Andrea Baden
Stony Brook University PhD candidate
My research focuses primarily on the social and sexual strategies of one community of black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the various mechanisms (biological, ecological, social) that influence this taxon's fission-fusion social organization and their unusual infant-care strategies (e.g., infant-parking, cooperative rearing).
Consequently, these questions have led to long-term collaborations with Drs. Ed Louis, Randy Junge, and Felicia Knightly (among others). With their help, we have begun a long-term genetic and biomedical monitoring program of the Mangevo Varecia variegata population (established in June 2005). Using these data, we will address temporal variation in biomedical and genetic health, data which will be integral to revising captive management strategies, as well as enabling us to monitor the long-term health and genetic viability of this species, parameters essential for conservation management strategies.
Education:
-Stony Brook University, PhD candidate
-Stony Brook University, M.A. Physical Anthropology, 2006
-University of Miami, B.A. Anthropology, Cum Laude, 2003
Advisor:
Patricia C. Wright
Research Sites:
Mangevo, Ranomafana National Park (primary)
Sakaroa, Vohiparara, RNP (previous)
Research Project:
Effects of kin selection and female choice on the social and reproductive strategies of black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata).
Current Position:
PhD candidate, Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University
Publications:
Wright, P.C., S.J. King, A.L. Baden, and J. Jervall. (2008). "Aging in wild female lemurs: sustained fertility with increased infant mortality." In: Reproductive Aging in Primates. S. Atsalis, S.W. Margulis, and P.R. Hof (eds.) Basel, Karger Press 36: 17-28.
Baden, A.L., R.A. Brenneman, and E.E. Louis Jr. (2008). "Morphometrics of wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata, Kerr 1972). American Journal of Primatology. 70 (10): 913-926. DOI:10.1002/ajp.20583
Baden, A.L. (2007). "Ranging patterns and group fluidity of black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) at Mangevo (Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar)." American Journal of Physical Anthropology S44: 67.
Baden, A.L., P.C. Wright, and E.E. Louis Jr. (2006). "Population density and genetic diversity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) in Mangevo, Madagascar." American Journal of Physical Anthropology S42: 60.
Baden, A.L., S.J. Arrigo-Nelson, and P.C. Wright. (2005). "Mmmmm...Dirt: Implications for geophagy by the Milne-Edwards' sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar." American Journal of Physical Anthropology S40: 68.
Ross, C.F., A.L. Baden, J. Georgi, J. Sipla, and M. Wolff. (2005). "Jaw kinematics in two species of primates." Integrative and Comparative Biology 44:632.
Taylor, L.L., and A.L. Baden. (2003). "Food-choice in free-ranging lemurs in Myakka City, Florida." American Journal of Primatology 60(S1):43.
Project Sponsors:
National Science Foundation; J. William Fulbright Foundation; Primate Conservation, Inc.; Conservation International Primate Action Fund; Center for Conservation and Research, Henry Doorly Zoo; IDPAS, GSO/GSEU, Stony Brook University.