Project Overview
Rainforest Canopy Latrines: Nutrient Status and Mammal use
Department(s)
Biology
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Communal latrines are those used by mammals to urinate and defecate, and are common among many terrestrial mammals. Most research on communal latrines is done on terrestrial species (e.g. civet) or on arboreal mammals that use a communal latrine on the forest floor, such as spider and howler monkeys that defecate from the canopy to the forest floor. These latrines are fascinating in that they are used by multiple species of mammals and likely concentrate nutrients in a habitat known for low nutrient inputs. Biotic interactions, and particularly the role of canopy mammals within the canopy, is one of the surprising gaps in canopy biology. There is considerable data on the loss of forest connectivity with deforestation and the downstream impacts on mammal movement and ultimately, reforestation. We will employ mixed-methods, including camera traps, animal behavior, field collection, laboratory nutrient analyses, and environmental genomics, to establish the frequency and intensity of latrine use, quantify their impact on nutrient status, and explore how they facilitate resource flow within the canopy in two lowlands forests, Peru and Costa Rica, and one montane site in Costa Rica. This research will provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nutrient dynamics, animal behavior, and the community structure of this vital ecosystem.
This research requires extensive field and laboratory work. Students will learn how to sample in the canopy, collect and identify plants, collect soils, and analyze plants and soils for nutrients.
This project is dependent on funding which Cardelús will learn about early 2026.
Student Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of Biology 181 and Chemistry 101.
- Comfort with general laboratory procedures, specifically mixing chemical solutions and micropipetting.
- Ability to travel and work outdoors for extended periods and hike 2–3 miles per day (often carrying equipment or off-trail).
- A genuine interest in ecology, forest health, or environmental science.
- A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration (assuming we travel May 20th)
Number of Student Researchers
2-3 students
Project Length
8 weeks
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