U.S.-Thailand Cooperation Research: Cave Fishes of Thailand

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9605200 Borowsky This is a 36-month award proposed by Dr. Richard Borowsky, New York University collaborating with Professor Visut Baimai of Mahidol University in Thailand. Dr. Borowsky requests funds for student support and for travel and field costs in Thailand to carry out a project to assess the genetic diversity of five cave fishes of the genera Noemacheilus, Homaloptera, and Barbus, and their relationships to other close relatives of these fishes in Thailand. The results from this study can provide an answer to the question of the origin of cave fishes, their adaptations to cave life and, in particular their loss of vision (regression evolution). This study addresses a very important fundamental question in the origin of genetic diversity in cave fishes and will contribute to Thailand's biodiversity research efforts. The Biodiversity Research and Training Program of the Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency will provide matching support for the Thai students to allow them to participate in this project. This project addresses two major focus areas: a unique site in a remote area with little or no data, and supporting the participation of a U. S. graduate student in international cooperative studies in developing countries and the training of Thai students.