Summary:

Intense seasonality defines dry tropical forest and is a major driver of evolution. Yet little is known about how vertebrates respond to the striking differences in habitat structure and resource availability that occur between the dry and wet seasons.

Summary:
Investigate the host-parasite relationships between Triatoma spp., the Trypanosomes they transmit, and the mammals that serve as hosts.

Summary:

     CWU and Mexican scientists are using a variety of techniquesto monitor small vertebrates (amphibians, lizards, turtles) and some of their invertebrate parasites (ticks and kissing bugs) in the forests around Estación de Biología, Chamela, which received a direct hit from Hurricane Patricia in October, 2015. The research will yield a better understanding of the impact of woody debris deposited by the hurricane on microhabitat use and community structure of ectotherms that inhabit the forest.

Summary:

Dr. Renton and her students are characterizing spatial and temporal variation in food (fruiting phenology of trees) and habitat resources (tree cavities) used by dry forest birds. She has invited CWU students to join her in monitoring transects in three habitat types (deciduous forest, semi-deciduous forest, and watercourses) to test for habitat variation in resource availability.

Examples of specific projects include: