Valeria Paz

My research interests focus on top predator and community ecology.  My current research entails investigating habitat use, trophic interactions, and foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the highly dynamics Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE) using stable isotope analysis, passive acoustic monitoring, and focal follows. This project will contribute to previous research of top predators (American alligators, juvenile bullsharks) in the FCE, and to the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research program. Ultimately, I hope to use my studies on how predators respond to environmental variability to inform Everglades restoration and aid in management and conservation. Contact: valeria.paz@fiu.edu