2016-2017 Faculty Research Grant
Daniel Gonazalez-Socoloske (Biology)
Habitat assessment and use by Antillean manatees in Isla de la Juventud, Cuba and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes in Berrien County, Michigan.
Habitat characterization is a critical step to determine the suitability of a habitat to threatened species and, when coupled with tracking studies or visual surveys, provides a way to understand how species are using the habitat. While very different in size and geographic range, Antillean manatees and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes share many of the same needs and threats. Both require very specific habitats that provide shelter, food, and access to mates. Unfortunately, both have experienced dramatic population losses from historic numbers in large part due to habitat loss from human development. In addition, both have also experienced direct persecution by humans, although for different reasons (manatees - hunted for food, run over by boats; massasaugas – killed out of fear or collected for illegal pet trade).
The main objective of these projects is to locate and characterize the remaining habitat of both of these species in some of the last remaining strongholds (Cuba for Antillean manatee and Berrien County, Michigan for Eastern Massasauga). Ultimately, these studies will provide scientifically based information that can be used by governing agencies to better conserve these endangered species.