Biology Prof & Student Complete Research Trip to Brazil

The group was led by Dr. Alexandre Percequillo, a professor at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, as part of his larger effort to survey previously unexplored areas in Brazilian Amazonia. It also included research scientists from five other Brazilian universities and research institutes: the Federal University of São Carlo, University of Lavras, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Butantan Institute and National Museum.

The 14-member field research team in Brazil During the trip, the team of researchers documented and collected specimens of mammals (mainly rodents, marsupials and bats) in four different locations along the Purus River, amassing over 300 specimens representing about 65 different species. Two of the sites were within a large preserve area, the Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve, while the other two were located outside the protected areas. The team’s results were a testimony to the importance of protected areas, even in remote regions of the Amazon Basin.

The specimens were preserved as study skins and skeletons, as well as whole-body fluid specimens. Other samples taken from the animals included tissue samples for genetic analyses, digestive tract swabs for virus screening and bacterial microbiome analyses, and ecto- and endoparasites. Cell cultures for about 100 individual specimens were also made for chromosomal analyses.

A squirrel monkey in the Amazon rainforest - Photo by Dr. Abreu The intensive field effort, using different kinds of mammal traps and diurnal and nocturnal hunting, allowed the collection of rare species and likely new species to science. The highlights of the expedition include the collection of three specimens of the elusive giant tree rat (Toromys grandis). This species was first reported to the Purus River in 2018 after a field expedition led by Dr. Abreu.

“We are now excited about the possibilities that these new individuals bring to investigate other aspects of the giant tree-rat biology and evolutionary history,” Abreu said.

Dr. Abreu and Oladiran setting a trap in the Amazon rainforest Another important aspect of the expedition was the participation of people from the local communities. They not only welcomed the researchers to study the mammalian fauna on lands under their care, but also helped the team in setting up the traps and actively searching for sites with higher likelihood of capturing and/or observing the focal species.

“This expedition was nothing but incredible,” Oladiran said. “Not only was I able to connect with the local community and experience the rich culture and dishes, but I also gained a new perspective on the value of fieldwork in research. This experience deepened my appreciation for the importance of hands-on scientific exploration and learning. I returned with countless stories and memories that I will forever carry with me – and that have enriched my current research and inspired my passion for fieldwork.”