Genetics in the Jungle
Merging veterinary medicine and molecular biology research in the Madre de Dios region of the Amazon, Peru
The Field Station is located about one hour by taxi from Puerto Maldonado and ~4 hours by boat from the port city in the Tambopata region. It lies at the convergence of the Madre de Dios and Los Amigos rivers.
I traveled to the Madre de Dios region of Peru in the vibrant lowland Amazon rainforest. It is home to one of the final remaining biodiversity hotspots in the world, as well as an incredible team of scientists, researchers, and conservationists, working with Field Projects International (FPI). This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of tropical ecosystems that conducts wildlife research, and provides field training in tropical biology and conservation genomics. Here, I was able to live hours away from civilization deep in the jungle, combining wildlife health initiatives with laboratory-based genetics work. Lab work consisted of sequencing the DNA of an array of monitored species including primates, birds, bats, and other small mammals using Nanopore technology. In addition, it involved pathogen screening where we were able to determine whether species were hosts of certain parasites and viruses. Field work consisted of non-invasive health monitoring of these animals with the help of wildlife veterinarians. This provided me with both field and lab experience, and solidified my future plans for veterinary school to pursue conservation-based medicine.
Large Ficus tree. These grow fig fruits, which attract several species of monkeys and many birds. Their leafs feed caterpillars that mature into sulphur butterflies. Ficus trees also help store carbon. The debris that falls from these trees feed the soil with life forms that are yet to be discovered.
Using a Nanopore to sequence DNA
This research was conducted through Field Projects International using their established and vetted protocols. This entailed spending some days collecting samples and non-invasively handling vertebrates under strict supervision by lead veterinarians, and analyzing the samples in the laboratory.
Titi monkey enjoying a snack
Merging the worlds of laboratory and field science allows for cutting-edge genetic research with implications regarding wildlife, ecosystems, and humans. FPI strives for their research to inform present-day and future policy makers on sustainable stewardship of the Amazon basin (FPI, 2022), therefore informing other world leaders and policymakers while still maintaining community development and enrichment.
Night in the field making smears to be analyzed under a microscope
The initiatives this program undertook allowed for the unique joining of conservation, molecular biology, and veterinary medicine in a single experience. The role of molecular biology in conservation and environmentalism allows for a holistic viewpoint of ecology. Using this approach I learned that the combination of several different fields/disciplines provides a more intersectional outcome. Environmentalists, organismal or molecular biologists, chemists, sociologists, and anthropologists alike can all find relevance and importance in this project.
Enjoying a sunset by the Los Amigos River
Enjoying a sunset by the Madre de Dios river
