First weeks in the field!

Thanks so much for the support from all of my backers! I wanted to send an update from the field, as I have now been in Monteverde, Costa Rica for about two weeks. 

My field trip so far has been extremely valuable and productive. In addition, to collecting individuals of Catopsis nitida for genetic analysis from pasture lands in Monteverde, I have been exploring both forest and pasture lands for additional species of epiphytes for which I can develop microsatellite primers to assess the population genetics. A species of epiphytic bromeliad (in the genus Vriesea) is especially promising, as I have been able to find numerous individuals in both pasture trees, as well as forest trees. Next week I will be exploring pasture properties and meeting new landowners, in hopes of forging new relationships and bonds. 

Vriesea on a pasture tree

 

 

I have also been assisting with a collaborative project exploring the biomass of epiphytes along an elevation gradient. This project is funded by a National Science Foundation grant and is led by Dr. Sybil Gotsch with collaborators Dr. Nalini Nadkarni and Dr. Todd Dawson.