Research Training Program
Smithsonian
Institution
National Museum of Natural History
PROJECT SUMMARY
2007
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Elis
Marina Silva Al Gardner,
Ph.D. "The Research Training Program is a door opener for anyone in the natural history field and also a very rich experience for life in general." |
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A Step Forward in the Conservation of the Water Opossum The
water opossum of South and Central America has a semi-aquatic
habit, feeding and spending most of its time underwater, like
otters. This unique marsupial, with a pouch to carry its young,
is currently on the Brazilian red list of endangered species.
The water opossum's environment is greatly threatened by deforestation
and other destructive acts by humans. The construction of hydroelectrical
plants can seriously damage, or even completely decimate their
habitat, since they live in shallow, calm, narrow streams. Industry
can also cause problems for the water opossum. For example,
waste from industrial plants can run into rivers, killing fish
and crabs (water opossum's main diet) and in some cases, even
the water opossum itself. Studying this animal can tell us a
lot about the conservation status of the Amazonian and rain
forest water courses. This project analyzes (by measuring the
museum specimens' skulls) changes between the different populations
of the water opossum that occur from south Mexico to northeastern
Argentina. Research focuses on the causes of these differences
to ensure there is no potential threat to cause the extinction
of the species. Any problems would be reported to local authorities
to protect the water opossum from coming closer to extinction.
From this research, the differences between populations may
also indicate if one population is a new species, requiring
that the area the population inhabits receive protection from
the federal government, further contributing to the conservation
of the threatened water opossum. This research was supported by the Bill and Jean Lane Internship Endowment. |
