In our research, we seek to (1) understand the structure and dynamics of mutualistic (mutually beneficial) interactions in ecological communities, (2) clarify how rapid human-caused environmental change is affecting these interactions and biodiversity more generally, and (3) develop viable, science-based strategies for biodiversity conservation in collaboration with local stakeholders.
In our ecological research we apply ecological theory to the study of vertebrate frugivores (fruit-eating primates, birds, and fruit bats) and trees in tropical forests. In our conservation biology research, we combine ecological and social science theory and methods to the study of coupled social-ecological systems involving forest communities and the stakeholders who rely on these forests. Much of our work focuses on sub-Saharan Africa (especially Madagascar, the Comoros Islands, and Benin).