Conducting Research Studies in Hato Piñero Applications for Research Research Abstracts Field Researcher Daniel Scognamillo secures a radio collar on a sedated young jaguar as part of an ongoing study by the University of Florida's Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The research, which will cover approximately 3 years, aims to identify the number of felids in Hato Piñero, and understand and use an experimental approach to identify the critical factors surrounding jaguar and puma predation on livestock. The cost of modifying ranching practices will be measured against the benefits to both cats and ranchers. Hato Piñero will serve as a demonstration site to encourage landowners and ranchers to become involved in the conservation of their national wildlife.
				Applications and Guidelines for Scientific Research, Internships, Workshops and Special Project Support The Branger Foundation provides institutional support for numerous scientific, educational, and artistic projects; and welcomes individuals and organizations to apply for future support grants. To learn more about the programs' guidelines, special rates, and to obtain an application for evaluation, select the appropriate form below. Application for Scientific Research Application for Artistic Projects Application for Internships at Hato Piñero Application for Workshops and Seminars at Hato Piñero Note: To view and print these lists of PDF (Portable Document Format) files you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. To obtain a free copy of the Acrobat Reader visit the Adobe site at: http://www.adobe.com and follow the directions to Acrobat. It is the hope and the mission of all those who work on the many conservation projects at Hato Piñero that the scientific research done at the ranch be important and valuable for Venezuela's environmental preservation and become an example for the country itself, for other Latin American countries and even for the rest of the world.
				Research Abstracts: PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORAGE SEED PRODUCTION IN THE STATE OF COJEDES Fuchs, M.E. C.A. Agropecuaria San Francisco- Hato Piñero, Venezuela I.R.I. Research Institute, INC. U.S.A. Objective: A pioneer project in South America, it describes the development of an industry producing forage seeds adaptable to the ecological characteristics of the Venezuelan llanos. The objectives were accomplished successfully, yielding a grassing capacity 10 times greater than those found with the autochthonous species, contributing to increases in the production of beef and milk in the region. The first forage seed producing plant in this country was developed thanks to the results obtained from this research. RESEARCH STUDY ON THE POPULATION OF THE CAYMAN (CAIMAN CROCODILUS- CROCODILUS) IN HATO PIÑERO, VENEZUELA Woodward, A.R. and David, D. Florida Reptile Tanning Inc. U.S.A. C.A. Agropecuaria San Francisco- Hato Piñero, Venezuela Objective: to estimate the population numbers for this specie in Hato Piñero, and to study their habitats and biology with the intent to better evaluate the possibility for the rational commercial exploitation of the species. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE AREA "QUEBRADA DE AGUA"- HATO PIÑERO, STATE OF COJEDES Casler, C. and Rios, U.G. Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela Universidad Nacional Experimental de Los Llanos Ezequiel Zamora. Guanare, Venezuela Objective: to assess the effect the agronomic development of the area "Quebrada de Agua" (Hato Piñero) and to better determine the negative impact such exploitation might bring to the ecology of the region. DIETARY PATTERNS OF THE CAIMAN CROCODILUS IN THE VENEZUELAN LLANOS Fitzgerald, L.A. University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A. Objective: to determine the dietary habits of the caymans (Caiman cocodrilus) according to age, size, and concentration, and taking into consideration their assimilation, and the natural resources of the area. BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE PECCARY (TAYASSU TAYACU AND T. PECARI) IN THE STATE OF COJEDES, COMPARATIVE STUDY Barreto, G. and Hernandez, O.E. Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela Objective: to characterize and compare the diets of both species based on direct observation, analysis of stomach contents, excrement, and conducted behavioral studies. INVENTORY OF BIRDS IN SEMI-DECIDUOUS FORESTS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE STATE OF COJEDES, HATO PIÑERO Rios, G and Licata, A. Universidad Nacional Experimental de Los Llanos Ezequiel Zamora, Guanare, Venezuela Objective: to obtain an inventory of birds in the semi-deciduous forest of these regions in order to generate basic information to support the needs of future investigative research. The diversity and density of the respective species in each community was determined. POPULATION STRUCTURE OF THE CAPYBARA IN RELATION