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A soundscape approach to learn more about a critically endangered Cuban frog
The Cuban archipelago hosts more than 70 species of frogs and toads, the high majority of them being endemic. This biodiversity is at risk, with an estimated 80% of amphibians being threatened in the island. Among them, the Cuban frog Eleutherodactylus bartonsmithi, which is considered as critically endangered, is only found in an extremely restricted […]
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Looking for anole lizards: A mission in Dominica
A new mission has just ended in Dominica. Although conducted for scientific purposes, the mission was also a great human adventure in this island that is referred “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” in reference to its exceptional conservation. Here is the story of a week dedicated to anoles.
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Blood or saliva: In birds, the DNA sampling method matters
In the study of many species, DNA samples provide valuable data. In birds, DNA is often extracted from blood samples, a method that requires a potentially stressful handling for the animal. DNA extracted from saliva could offer a good compromise under certain conditions, as shown by a comparison of the two methods in the White-crowned […]
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MERCI project: On the way to the next field missions in Dominica and Martinique
The MERCI project, which aims to study invasive exotic reptiles in the insular Caribbean to anticipate the risks of invasion and adapt management measures, continues in the various territories concerned.
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The importance of wetlands for waterbirds in Haiti
In the heart of the insular Caribbean, a world major biodiversity hotspot, the territory of Haiti also possesses an abundant fauna, as evidenced by the 270 species of birds that can be observed, including 155 waterbird species. A recent inventory provides valuable information on these birds.
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Students of Caribaea Campus discover the world of ornithology
If education in the study of wildlife relies on a strong theoretical background taught at the University, there is nothing as effective as a trip to the field to discover the techniques used in situ. At the end of February, the students members of Caribaea Campus Gwadloup benefited from a half-day of practical training in […]
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Miragoane: the lake of Haiti where fish species flourish
The Caribbean islands are home to a rich and varied endemic flora and fauna. This incredible biological diversity is explained in particular by the process known as “adaptive radiation”, i.e. the appearance of many new species in a limited period of time, due to their adaptation to a varied range of ecological niches. A recent […]
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Reptiles: success for the first field mission for the MERCI project
Island of Saint Lucia, November 2021. Among the branches, a furtive movement betrays the fear of a lizard that has just been spotted, not by a predator, but by a scientist. Over the last few days, a team from the MERCI project, aimed at studying invasive reptiles of the Lesser Antilles, has been on the […]
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PROSPOVERG project: a meticulous monitoring of birds and mammals in Guadeloupe
In the Guadeloupe forest of Poyen, a biological reserve located on the island of Grande-Terre, the PROSPOVERG project led by the association Amazona in partnership with Caribaea Initiative keeps going thanks to the financial support of the OFB. The objective is not only to identify the diversity of birds and mammals, but also to train […]
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Life and habits of the Limia: Feeding strategies of a unique group of fish
A few months after the discovery of a new species of Limia in Haiti, the research continues on this fascinating group of fish. This time, the feeding strategies of several species were investigated, leading to results which could help unravelling the secrets behind the diversity of this group.
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