Animal Sciences Commons^™

Fish Use Of Largely Unexplored Sub-Tidal Habitats In The Hinchinbrook Channel Estuary, Queensland, Alexandra Parisien

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examines the use of sub-tidal open-bottom, rocky, and seagreass habitats by the Siganus genus (herbivores), Gerres genus (benthivores), and planktivores in the Hinchinbrook Channel Estuary in Queensland, Australia. The Hinchinbrook Channel Estuary, a tropical estuary cutting between Hinchinbrook Island and the Australian mainland, is surrounded primarily by mangroves. Its sub-tidal habitats are largely unexplored due to factors such as low visibility and the presence of estuarine crocodiles. In this study, I reviewed 699 underwater videos collected by James Cook University PhD candidate Michael Bradley in order to analyze feeding and movement behavior of pre-identified fish.

The results of …

Taming The Teesta: Exploring The Holistic Effects Of Hydroelectric Dam Development On The Teesta River Through Documentary Film, Taylor Graham

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Since time immemorial, the Lepcha people have called the Himalayan region that makes up the modern state of Sikkim their home and have held sacred the rivers, mountains, and forests that make up the biologically diverse region. Over the past two decades, India’s rapid development has generated a powerful thirst for electricity, and the country has increasingly looked to the cold, powerful rivers thundering from the Himalayas to supply that desired power. Hydroelectric projects have been proposed and implemented throughout the Himalayan region. Nowhere, however, are the dams as numerous or their effects as acutely felt as in India’s northwestern …

Differences In The Diversity Of Frogspecies Between Sierra Lloronaand El Valle, Panama, Kei Okabe Thurber

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Panama is home to the greatest diversity of species in all of Central America. It is home to 174 species of frogs, 35 of which are endemic to Panama. Frogs are a vital part of many ecosystems. They maintain insect populations and act as food sources for larger predators. Their job of maintaining insect populations is essential to curbing the spread of diseases. Additionally, scientists have found chemical compounds in the skin of frogs that can be used to treat pain and prevent infections. The main threat to the majority of frogs is the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), or …

Avian Diversity Across Three Distinct Agricultural Landscapes In Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands, Panama, Jarred Jones

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Deforestation of tropical forest for agricultural purposes threatens habitat loss of native species. The value of various agricultural landscapes in conserving avian populations is useful in determining diversity-conscious development plans. However, generalized results from regionalscale studies cannot be implemented to insular avian habitats. This study serves as the only current avian diversity study of the Chiriquí Highlands. To determine the effect of agricultural land use within an insular avian habitat, I compared avian diversity and site population similarity in Guadalupe, Chiriquí Highlands of the Talamanca Range, Panama. I hypothesized that avian diversity is greatest at forest edge followed by forest …

Index-Based Insurance And Risk Management Among Nomadic Mongolian Herders , Kelsey Larson

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Mongolian herders must contend with the risk of dzuds, harsh winters that can kill large numbers of livestock. To do so, they use a mixture of formal financial tools and traditional risk mitigation techniques. This paper is a study of the interaction between the Mongolian Index-based Livestock Insurance Program and traditional informal risk mitigation techniques. The researcher interviews herders in Bulgan soum, Arhangai aimag and Galuut soum, Bayanhongor aimag to compare the IBLI program’s impact in a community that has had IBLI since 2006 and one that only received IBLI in 2012. This study finds that insurance purchase is positively …

New Observations Of The Andean Ibis (Theristicus Branickii, Threskiornithidae): Distribution, Movements, And Behavior Near Volcán Antisana, Benjamin West

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii) of the highland grasslands of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia is listed globally as Near Threatened and Critically Endangered in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian population is estimated at 100 individuals and is restricted to the vicinities of Volcán Antisana and Volcán Cotopaxi. Knowledge of the nesting biology of the Andean Ibis in Ecuador consists of a single filming in 1989. Much of its general ecology and movements is also unknown. The purpose of this study was to find evidence of nesting ibis in Ecuador while also collecting data on behavior, population, movements and interspecific interactions. Data was …

Examining Predation As A Possible Means Of Controlling Crown-Of- Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster Planci) Outbreaks On Reefs Around Lizard Island, Australia, Amanda Chan

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Since the world’s coral reefs are currently threatened by a variety of different natural and anthropogenic factors, research on protecting coral reefs is pivotal to protect these diverse ecosystems. However, only Indo-Pacific reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef are dying due to a corallivorous echinoderm threat known as the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci). A. planci is a starfish which feeds on coral tissue and can quickly reduce coral cover on a reef during an outbreak. Although scientists are still unsure as to what causes these outbreaks, one suggestion is the predator-removal theory. The predator removal-theory states that major predators …

