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Jun9

PhD Dissertation Defense - Environmental Science & Policy

Jun 9, 2025, 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Virtual - Please register in advance for this meeting: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxueIkrJT1mZSo6HbrsQIg#/registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Oct16

American Society for Intercellular Communication (ASIC)

Oct 16, 2025, 12:00 PM - Oct 18, 2025, 2:00 PM

William F. Bolger Center, Potomac, Maryland

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PhD Dissertation Defense - Environmental Science & Policy

Jun 9, 2025, 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Virtual - Please register in advance for this meeting: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxueIkrJT1mZSo6HbrsQIg#/registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PhD Dissertation
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University

 

Candidate: Marcus Chua
Defense Date and Time: Monday, 9 Jun 2025, 9:00 am
Defense Location: Virtual. Please register in advance for this meeting: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxueIkrJT1mZSo6HbrsQIg#/registration
Title: How Many Mouse-deer?: A Comprehensive Study of Systematics and Density Estimation of Chevrotains Using Phenotypic, Genomic and Ecological Data

Dissertation Director: Dr. Haw Chuan Lim
Committee: Dr. Jesús E. Maldonado, Dr. Cody W. Edwards, Dr. Erik Meijaard

 

ABSTRACT

 

This dissertation investigates chevrotain systematics and ecology to support biodiversity conservation efforts. Chevrotains are small hoofed mammals with a complicated taxonomic history and inadequate morphological and genetic validation. Rapid loss of their tropical forest habitats intensifies the need for clarity on phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, and for reliable population data. This study integrates comprehensive morphological and genomic analyses, and tests population estimation methods using transect and camera trap sampling. Results reveal mixed support for current taxonomy, demonstrate the importance of combining data types, and offer practical guidance for density estimation. The findings inform future research and conservation strategies.

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