A5089949673- Reproductive Physiology in Livestock
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Veterinary Equine Medical Research
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Reproductive Biology and Fertility
- Reproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
2011-2022
George Mason University
2015-2019
National Zoological Park
2013-2014
Smithsonian Institution
2013
Because of poor reproduction after the lifting an 8-year breeding moratorium, a biomedical survey female lions in U.S. zoos was initiated 2007. Fecal estrogen (FEM), progestagen (FPM) and glucocorticoid (FGM) metabolites were analyzed samples collected 3–4 times per wk from 28 at 17 facilities (0.9–13.8 yr age) for 4 mo—3.5 body weights obtained ~monthly animals eight (0.0–3.0 age). Based on FEM, estrous cycle length averaged 17.5 ± 0.4 d duration, with estrus lasting 4.4 0.2 d. All but one...
We have established ex situ assurance colonies of two endangered Panamanian harlequin frogs, Atelopus certus and glyphus, but observed that males fought with each other when housed as a group. Housing frogs individually eliminated this problem, created space constraints. To evaluate the potential stress effects from aggressive interactions grouping we male in replicated groups one, two, eight. measured behavioral fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (GC) concentrations indicators tank. In both...
Free-ranging African elephants live in a fission–fusion society, at the centre of which is matriarch. Matriarchs are generally older females that guide their families to resources and co-ordinate group defense. While much known about elephant knowledge lacking how age affects physiology wild elephants. Investigation ovarian activity free-ranging could provide insight into reproductive ageing process, with implications for population management. Faecal samples were collected from 46...
There is limited physiological information on onset of puberty in male lions. The aim this study was to use longitudinal non-invasive monitoring to: 1) assess changes steroid metabolite excretory patterns as a function age and body weight; 2) determine correlations between fecal androgen (FAM) glucocorticoid (FGM) concentrations; 3) confirm spermiogenesis non-invasively through urinalysis. Specifically, FAM FGM metabolites were analyzed samples collected twice weekly from 21 lions at 17...
Cheetahs have been the subject of reproductive study for over 35 years, yet steroid hormone activity remains poorly described after ovulation. Our objective was to examine and compare fecal progestagen (fPM), estrogen (fEM), glucocorticoid (fGM) metabolite concentrations post-ovulation in pregnant non-pregnant animals better understand female physiology (1) during successful pregnancy, (2) surrounding frequent luteal phases, (3) artificial insemination (AI) improve low success rate....
Reproductive success is low in cheetahs managed captivity, especially females ≥ 9 y of age. This study examined age-related reproductive fitness, testing the hypothesis that aged experience reduced ovarian activity and poorer oocyte quality than younger counterparts. The objectives were to evaluate: 1) estrous cyclicity before eCG stimulation (assessed by fecal estrogens); 2) formation functional corpora lutea (CL) after aspiration (measured progestagens, PG); 3) correlation PG quality....
Experiential learning helps students make connections between different skill sets and allows them to engage in a deeper level of inquiry. To enhance the connection field laboratory practice for undergraduate our wildlife ecology curriculum, we developed an exercise using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. eDNA sampling involves extracting amplifying from specific organisms sample, rather than themselves, has been rapidly adopted by conservation practitioners around world. In activity,...