Dissertation Enhancement: Natal Dispersal and New Group Formation in Capybaras: Combining Behavioral and Genetic Information

在美国-由国际科学与工程办公室美洲项目和综合生物学和神经科学部动物行为项目资助的委内瑞拉论文增强项目，圣刘易斯密苏里州大学的Zuleyma Tang-Martinez和Elizabeth Condon将与委内瑞拉加拉加斯西蒙玻利瓦尔大学的Emilio Herrera一起进行研究计划。 这项研究的重点是世界上最大的啮齿动物水豚（Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris）的纳塔尔扩散和新群体的形成。 该项目有三个主要目标：1）定义水豚扩散的行为方面，包括可能触发它的变量; 2）定义它们扩散的空间方面; 3）将扩散模式与种群的遗传结构联系起来。 这项调查的重点是一个相当重要的主题，以了解哺乳动物社会系统的进化。 它也是那些研究哺乳动物的扩散和社会动力学的人的普遍兴趣。 结果预计将有相当大的保护影响，以及对这一重要的南美啮齿动物的可持续管理的影响。 与委内瑞拉科学家的合作将加强两个团队的研究工作。 该项目还将为美国学生提供国际研究经验。

In this U.S.-Venezuela dissertation enhancement project funded by the Americas Program of the Office of International Science and Engineering and the Animal Behavior Program of the Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience, Zuleyma Tang-Martinez and Elizabeth Condon of the University of Missouri, Saint Louis will pursue a program of research with Emilio Herrera of Universidad Simon Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela. The research will focus on the natal dispersal and new group formation of the world's largest rodent, the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). This project has three main goals: 1) to define the behavioral aspects of capybara dispersal, including the variables that might trigger it; 2) to define the spatial aspects of their dispersal; and 3) to relate the dispersal patterns to the genetic structure of the population. This investigation focuses on a topic of considerable importance to understanding the evolution of mammalian social systems. It also is of general interest to those studying dispersal and social dynamics of mammals. The results are expected to have considerable conservation impact as well as implications for sustainable management of this important South American rodent. The collaboration with the Venezuelan scientist will enhance the research efforts of both teams. The project will also provide an international research experience for a US student.