Rebecca DeCamp
Gene expression differences in the testes across the breeding season of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus)
My dissertation will determine the molecular mechanisms underlying seasonal variation in spermatogenesis in the seasonally breeding mouse lemurs of Madagascar. Mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) are an optimal system to study seasonal changes in spermatogenesis because of their highly seasonal breeding, males' reliance on scramble competition for access to mates, and strong female choice preventing male monopolization of females. Males therefore rely heavily on sperm competition for access to females, but only make sperm for a short amount of time each year, meaning their testes swell 4-5x their original size in anticipation of the breeding season.
I aim to characterize the molecular changes happening in the mouse lemur testes between stages of the breeding season, as well as between species. To assess the molecular changes between stages of the breeding season, I will work with captive grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Brunoy, France. I will test for differences in testicular gene expression between two time points: when the males' testes first start to swell before the breeding season and at the peak of the breeding season. Gene expression differences between species may play a part in the speciation process of mouse lemurs as well. To assess molecular changes between species during the breeding season, I will work with two wild mouse lemur species (the brown mouse lemur, Microcebus rufus, and a yet-unnamed species of mouse lemur) living in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Here, I will test for species-level differences in testicular gene expression between the two species during the peak of the breeding season.
Lindsey Hauff
Detecting rapid evolutionary change in endangered primates
As the most threatened mammalian group in the world, lemurs of Madagascar warrant substantial conservation concern. Over the last decades, significant reductions of forest cover in conjunction with intensification of climatic events severely threaten Madagascar’s fragmented forests and the lemurs residing within them. In addressing this conservation imperative, molecular data has been pivotal in identifying populations of concern. However, many of these genetic studies have not included temporal sampling in their estimations, an approach which allows for direct observation of genetic change across time. Explicit understanding of how populations have responded to past pressures can enhance our ability to predict how they may respond to future disturbances, aiding conservation decision making.
My project’s goal is to better understand how anthropogenic disturbances have impacted endangered brown lemur species (Eulemur cinereiceps and Eulemur rufifrons) parapatrically distributed in southeastern Madagascar. To achieve this, I will conduct historical and contemporary sampling of these Eulemur populations, with an emphasis on non-invasive sampling protocols to limit further harm to vulnerable species of conservation concern. With these samples and a de novo reference genome I assembled, I will be able to generate a powerful genomic dataset that will allow me to investigate rapid evolutionary changes by comparing contemporary populations to historic baseline museum specimens. This temporal genomic framework will allow us to explore how populations have responded to past anthropogenic pressures, such as deforestation over the last century, while also investigating the functional implications of rapid evolutionary change in these species. We expect that the detection of these genetic patterns will improve our ability to predict species- and population-level responses to future disturbances. With this knowledge, we will make conservation recommendations by indicating populations of highest priority, enabling optimal allocation of limited conservation resources in a rapidly changing planet.
Charles Maingi
Anthropogenic impacts on the activity budget, physiological stress, and parasites of the Tana River mangabeys, Kenya.
The continued increase in human population and resource demand is affecting diverse wild animals which may force them to adapt or become extinct in modified habitats. We know very little about how anthropogenic activity affects stress and health in wild primates and given that human populations are expanding, it is so important to understand this to try to form conservation strategies that will promote both human and non-human primate well-being and survivorship. Thus, this study will focus on comparing two mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus) groups occupying separate and distinct forest fragments. One group occupies a habitat that has been significantly modified by high anthropogenic activities. The other group lives in a much less disturbed forest habitat. I will test hypotheses about group differences in activity budget, energetic intake, glucocorticoid hormones, and gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in the two groups. I will collect data on individual behavior, feeding, and energetic intake as well as collect fecal samples (for hormonal and parasite analyses). Additionally, I will test a directly conservation-oriented hypothesis that knowledge of conservation and primates promotes more tolerant attitudes of people towards the Tana River mangabey. I will do so by utilizing participant observation and the use of a questionnaire survey to assess people’s attitudes towards and knowledge of conservation and primates. The findings of this study will help better understand the evolutionary adaption of primates as well as humans in the modified environments and add scientific knowledge of the mangabey species in the changing and shared habitats.
Stephen Meriki
Exploring the Social Impact of Land Tenure Changes Among the Maasai in Kenya
In Kenya, the iconic Maasai community is experiencing significant shifts from communal to private land ownership. These changes are reshaping the way communities interact, share resources, and sustain their cultural heritage. My research, which forms the basis of my dissertation, delves into how these land tenure changes influence social interdependence among the Maasai—examining how they collaborate, support one another, and manage resources in changing environments. Through interviews with Maasai elders, pastoralists, and other community stakeholders, as well as insights from local government officials and NGO representatives, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving social dynamics. The outcomes of this research will contribute to policies that respect both cultural heritage and sustainable development, ensuring the Maasai community's ability to thrive amidst these transformative times. Supported by the Albert Fellows program, this project is not only crucial for my doctoral research but also for advocating policies that support equitable and culturally sensitive development initiatives.
