Basic HTML Version
Our project recently hosted Professor Charlie Nunn during his
exploratory research mission in northeastern Madagascar. Dr. Nunn is
moving to Duke from Harvard University, where he is currently an Associate
Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology. At Duke, he will hold a joint
position in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology and the Duke
Global Health Institute.
What are some of your research interests and how do they relate to
Madagascar?
I am interested in the ecological and behavioral factors that influence the
spread of infectious disease in wildlife. Recently, I have focused on how
infectious agents move among different species in an ecological community,
and how the composition of a community influences disease risks, including
risks to humans. This is of growing interest for diseases like Lyme disease in
the northeastern US, but it is rarely investigated in tropical locations
undergoing major land-use change. Clearly there is a need for such studies
in places like Madagascar, and the region near Marojejy is particularly well-suited for such investigations.
What are some examples of how biodiversity can act as an ecosystem service to reduce disease risks to humans and
threatened wildlife?
Different species respond differently to infectious disease risks. Some host species in a community very effectively
amplify a disease – meaning that the parasite replicates effectively in that host – other species act as dead-ends for
disease spread, perhaps because they effectively avoid the vector or launch a more effective immune system. If we
lose those dead-end or diluting hosts, then the risk of disease will increase for the community as a whole. It is
important to note, however, that this “dilution effect hypothesis” requires more testing to assess how robust and
general it is across host-parasite systems.
You’ve traveled to Madagascar several times before, but this was your first trip to Marojejy National Park in the
northeast. How does this park and this region stand out in your mind?
I was absolutely blown away by the forest in Marojejy. It is a real gem in many ways. First, large tracts of primary
forest remain – there is less disturbance than I’ve seen in other locations. Second, the altitudinal range creates many
types of forest types. We hiked through gorgeous bamboo forests – enjoying of course sighting of bamboo lemurs –
and also old growth primary forest of various kinds, along with more open areas. Finally, it was great fun hiking on
the trails – a real workout in places, more so than most any other forest I’ve visited! For me, that is a positive.
What are your thoughts on the new Duke Lemur Center SAVA Conservation Project?
I was very excited to hear about the project when I was originally recruited to Duke, and even more excited after
seeing the forest and the region. There is wonderful infrastructure falling into place for conducting research, and
excellent possibilities for involving students in research. The area also has many opportunities for development and
global health projects, including some obvious student projects. All in all, the Duke Lemur Center SAVA Project was a
major draw in my consideration of Duke! I also plan to be doing work at the Lemur Center, which was another big
attraction of Duke.
P A G E 1 5
V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 1
DUKE CONNECTIONS
Hosting new Duke Professor Charlie Nunn in Madagascar
S A V A C O N S E R V A T I O N
Prof. Charlie Nunn