TO HABITATS IN THE VENEZUELAN LLANOS- HATO PIÑERO, STATE OF COJEDES Borges, P.A. Universidad Simon Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela Objective: to ascertain how certain variations in the habitats affect the population structure of the capybara. FERTILIZATION RATES OF THE HOATZIN UTILIZING A NEW FERMENTATION TECHNIQUE "MINIATURE" IN VITRO Grajal, A. University of Florida, U.S.A. Objective: to analyze the effect of the "miniature" fermentation technique on the metabolism of the hoatzin, and its comparative success rates to other traditional fertilization techniques. THE SOCIO-ECOLOGY OF THE CAPUCHIN MONKEYS (CEBUS OLIVACEUS) Miller, Lynne University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A. Objective: to determine the correlation between observed social parameters in the capuchin monkeys, food source variations, and analysis of the nutritional value of the natural food sources. THE SOCIO-ECOLOGY OF THE CAPUCHIN MONKEYS (CEBUS OLIVACEUS) IN THE VENEZUELAN LLANOS Miller, Lynne University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A. Objective: to determine the social and dietary behavior of the capuchin monkeys given the available food sources in the habitats they inhabit. ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBLE PLANT TOXINS PRESENT IN THE DIETS OF THE HOATZIN (OPISTHOMUS HOATZIN) Rodriguez, E., Michelangeli, F. and Dominguez, M.G. University of California, Irvine, CA, U.S.A. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, I.V.I.C., Caracas, Venezuela Objective: to determine the possible presence of toxins in the natural diet of the Hoatzin. THE FORAGE HABITS AND DIGESTIVE ADAPTATION OF THE GREEN IGUANA (IGUANA IGUANA) IN THE VENEZUELAN LLANOS Rodriguez, S. University of California, Irvine, CA, U.S.A. Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, I.V.I.C., Caracas, Venezuela Objective: to determine the forage behavior and eating patterns of the Green iguana. THE FLOWERS AND VEGETATION OF HATO PIÑERO Aristiguieta, L. and Delascio, F. Fundacion Branger, Biological Station- Hato Piñero, Venezuela Objective: to develop an inventory of the flora of Hato Piñero and to collect representative samples to be included in the collection of the biological station. COOPERATION AND AGGRESSION IN THE CAPUCHIN MONKEYS Pope, T. Duke University, Durham, NC, U.S.A Objective: to understand the evolution and expression of cooperation of social systems according to the correlation that exists between the ecological, genetic and behavioral patterns of the Capuchin monkeys. EVALUATION OF ECOTOURISM IN VENEZUELA Stewart, S. University of Texas, Asutin, TX, U.S.A. Objective: Comparative study. A proposal focused on the evaluation of ecotourism as a strategy to preserve vulnerable habitats, identify opportunities for economic development, and to promote environmental preservation in Venezuela and in the U.S. Private reserves, National Parks, and other nature tourist places will be included in the study where the national government or state entities reflect the interest of preserving natural richness by protecting their spaces. (Study currently being conducted). JAGUARS, PUMAS, AND CATTLE RANCHING: DEFINING THE VARIABLES FOR THEIR EXISTENCE Sunquist, M. and Farrel, L. University of Florida U.S.A. Museum of Natural History, Miami, FL U.S.A. Fundacion Branger- Hato Piñero, Venezuela Objective: to utilize an experimental proposal to identify and define the critical factors involved in the discrimination of these species over cattle. Utilize Hato Piñero, a cattle ranch, as an example to other cattle ranching businesses in Venezuela, and other locations in South America, of how to better balance the needs of the industry with the preservation of these felines. DIVERSITY OF AVAILABLE PREY FOR THE FELINES OF HATO PIÑERO Esinberg, J. and Polisar, J. University of Florida U.S.A. Museum of Natural History, Miami, FL U.S.A. Fundacion Branger- Hato Piñero, Venezuela Objective: to study the density and distribution of wild prey available for the jaguar and puma in Hato Piñero, taking into consideration the changes in seasons and the characteristics of the forest where they live. FEEDING METHODS FOR FEEDER CALFS BETWEEN THE AGES 4 AND 10 MONTHS Seijiler, O.J.A. National University of Tropical Agriculture, Deventer, Holland Objective: to analyze the conventional feed concentrates for feeder calfs during the "feedlot" stage, in terms of digestible calories and proteins according to their age and weight. Artistic Projects Bayer, Wolfgang (U.S.A) Film documentary. Madriz, Mercedes Drawings, postcards of birds in Hato Piñero. Cowcher, Hellen (England) Paintings, drawings and children books. Courses RELATIONS BETWEEN HERBIVOROUS, VERTEBRATES AND PLANTS Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, I.VI.C., Caracas, Venezuela Coordinator: Fabian Michelangeli, IVIC Financing: A project of Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY U.S.A Area: Biology