Managing Devil Facial Tumour Disease In Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii): An Investigation Of Heat Shock Proteins As Potential Vaccine Adjuvants, Monika Payerhin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is facing extinction from a deadly, highly communicable cancer that has already decimated over 85% of devil populations in the wild: devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). DFTD cells effectively evade recognition by the immune system, and every devil that contracts the disease dies from it. Many attempts have been made at developing a vaccine that could help save this now-threatened species. Heat shock proteins have been linked to enhanced immune recognition of pathogens, making them potential candidates for acting as adjuvants to such a vaccine against DFTD. In this study, …

New Study Of Altitude And Butterfly Diversity Evaluation Of Butterfly Diversity In La Hesperia And Influence Of Altitude On Diversity, Savannah Artusi

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Due to the increasing effects of climate change, studies focusing on bioindicator species are becoming more necessary than ever. Additionally, knowledge about global biodiversity can be very useful to conservation organizations because it helps them determine what areas need to be conserved the most .Butterflies are useful as bioindicators due to their complex life cycles, importance in the food chain, and sensitivity to environmental changes. This project focused on studying the overall biodiversity of butterflies in the La Hesperia reserve. In addition, this study aimed to determine how butterfly diversity varies at different altitudes. To do this, the reserve was …

Analyzing The Dynamics Of The Artisan Fishing Industry And Lapsset Port In Lamu, Kenya, Valerie Rodden

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The LAPSSET project has the potential to severely impact the artisan fishing industry in Lamu. Through the provision of a perception focused survey and a few one on one interviews with artisan fishermen and key stakeholders in the industry, this study creates a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the fishing industry and the LAPSSET project. The fishermen of Lamu are most concerned about the lack of communication concerning the port’s activities and the blocking of fishing areas during port construction and operation. In general, there is a great sense of fear surrounding the port and the future of …

Distribution Of Ticks (Ixodida) Of Canis Lupus Familiaris L. (Carnivora: Canidae) From Seven Towns In Chiriquí Province, Panamá, Michelle Ferrell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In Panama, there are cases of ticks that can act as vectors or reservoirs for rickettsioses. This study hopes to verify the effects of urbanization in correlation with elevation on the distribution of populations of different species of ticks on domesticated dogs in the Chiriquí Province of Panama. Seven towns, three in the lowlands (La Concepcion, David and Dolega) and four in the highlands (Boquete, Cerro Punta, Potrerillos Arriba, and Volcan) were chosen according to an urbanizational and elevational gradient. A total of 280 dogs (n=40 for each town) were examined for all life stages of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) with …

Methods For The Effective Care And Rehabilitation Of Captive Lumholtz’S Tree-Kangaroos, Aden Lessiak

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, is one of only two kangaroo species endemic to Australia’s rainforests. However, studies concerning the species are limited, and public knowledge of the species is close to non-existent (Tisdell & Wilson, 2003). Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo is slowly making its way into Australia’s zoos and into the public eye, but lack of formally presented information pertaining to its care has made maintenance of captive populations difficult. With an increasing number of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos coming into care due to dog attacks and motor vehicle accidents, the need for formalized husbandry information is becoming ever greater (Tree-Kangaroo and Mammal Group, …

Things That Go 'Munch' In The Night: Behavior, Range, And Feeding Ecology Of A Mother And Offspring Daubentonia Madagascariensis, Inga Roen

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study of Daubentonia madagascariensis behavior, diet, and range was conducted during the late rainy season in the Sangasanga and Tsiazon'amboa rainforest fragments of the Kianjavato Classified Forest near the village Kianjavato in the Ambositra–Vondrozo Forest Corridor in eastern Madagascar. Research was conducted under the guidance and with the assistance of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. Though multiple studies have described the behavior of juvenile D. madagascariensis individuals in captivity, few researchers have followed them into their natural habitat. In this study, behavioral observations and GPS data were collected and analyzed for a mother Daubentonia madagascariensis individual and her infant when …

Rehabilitation Assessment Of A Juvenile Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix Lagotricha Poeppigii) Troop On Sumak Allpa Island, Ecuador, Christine Walder

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The silvery woolly monkey, Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii, is listed as vulnerable by CITES because of habitat degradation, hunting, and illegal trafficking; compounding this problem the monkeys do not successfully breed in captivity. Sumak Allpa, a non-profit foundation in Orellana, Ecuador, has established a rehabilitation program on Sumak Allpa Island to reintegrate monkeys into their natural habitat. A troop of three juvenile monkeys that had spent all but 3-5 months of their life in captivity was introduced to the island in September of 2012 and beginning April 14, 2014 the monkeys’ diet was assessed to determine the feasibility of removing …

Densidad Y Abundancia De Conejo Pintado (Agouti Paca): Tres Métodos De Estimación De La Población, John Zeiger

