CAREER: Amphibians, Reptiles and Small Mammals in the Tsaratanana Massif Complex of Northern Madagascar

这一职业项目的研究目标是(1)完成对马达加斯加Tsaratanana Massif建筑群15个地点的两栖动物、爬行动物和小型哺乳动物(及其共同进化的寄生虫)的调查；(2)描述新物种，修订分类群，并编制物种清单、专著、检索表和野外指南；以及(3)建立可用于未来研究工作和保护规划的网站数据库。预计调查结果将包括约350种两栖动物、爬行动物和小型哺乳动物的新的生物地理和系统数据，包括发现约50-150种未描述的脊椎动物。职业提案的教学目标将是开设一门新课程，通过卫星电话将马达加斯加正在进行的调查活动与学生联系起来，并让本科生和研究生参与实地工作、管理和数据分析。该项目将由国际项目部的生物调查和清单项目和非洲项目共同资助。

The research objectives of this CAREER project are (1) to complete a survey of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals (and their co-evolved parasites) at 15 sites in the Tsaratanana Massif Complex of Madagascar; (2) to describe new species, revise taxonomic groups, and produce species lists, monographs, keys, and field guides; and (3) to establish website accessible database that can be used for future research work and conservation planning. Survey results are expected to include new biogeographic and systematic data for an estimated 350 species of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, including the discovery about 50 - 150 undescribed species of vertebrates. The teaching objectives of the CAREER proposal will be the introduction of a new course, linking via satellite phone, ongoing survey activities in Madagascar to students, and involving undergraduate and graduate students in field-work, curation, and data analysis. This project will be jointly funded by the Biotic Surveys and Inventories program and the Africa program in the Division of International Programs.