Field Notes Entry 2: Fabiola Rodriguez

Bio:

Fabiola Rodriguez is a Honduran ecologist and doctoral candidate at Tulane University studying how coffee production impacts overwintering birds. We talk to Fabiola about coffee production in Northern Honduras and how it impacts bird populations that spend winter in Central America. Fabiola started her ecology career with Opwall in Cusuco National Park so tune in to hear how this work led into her current PhD! In this episode, Fabiola answers the question: How can we ensure land supports both people and animals in Honduras? Listen here!

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Episode Outline: 

• [0.43] – Fabiola’s background
• [2.32] – Fabiola’s inspiration to become a scientist
• [3.55] – The impact of Operation Wallacea had on Fabiola’s career
• [7.30] – Fabiola’s PhD & an explanation of mist netting methodology
• [12.08] – The impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on Fabiola’s research
• [14.04] – The initial findings from Fabiola’s PhD
• [19.07] – The ultimate goals of Fabiola’s research
• [22.20] – Why it’s so important to include local communities in conservation work – and why partnerships are key!
• [27.45] – Fabiola’s favourite part of working in the field
• [29.25] – The challenges of being in the field
• [31.10] – Fabiola’s advice for people who are interested in starting a career in wildlife ecology & conservation
• [34.40] – How to spot ethical/wildlife-friendly coffee
• [38.16] – What keeps Fabiola fighting to protect biodiversity?
• [39.55] – Fabiola’s hope’s for her next field season