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

本CAREER项目的研究目标是：(1)在马达加斯加Tsaratanana地块复合体的15个地点完成对两栖动物、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)描述新种，修订分类类群，编写物种名录、专著、关键字和野外指南；(3)建立网站可访问数据库，为今后的研究工作和保护规划提供参考。调查结果预计将包括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。CAREER提案的教学目标将是引入一门新课程，通过卫星电话将正在马达加斯加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考察、策划和数据分析。该项目将由生物调查和清单项目和国际项目部的非洲项目共同资助。

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.