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Current Projects The Amphibian Growth Project: The Amphibian Growth Project at Minot State University maintains active research program in aspects of amphibian growth, especially larval Ambystoma, that overlaps core areas that will be emphasized by the Aztecs and Axolotls: Integrating conservation and tourism at Xochimilco, Mexico: This project is funded through the Darwin Initiative (England). The Mexican axolotl (A. mexicanum) is being used as focal species in an effort to conserve biotic species of Xochimilco while considering human interests and socioeconomic dynamics. Richard Griffiths (Univ. of Kent) is the PI on this project and his letter of collaboration is included in Appendix 2. Land Use Effects on Amphibian Populations (LEAP): This is a NSF COLLABORATIVE project to understand how pond-breeding amphibians, including the spotted salamander (A. maculatum), are affected by land-use practices that fragment natural habitats. The PI of this project, Raymond Semlitsch (Univ. Missouri), is a proposed core participant of the ARCN. Emerging Wildlife Disease: Threats to amphibian biodiversity: This project is funded through the NSF Integrated Research Challenges in Environmental Biology program. This project seeks to understand the role of pathogens in amphibian declines, with many projects involving ambystomatid salamanders (A. tigrinum species complex). The PI of this project, James Collins, is a proposed core participant of the ARCN. Axolotl Brain Atlas: This project is funded by the NSF. This is a web-resource that allows browsing of 20 micron sections of the completely sectioned axolotl brain. The PI on this project is Heather Eisthen, a proposed group member of the ARCN. Leg Lab: This project describes axolotl limb regeneration. Research and education themes are emphasized on this web-site maintained by Susan Bryant and David Gardiner. Bryant is a scientific advisor of the AGSC, and both investigators are members of the proposed ARCN. |
