Department of Zoology

Globally, anthropogenic habitat degradation and loss pose the most significant threat to the persistence of biodiversity. However, species differ in their abilities to respond to rapid habitat change, with some quickly adapting to modified environments and others faring poorly in the face of such challenges. The study involves examining behavioral and physiological traits in two species of leaf monkeys that experience desperate outcomes in the face of anthropogenic habitat change. Semnopithecus priam thersites in human dominated landscapes while, S. vetulus fares poorly in face of habitat change. The project is conducted through the Kaludiyapokuna Primate Conservation and Research Center (www.kpcrc.org), which I co-direct with Drs. Roberta Salmi and Amy Lu .

Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are endangered with declining populations fragmented by human activity. Sri Lanka has the second largest elephant population (estimated between 5,000 and 7,000 elephants) and highest elephant density anywhere in Asia. Predictably, human– elephant conflict (HEC) is common and intense on the island and hence, animal-centered management strategies are warranted to address the needs of stakeholders, while also upholding elephant welfare. Unfortunately, our limited understanding of Asian elephant socioecology has precluded the development of animal-centered approaches. Recent studies on the Asian elephant behavior have shown various factors in the social and physical environment to influence changes in behavior, emphasizing the importance of studying elephants in various contexts across changing landscapes. This project focuses on characterizing elephant socioecology, gut microbiome and physiological stress responses around areas of high human activity in the North Central dry zone of Sri Lanka. The project is co-directed with Dr. Chase LaDue and Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens.