Diversity of birds and mammals in regenerating forests in Madagascar
Onja Razafindratsima, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Spring 2026 are closed for this project.
Forest regeneration and seed dispersal are essential ecological processes for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and carbon sequestration. However, these processes are being threatened by agricultural expansion and defaunation. As a first step toward understanding the importance of animal seed dispersers in forest regeneration, this project aims to assess the diversity of birds and mammals in regenerating forest patches in Madagascar.
Qualifications: The undergraduate(s) will process camera trap data from a larger regeneration project in Madagascar. They will learn the basics of camera trapping, how to identify birds and mammals from the pictures and videos, and how to use software (Timelapse and Addata AI) that can facilitate species identification.
No previous research experience required.
Equipment required: Windows computer or Mac with Windows virtual machine (e.g., Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion). If you don't own any of these, UC Berkeley offers computer lending here: https://studenttech.berkeley.edu/devicelending
Personal traits: self-motivated, organized, problem-solver, and patient. Desirable but not essential: good at solving technological issues, experience identifying species.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Sabine Cudney-Valenzuela , Post-Doc
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences