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| Jacek Tomasz Giermakowski |
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tom.giermakowski@msb.unm.edu |
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| Research interests |
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Conservation biology, ecophysiology, use of GIS and remote sensing in ecology, modeling animal distributions
In light of conservation efforts, one of the most interesting questions in ecology is what limits the distribution of species. I would like to concentrate on this question from a functional point of view, trying to analyze the dynamics and relationships between species and their environment. I am especially interested in amphibians and reptiles not only because their diversity and abundance have not been represented well in the study of ecology, but also because their biology is influenced more heavily by the abiotic factors and provides an excellent opportunity for application of biophysical models.
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| Dissertation |
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| My dissertation project touches on the above concepts, but also takes a much more applied approach. The goal is to develop a set of broadly applicable tools that would enhance restoration ecology programs by speeding up the recovery of natural population levels. The specific objective is the use of remote sensing and environmental models across different spatial scales to examine individual-level inputs to population processes, consequently being able to identify factors and areas that would accelerate population growth. The research is developed focusing on the Galápagos tortoise (Geochelone nigrita). First, the spatial variability and environmental correlates of growth and survival of juvenile of Galápagos tortoises are being described through fieldwork and collaboration with other researchers. In addition, shell characteristics are used to describe growth and diet history of individuals, which will allow recovering historical data from a single capture of an individual. Subsequently, spatial models based on biophysical modeling and remotely sensed imagery will describe the spatial component of growth and survival, resulting in prediction of areas where growth and survival are high. Locating juvenile tortoises in predicted areas and using previously developed techniques to analyze growth will test the models.
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| Professional Societies |
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| Links |
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 The Charles Darwin Research Station
Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador |
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Page last updated Friday, November 28, 2003
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