Yale-NUS faculty research expands knowledge of biodiversity

Yale-NUS College faculty have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to studying and preserving the natural world. This proactive engagement with the environment is exemplified in the work of Yale-NUS Assistant Professor of Social Sciences (Environmental Studies) Anthony Medrano and Lecturer of Science (Life Sciences) Sebastian Pohl, both of whom have undertaken ambitious projects that enhance our knowledge of the natural world.

Resources acquired from Biodiversity Heritage Library and Wikimedia Creative Commons. Image by Sheryl XL Teo.

Asst Prof Medrano’s project, “Linking the Digital Humanities to Biodiversity History in Singapore and Southeast Asia,” was a two-year endeavour that commenced in August 2021 and combined the realms of digital humanities and biodiversity studies, utilising a rich dataset of naturalised species in Singapore and Southeast Asia alongside newly digitised historical source materials. Yale-NUS students played an integral role in this project by contributing essays to the Biodiversity Stories website, a dynamic platform featuring interactive maps and multimedia elements.

Former Yale-NUS Research Associate and project manager Elysia Toh emphasised the unique approach of this initiative. Led by Yale-NUS Assistant Professor of Social Sciences (Environmental Studies) Anthony Medrano and Yale-NUS Research Assistant Katherine M Enright, the project leveraged the Juncture platform to bring the stories of species that are not native to Singapore to life. Elysia elaborated, “Besides biological research, the use of various other media such as YouTube videos from citizen scientists, documentaries, images from Singaporean archives and museums, and artefacts also showcases interdisciplinary possibilities of our research on non-native species, which more often than not largely focuses on environmental aspects.” This interdisciplinary approach highlighted the socio-cultural, economic, and ecological facets of non-native species, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their life in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Army ant emigration with adult Vatesus guest beetle. Image by Sebastian Pohl.

Similarly, Dr Pohl delved into the fascinating world of army ants and the diverse community of beetles that live in symbiosis with these formidable insects. His research, conducted in collaboration with colleagues from the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Rockefeller University in New York, sheds light on the intricate relationships within tropical rainforests, affirming the status of army ants as keystone species. The study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, explored the beetle fauna associated with the refuse deposits of Eciton army ants in Costa Rica, uncovering a remarkable biodiversity of 91 different beetle species. The findings indicate that some beetle species use these refuse piles as nurseries, highlighting the intricate symbiotic relationships within the rainforest ecosystem.

Army ant bivouac with researcher Sebastian Pohl for scale. Image provided by Sebastian Pohl.

Among the newly discovered beetle species, one was named after Dr Pohl: Cercyon pohli, in recognition of his contributions to the field. The study underscores the role of army ants in promoting biodiversity and their crucial function as keystone species in tropical rainforests. Although the fieldwork for this study was performed prior to his tenure at Yale-NUS, Dr Pohl shared that the College gave him room to revise his manuscript and further investigate his findings.

Image of Cercyon pohli and Sacosternum laselva, provided by ​​Sebastian Pohl.

These two projects, though distinct in their focus, converge in their broader impact on environmental awareness and education. Asst Prof Medrano’s essay collection on non-native species serves as a valuable resource, fostering a deeper understanding of these species and their intricate relationships with local ecosystems. It exemplifies how digital tools and interdisciplinary approaches can enrich our knowledge and engagement with environmental issues.

Meanwhile, Dr Pohl’s research on army ants and their beetle symbionts highlights the complexity of tropical rainforests and the critical roles played by keystone species. It underscores the necessity of preserving these ecosystems and encourages further research to unravel the mysteries of these symbiotic relationships.

Together, the work of Asst Prof Medrano and Dr Pohl exemplify the College’s commitment to advancing environmental knowledge and stewardship. By utilising innovative platforms and methodologies, they are nurturing a new generation of scholars and environmental advocates, equipped to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of our time.