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

El conejo pintado (Agouti paca) es una especie de roedor que es muy importante por ambos el ecosistema tropical y las comunidades rurales. Sin embargo, relativamente poco es sabido sobre la densidad y abundancia de esta especie en Panamá. En mi estudio, usé tres métodos—cámaras trampas, transectos, y el saber del pueblo loca—para estimar la densidad y abundancia relativa de conejo pintado en el bosque tropical y húmedo cerca de Gamboa. Según análisis recaptura marca de las fotos de las cámaras trampas y calculaciones con el programa Capture, calculé que había 3 conejo pintados en el sitio de …

An Evaluation Of Potential Management Options For The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Aduncus) Population In Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Rebecca Hamilton

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A short-term study was conducted between November 3rd and November 30th of 2013 in which dolphin area usage was assessed and interviews conducted in order to evaluate which actions should be considered in order to improve dolphin management in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar. GPS coordinates during dolphin sightings were recorded while on tourist and volunteer boat trips to assess dolphin movement and distribution. While on the tourist boats, observations were also made regarding boat operator, tour guide, and tourist knowledge and behavior in relation to tourism interaction guidelines. Interviews were conducted with locals involved in the dolphin tourism sector, tour company representatives, …

Species Censes & Local Conceptions Of Ornithological Fauna, Uzi, Alexandria Vandervest

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Uzi Island is a rapidly growing and developing island with a wealth of flora and fauna found in very few other places around the world. Study is needed in every field, this was a preliminary study into the residential and migrant bird species presence on Uzi Island. Birds were observed in two of the main habitats present on Uzi Island, intertidal/mangrove and coral-rag. Three transects were cut and laid through each of the two habitats and monitored in the morning and evening hours over the course of 20 days. A total of 1949 birds were recorded comprising 71 species (708 …

Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Structuring Between Colonies Of The World’S Smallest Penguin (Eudyptula Minor) In New South Wales, Australia, Melissa R. Tighe

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor, is a flightless seabird that is endemic to Australia and New Zealand. It can be found nesting on both on and offshore colonies along the coasts of both countries and it is the only penguin currently found breeding on mainland Australia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists E. minor as “Least Concerned,” but numbers have noticeably dropped in recorded history due to a number of direct and indirect anthropogenic influences. One particular location of decline is Manly, New South Wales that contains the last onshore breeding colony of E. minor in NSW, Australia. …

Effects Of Ocean Acidification On The Behavior Of Two Marine Invertebrates: A Study Of Predator-Prey Responses Of The Molluscs Conus Marmoreus And Strombus Luhuanus At Elevated-Co2 Conditions, Jennifer Fields

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Ocean acidification has been affecting the world’s oceans since the introduction of anthropogenic CO2 into the atmosphere during the Industrial Revolution. An increase in CO2 uptake from the atmosphere to the ocean has had a profound impact on not only the water chemistry, but marine organisms as well. Ocean acidification is known to have significant impacts on marine invertebrates in terms of calcification and reproduction; however, effects of increased CO2 on marine invertebrate behavior are vastly unknown. Marine conch gastropods have a modified muscularized foot that allows them to escape quite rapidly when faced with a predator cone shell. Utilizing …

Bioremediation Mariculture In Zanzibar, Tanzania: A Viability Assessment Of Using Bath Sponge And Pearl Oyster Farms To Filter Highly Olluted Waters In The Zanzibar Channel, Hayley Oakland

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Bioremediation of polluted water off the coastline of the urban center of Zanzibar—Stone Town, Unguja—was assessed for implementation feasibility through bath sponge and pearl oyster mariculture. A vast research base of the city’s coastal area exists, including the pollution concentrations at various locations, the ramifications of this pollution on the fringing ecosystems, and the relevant water circulation system of eddies and passageways produced by the north flowing East African Counter Current. In following the experimental examples of bioremediation projects around the world, this study tested facets of the filtration abilities of marine sponges and oysters. Both organisms suggested strong pollution …

A Woolly Monkey Travel Guide: An Assessment Of The Foraging Patterns Among Lagothrix Poeppigii On Sumak Allpa Island, Ecuador, Adrienne Mathis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This project was conducted to assess the foraging patterns of a troupe of seven woolly monkeys, Lagothrix poeppigii, on Sumak Allpa island in the eastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Recently, many studies concerning woolly monkey foraging and nutrition have been conducted near this area in Yasuní National Park, and these studies have defined this species of monkey as generalized frugivores (Stevenson, 2004). During this study, we observed the monkeys during 22 separate foraging sessions and recorded which plant families and species the troupe foraged from during these sessions. We then mapped the locations of the species which the …

Not Your Typical Orphanage: A Case Study Of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’S Contribution To Aid Kenya’S Elephant Crisis, Sophie Minick

