Principal Investigator: Dr. Holley Muraco
Collaborators: Megan Chevis, Mark Woodrey
International Partners: Dr. Veronica Ormea, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences. Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Peru. Jerry Brow, Kusi Conservancy, Peru.
Led by Dr. Holley Muraco, this project established a foundation for long-term One Health and conservation research along the southwestern coast of Peru. Through a successful site visit in April 2024, the team, comprising Dr. Muraco, Megan Chevis, and Mark Woodrey, engaged with Peruvian partners, including the Kusi Conservancy, local universities, and zoological institutions, to assess the region’s ecological and logistical landscape.
The visit revealed the field site’s critical importance for endangered species and highlighted the need for marine-based access to support future research. The team initiated steps toward formalizing partnerships through MOUs, explored student experiential learning opportunities, and began developing proposals for collaborative conservation efforts.
Key outcomes include the development of a draft application to the Yachts for Science program, which would enable marine mammal, bird, and fisheries surveys via research voyages. The project also advanced avian research through the creation of a regional bird checklist and strengthened ties with Peruvian ornithologists and conservationists.
This seed grant has catalyzed a multi-phase vision for future work, including student exchanges, collaborative research efforts, and expanded One Health initiatives. The team’s passion and momentum continue to grow as they submit new funding proposals.