial species that awake manyopposing feelings. The presentation is about factors that influence public and hunters'attitudes towards Eurasian lynx in Slovenia.Research methods: A survey research was conducted in 2007-2008 in a core lynx habitatarea in Slovenia on public attitudes and on hunters. A sample of total 705 questionnaireswas analyzed using multivariate statistic methods (primary component analysis, multipleregression method and analysis of indexes of fear, knowledge and attitudes). I am currentlywriting a thesis upon the results.Relevance to conservation: Eurasian lynx was exterminated in Slovenia in early 20thcentury and was reintroduced in 1973 to Dinaric mountains. The reintroduced populationmanaged to grow, but today numbers are again decreasing. Possible reasons are genetic,poaching and habitat fragmentation. For successful future management of the species, theaspect of human dimensions is necessary to include.CLOSING THE GAP: PREDICTING AND PREVENTING SPECIES DECLINESKRIS MURRAYSchool of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandQueensland, AustraliaPh.D. completedk.murray1@uq.edu.auConservation problem or question: This study addresses the problem of amphibian declines.I use an emerging machine-learning framework (Random Forests) to integrate intrinsic(host life-history and ecological traits) and extrinsic threats (invasive species, disease,habitat destruction) in order predict declining species and, more importantly, identify thefactors that endanger some species but not others. This illuminates paths for conservationaction at the species level.Research methods: In this study, I integrated information from a range of data domains.Underlying data were compiled into a database, species distribution modelling methodswere implemented on these and similar data to provide spatially explicit measures ofthreats, macro-analysis techniques were used to compile information on species traits andecology and machine-learning classifiers were used to generate final results.Relevance to conservation: In extinction risk studies, it is insufficient to conclude thatspecies with narrow ranges or small clutch sizes require prioritized protection. To improve
conservation outcomes, we also need to know which threats interact with these traits toendanger some species but not others. I illuminate methods to achieve this goal, closing thegap between prediction and prevention of species declines.CONSERVATION OF A SOUTH AFRICAN SAGE USING BIOTECHNOLOGYHANNIBAL TAFADZWA MUSARURWAStellenbosch University, Department of Botany & ZoologyMatieland, South AfricaPh.D. second yearhannibal@sun.ac.zaConservation problem or question: Salvia stenophylla (a South African Sage) is increasinglybeing used for formulation of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products because of itsessential oils. These industries largely depend on the natural populations for raw materials.The plant is thus threatened with over-harvesting as a consequent of overcommercialization.This study seeks to reduce wild-harvesting and improve essential oilquality from S. stenophylla.Research methods: The study employs tissue culture techniques to formulate efficientpropagation for medicinal plant. This was followed by heterologous gene expression to alterthe yield and quality of the active compounds produced by the plant. Transformation wasdone using Agrobacterium tumafaciens. GCMS techniques were used to assess the incompound profile and quantity.Relevance to conservation: The study showed that tissue culture can provide a moreefficient alternative source of essential oils with potential for industrial manipulation andthus reduce pressure on natural stands which tend to grow slowly. Genetic manipulationresulted plants with increase α-bisabolol production giving transformed plants superiorprocessing value and reducing the amount of plant material needed per unit product.CONSERVATION LAND-USE PLANNING IN THE DEM. REP. CONGO (DRC)JANET NACKONEYUniversity of Maryland, Department of GeographyCollege Park, Maryland USAPh.D. second yearjnackone@umd.eduConservation problem or question: The goal of my research is to understand how patternsof land-use change are contributing to increased vulnerability of less-disturbed forest blocksand connectivity areas in the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba (MLW) Landscape in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo (DRC), and to evaluate how land-use plans might be developed tobalance the competing needs of conservation and local livelihood strategies.Research methods: 1) Analyze patterns of agricultural expansion in the landscape over thepast 15-20 years through analysis of satellite imagery; 2) Employ threat-based multicriteriaGIS modeling and wildlife corridor modeling to identify locations of conservationpriority in the landscape; 3) Engage in participatory mapping with local communities todefine village agricultural limits for future land-use planning and management.Relevance to conservation: The MLW Landscape was identified in 2002 by the Congo BasinForest Partnership as an area of high conservation priority, especially because it containsthe endangered bonobo ape. The DRC government has recently acknowledged the need fora land-use planning strategy and has recognized this work as a pilot model for futureplanning for the conservation of DRC's forests.STATUS, DISTRIBUTION & CONSERVATION OF HISPID HARE,NE-INDIANABA KRISHNA NATHAaranyak, Scientific and Industrial Research OrganizationAssam, India
Page 1 and 2: STUDENT CONFERENCE ON CONSERVATION
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Page 5 and 6: habitat selection by bats and the e
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Poster Abstracts in Word 29oct - American Museum of Natural History

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