Behavioral Ecology and Conservation
Research Group
Principal Investigator
Adriana Maldonado-Chaparro
Professor at Universidad del Rosario, Leader Max Planck Partner Group and Affiliated Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior.
I’m interested in understanding how individuals of group living species respond to variation in their social and ecological environment and how variation in social behavior can drive changes in group and population dynamics. Currently, my research focuses on understanding the effects of environmental perturbations on the stability of social relationships and the potential influence on population dynamics. I’m also interested in improving science transparency and literacy, that is why I now serve in the PCI Registered Reports.
Current lab members
Gabriela Peña Bello
Research Assistant
I am a biologist from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, interested on the effects of environmental changes on animal ecology and behaviour. Something that fascinates me is the influence of moonlight on nocturnal animals behaviour. I have a special love for bats and primates. I also like photography, drawing, volleyball, and gymnastics.
Manuela Cardona Restrepo
Research Assistant
I am a biologist from Universidad del Rosario. I am interested in social behavior, how it varies and the factors that affect. In my current work I am involved on different projects aiming at understanding the how social relationships are formed. In my free time I like to paint and read.
MSc Students
Juan Diego Pineda
I am a Master's student. My research interests focus on the use of non-invasive technologies to unravel the behavior of animals. I would like to apply this in marine systems. My research project focuses on understanding the effects of ecotourism on the diurnal behavior of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis). For my undergrad, I estimated the colonies size of oilbirds. I love to photograph the fauna and flora of the places I visit.
Juliana Fonseca Tellez
I am an undergrad (coterminal) student pursuing a degree in Biology. My research interests focus on evolutionary processes and genetic bases that have shaped the behavior of species. My research project focuses on the gene flow and dispersal of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) using a whole genome approach. I enjoy music and embroidery.
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Undergrad students
Ana María Romero-Chacón
I am a Biology student studying partner preference in guinea pigs. I’m interested in conservation behavior, mammals, and how anthropogenic disturbances affect wildlife behavior. I’m also very interested in science communication. My hobbies include dancing, crocheting, and creating scientific content for social media.
Sofia Garrido
I am a Biology student interested in neurobiology, cognition, and animal behavior. My bachelor thesis focuses on the process of social integration of new individuals into already established groups in guinea pigs. I love reading and writing, especially science fiction and fantasy.
Diego Mejía
I am a biology student interested in behavioral ecology, bioacoustics, and communication specially in tropical birds. My current research project focuses on characterizing the vocal repertoire of oilbirds and how it relates to their social complexity. I enjoy birdwatching and playing videogames.
Valentina Pantoja-Ruiz
I am a biology student, and I am interested in neurobiology, animal behavior, and bioacoustics. I am currently developing a project to explore the effects of social instability on the social-decision-making circuit. I love bats and music.
Camilo Arenas-Rios
I am a biology student studying the effects of social instability on courtship behavior and social bond formation in adult guinea pigs. I'm interested in reproductive behavior and amphibian conservation. I love frogs and enjoy reading, camping and herping.
Alumni
Melissa Ardila Villamizar, Msc
Biologist from Universidad del Rosario, and Masters from University of Exeter. Former research assistant. Interested in urban ecology and the effect of anthropogenic activities on animal behavior.
Andrés Robayo Salek
Biologist from Universidad del Rosario. His undergrad thesis focused on Characterizing sexual dimorphism in oilbirds.
