Research Opportunities
With Runaway Creek’s archaeological significance, rich flora and fauna, and diverse habitats, we offer countless opportunities for research and exploration. Our knowledgeable and highly experienced staff are available to assist with research projects at Runaway Creek.
For research inquiries, please contact cindy@runawaycreekbelize.org.
Current Research at Runaway Creek
Tapir Research at Runaway Creek Nature Reserve – PhD Candidate and FWC’s Project Coordinator, Wilber Martinez, is conducting a study of the endangered Baird’s Tapir within the Selva Maya. As part of his PhD research with the Biodiversity and Conservation Department at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Wilber is capturing and collaring tapirs with a GPS unit to study their movement patterns and habitat range. He is also collecting data from photos of tapir captured on trail cameras located throughout the reserve. So far, Wilber’s research team has been successful in capturing and collaring two tapirs at Runaway Creek – one male tapir last June and most recently, a female tapir!
Monitoreo de Sobrevivencia Invernal/Monitoring Overwintering Survival (MoSI) Program is a collaborative, international network of bird monitoring stations across the northern Neotropics that has been in operation since 2002. The primary goal of MoSI is to gather information on population trends, site persistence, and adult survival rates by monitoring bird communities over multiple years. In collaboration with the Environmental Research Institute of the University of Belize, this project entitled “Monitoring Neotropical Migrant and Resident Birds at Runaway Creek Nature Reserve in Belize” is in partnership with three other sites in Belize to gather data on songbird community composition and distribution using the standardized MoSI protocol. The MoSI research project at Runaway Creek started during the migratory season on 2018/219 and will continue every season for at least the next five years.
Functional Genomics of Plumage Ornaments in a Warbler – This study, lead by Dr. Peter Dunn and Dr. Linda Whittingham of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, will use genomic analyses to determine the genes that influence ornament expression in birds. Drs. Dunn and Whittingham will target two warbler species in Belize: the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) and its close relative, the gray-crowned yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala). By collecting DNA samples from these two warbler species, Drs. Dunn and Whittingham aim to identify the genes involved in producing ornamental traits. This important research will help answer questions related to how males produce plumage and other ornaments that are attractive to females.
Complete list of research projects:
2018- present, Birds
Abidas Ash and FWC Staff, FWC and University of Belize Environmental Research Institute
Mist netting and bird banding - targeting neotropical migrant species, but also banding resident birds caught in the nets. This research is ongoing.2017-present, Tapirs
Wilber Martinez, PhD Candidate, Biodiversity and Conservation Department, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur
PhD research; a study of the behavior, diet, ranging patterns, and conservation status of tapir within the Selva Maya.2011-2013, Crayfish and Snails
Dr. Ron Caldwell, Lincoln Memorial University
Research and census on species of crayfish and snails in the seasonal wetlands at RCNP.2010, Vegetation
Dr. Steven Brewer, Copperhead Environmental Consulting, LLC
Vegetation study done in December 2010 as part of the spider monkey research project. Steven sampled vegetation (recorded species and DBH) within seven 40m x 40m plots.2008-2014, Primates (Spider Monkeys)
Dr. Mary Pavelka, Dr. Hugh Notman, and Dr. Kayla Hartwell, University of Calgary
This research project, led by Dr. Mary Pavelka and Dr. Hugh Notman of the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology at the University of Calgary, was the first long-term study of the behavior and ecology of spider monkeys in Belize. Over the 6 years of study, a number of graduate student research projects were conducted at Runaway Creek including that of FWC’s Research Director, Dr. Kayla Hartwell. Kayla’s PhD research was a study of the social, ecological, and genetic factors that influence spider monkey social dynamics at Runaway Creek Nature Preserve.2008- 2012, Jaguars and Pumas
Dr. Omar Figueroa, Gainesville University, Florida
As part of Dr. Omar Figueroa’s PhD research (University of Gainesville, Florida), Omar trapped and put GPS collars on jaguars (also pumas) to study the conservation status, diet, movement patterns and habitat use of big cats in central Belize. This ground-breaking research lead to the establishment of a Jaguar Corridor which includes over 7,000 acres of key jaguar habitat between Belize City and Belmopan, the capital of Belize.2008-2010, Birds and Bats
Dr. David Evers, Biodiversity Research Institute
Mercury testing - collected feather and blood samples from birds and fur from bats to test for mercury.2006-2008, Archaeology
Dr. David Larson, Xibalba Mapping Expedition Team (XMET) in collaboration with University of Belize
Mapped out two caves at RCNR (Painted Cave #1 and Extra Pot) and determined date estimate for the Maya painting and pottery.2003-2007, Jabiru Storks
Dr. Bill Juliano, Dr. Omar Figueroa, Gainesville University, Florida
Omar Figueroa’s Masters research; attached GPS units to jabiru and studied nesting habitat selection and habitat associations of juvenile jabirus.1999, REA
Jan Meerman, Belize Environmental Consultancies Ltd.
Rapid Ecological Assessment (Feb-Aug 1999) of RCNR to create a baseline inventory of the flora and fauna.1997-2004, Birds
Vicki Piaskowski/Gil Boese, Birds Without Borders
Intensive bird research with point-counts, mist-netting and bird-banding, nest searching and monitoring at RCNR, TEC, and Cha Creek. Under the leadership of Dr. Boese of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and founder of the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, BWB/ASF began in 1997 to study the migration patterns of birds, lead research efforts, and train many Belizeans in wildlife research methodology. Thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 23 people involved in this project, over 300 bird species were recorded on the reserve, 54 of which migrate annually between Belize and United States, some heading as far north as Canada. BWB/ASF also produced a land owner’s guide to conserving and protecting bird populations in your own back yard.