A5084589062- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Plant and animal studies
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Marine and fisheries research
- Climate variability and models
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
Charles Darwin Foundation
2005-2024
Peregrine Power (United States)
2014-2023
The Peregrine Fund
2014-2023
National Archives of Ecuador
2016-2023
Universidad Nacional de La Pampa
2018
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
2018
University of Missouri–St. Louis
2010-2016
Oregon State University
2016
University of Oxford
2005-2009
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of anthropogenic particles are crucial factors in assessing microplastic impacts to marine ecosystems. Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat iconic often endangered species but examining their tissues gut contents for contaminant analysis via lethal sampling is challenging due ethical concerns animal care restrictions. Incorporating empirical data from prey items fecal matter into models can help trace movement through food webs. In this...
The Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is an endangered species endemic to the Islands, Ecuador. In 2003 and 2004, 195 penguins from 13 colonies on islands of Isabela Fernandina in archipelago were examined. Genetic sexing 157 revealed 62 females 95 males. Hematology consisted packed cell volume (n=134), white blood differentials (n=83), hemoparasite smear evaluation (n=114). Microfilariae detected 22% (25/114) smears. Female had significantly higher eosinophil counts than Serum...
The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) in Ecuador is classified as Critically Endangered. Before 2015, standardized and systematic estimates of geographic distribution, population size structure were not available for this species, hampering the assessment its current status hindering design implementation effective conservation actions. In study, we performed first quantitative viability Ecuador. We used a methodological approach that included an ecological niche model to study simultaneous...
Abstract Understanding species–environment relationships is key to defining the spatial structure of species distributions and develop effective conservation plans. However, for many species, this baseline information does not exist. With reliable presence data, models that predict geographic ranges identify environmental processes regulating distribution are a cost‐effective rapid method achieve this. Yet these lacking rare threatened particularly in tropical regions. The harpy eagle (...
Most raptor populations are declining and nearly a fifth threatened with extinction; thus there is need to increase collaboration ensure efficient effective research, management, conservation. Here, we introduce the Global Raptor Impact Network (GRIN; www.globalraptors.org), tool enhance conservation impact of research community. We provide an overview history current state GRIN, including plans for expansion. Predecessors GRIN include The African DataBank, which was launched in 2012...
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common protozoan parasites humans and warm-blooded animals. Members family Felidae are only definitive hosts this parasite and, thus, important in epidemiology disease. Previous studies on Pacific islands have found T. infections a number avian species where domestic cats (Felis catus) been introduced. Little known about Galapagos Islands, although introduced archipelago to be antibody-positive. In study, we quantified prevalence antibody two threatened...
Between October 2000 and December 2006, we located 30 nests of 25 breeding pairs Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) in the province Darien, Panama. Most were primary tropical rain forest at a mean altitude 132 m (range = 50–305 m). Applying Polygon Maximum Packed Nest Density (MPN) methods, estimated nest densities 4 6 nests/100 km2, with each pair occupying 24 16 km2 forest, respectively. This nesting density is highest reported for species throughout its range. Although most (n 25) average...
Vultures comprise one of the most threatened groups birds worldwide. With a total population not exceeding 6700 mature individuals, and in rapid decline across its range, Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is listed as Vulnerable species IUCN red list. Local extinctions are particular concern northern South America, where no more than 340 condors may exist at present. Despite this, quantitative assessments Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela regarding threats affecting populations. To address we...
Abstract Aim A current biogeographic paradigm states that climate regulates species distributions at continental scales and biotic interactions are undetectable coarse‐grain extents. However, advances in spatial modelling show incorporating food resource important for improving model predictions large distribution scales. This is particularly relevant to understand the factors limiting of widespread apex predators whose diets likely vary across their range. Location Neotropical Central South...
The flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is an endemic species of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Health studies have not previously been conducted. In August 2003, baseline samples were collected from colonies on islands Isabela and Fernandina. Seventy-six birds, nestlings to adults, evaluated. Genetic sexing 70 cormorants revealed 37 females 33 males. Hematology assessment consisted packed cell volume (n=19), leukograms (n=69), blood smear evaluation (n=69). Microscopic smears...
Summary High mortality by electrocution has been suggested to be the main factor behind reduction of several birds prey populations across world. Almost nothing is known, however, about impact power lines on this group in Neotropical Region. Here we estimate rates for covering both arid and semiarid biomes central Argentina. We conducted six bi-monthly line raptor surveys throughout 355 km roads an area approximately 12,000 2 . described structural design 3,118 surveyed electricity pylons....
We assessed colony- and island-level genetic differentiation for the flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi), an endangered Galápagos endemic that has one of most limited geographical distributions any seabird, consisting only two adjacent islands. screened 223 individuals from both islands nine colonies at five microsatellite loci, recovering 23 alleles. found highly significant throughout cormorant's range on Fernandina Isabela Islands (global F(ST) = 0.097; P < 0.0003) between...
A parasite species of the genus Plasmodium has recently been documented in endangered Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus). Avian malaria causes high mortality several after initial exposure and there is great concern for conservation endemic penguin. Using a spp. circumsporozoite protein antigen, we standardized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test level this small population, as indicated by seroprevalence. Sera from adult juvenile penguins collected between 2004 2009 on...
In human-transformed landscapes, predators may feed on domesticated animals, and thus affect human well-being, creating negative perceptions leading to conflict with people that can result in the persecution of predator. We studied factors influence perception Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori) four rural Andean communities Colombia compiled historical recent evidence other causes mortality this species country. applied 267 questionnaires conducted 16 interviews local inhabitants,...
Abstract Microplastic pollution threatens some of the world's most iconic locations for marine biodiversity, including remote Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Using penguin ( Spheniscus mendiculus ) as a sentinel species, present study assessed microplastics and suspected anthropogenic cellulose concentrations in surface seawater zooplankton near Santa Cruz colonies (Floreana, Isabela, Santiago), well potential prey (anchovies, mullets, milkfish) scat. On average, 0.40 ± 0.32 L −1 were found...
Owls occur at relatively low densities and are cryptic; thus, monitoring programs that estimate variation in detectability will improve inferences about their presence. We investigated temporal abiotic sources of associated with detection probabilities rufous-legged owls (Strix rufipes), a threatened forest specialist, austral pygmy-owls (Glaucidium nana), habitat generalist, temperate forests southern Chile. also assessed whether 1 species was related to the other species. During 2011–2013,...
We tested whether captive breeding and release is a feasible restoration strategy for the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) where suitable unoccupied habitat remains within its former range. From 1987 through 2006, 18 Eagles participated in program started Boise, Idaho, continued Panama from 2001. 131 eggs laid, 44 eagles were fledged. Most young produced by just three females program, at higher annual rate after birds moved Boise to Panama. Re-laying induced collecting artificial incubation...
Flightlessness in previously volant birds is taxonomically widespread and thought to occur when the costs of having a functional flight apparatus outweigh benefits. Loss ability fly relaxes body mass constraints which can be particularly advantageous divers, because underwater performance correlates with mass. The Galápagos Cormorant Phalacrocorax harrisi flightless largest its 27‐member genus. Here, loss flight, consequent reduced foraging range, could compensated by enhanced dive...