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study provides an overview of the importance of elephants to Kenya and recognizes the issues they face, namely poaching and human-elephant conflict. Kenya’s government strategized how to protect its elephants for future conservation and is heavily supported by NGO’s. This study examines the effect the one such NGO, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in concern to elephant conservation. A unique contribution to the conservation strategy is the global awareness raised through this organization’s world renown elephant orphanage and rehabilitation program. However, positive reception from the local community is a continual struggle in the fight for peaceful co-existence between man and …

Evaluating A Primate Sanctuary: Population Assessment Of The Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri Sciureus) On Sumak Allpa, Ecuador, Claire Leichter

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) population on Sumak Allpa was assessed during 33 observation periods between November 5^th and November 24^th of 2012. Sumak Allpa is a 113.15-hectare island on the Napo River in the Orellana Province of Amazonian Ecuador that has been functioning as a primate sanctuary since 2005. Squirrel monkeys were surveyed during 1 to 3 hour observation walks in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. During two occasions, the island was divided among multiple observers at the same time, including one observer in a canoe on the exterior of the island, to allow …

To Huddle Or Not To Huddle: That Is The Question. A Brief Study Of The Basis For Huddling Behavior In Eulemur Rubriventer, Tessa Behnke

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Common behaviors observed in primates may have important biological and social foundations. This study looks at huddling behavior in several groups of Eulemur rubriventer in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, in order to compare the functions of huddling in relation to thermoregulation and social bonding. The proportions of time spent huddling as functions of rainfall and ambient temperature were used to explore the possibility of huddling as a means of thermoregulation. A positive relationship between loose huddling behavior and temperature was deemed significant. Data collected on proximity of individuals to each other (nearest neighbor) was able to establish a significant correlation …

Effect Of Light Level On Feeding Behavior In A Lemur Species (Eulemur Rubriventer) With A Color Vision Polymorphism., Ainsley Lockhart

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Understanding the visual capabilities and correlated behavior of prosimians provides vital information regarding the evolution of color vision. Feeding behavior in particular is often modified based on color vision status in various primate taxa. The present study examined feeding behavior under various light conditions in Eulemur rubriventer, a lemur species with a color vision polymorphism in which only females can have trichromatic vision. Behavioral observations were conducted for a single E. rubrventer group over a 13 day study period in April 2012. Results found no significant difference in rates of frugivory or exploitation of green vs. non-green food between male …

Temporal Comparisons Of Avifauna In Enashiva Nature Refuge, Tanzania An Examination Of Species Richness And Abundance, The Effects Of The Onset Of The Short Rainy Season, And The Migrant Communities Present, Taran Catania

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study examined avian species richness, abundance, distribution, and diversity in relation to seasonal and temporal changes in Enashiva Nature Refuge, Tanzania. Data was collected in using point-counts along pre-established transects in four distinct habitats – wooded grassland, grassland, woodland, and riverine – over an 18-day period from November 6 to November 23, 2011. Transects were comprised of five point-count spots, at which data on avian species an abundance was collected for 30 minutes each. Data was compared to two previous studies conducted in November 2009 and April 2011 with similar methodologies over comparable time frames. Descriptive statistics, community similarity, …

An Assessment Of Icthyofauna And Artisanal Fishing From The Port Of Pedregal In The Golfo De Chiriquí., Kathleen A. Carey

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The artisanal fishery based out of Pedregal, on the Pacific Coast of Panama in the Chiriqui Province was studied to analyze the biodiversity and community structure of the icthyofaunal population and investigate the practices and opinions of the fishermen there. The study area is located in the Gulf of Chiriqui, and is heavily influenced by freshwater runoff from anthropogenically influenced rivers during. This is especially relevant during the rainy season. During two weeks in November, at the end of the rainy season, fishermen from one port in Pedregal were accompanied for the purposes of data collection and interviewing. The data …

A Study Of Sponge Aquaculture In Jambiani: Is Shallow Farming Feasible?, Sarah Friday

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In the village of Jambiani, Unguja, a Swiss NGO called Marine Cultures has established an experimental sponge farming initiative to improve local employment and support economic development. Currently, the main farming site is only accessible through SCUBA diving. This is consistent with experimental farm sites in other oceanic regions, as most are located in depths of at least five meters with sponges suspended vertically to maximize water flow exposure. Farms located in shallower water may not be conducive to sponge growth due to highly variable environmental conditions; however, no conclusive research has been conducted on this matter (Duckworth 2009). Nonetheless, …

Animal Enrichment Strategies For Promoting Natural Behaviors In Captive Populations Of Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii), Tierney O’Neal

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The population of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) is in rapid decline due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease, and insurance populations have been created in captivity for potential future introduction into the wild. Many problems can arise within captive animal populations including loss of natural behaviors, and development of negative stereotypical (i.e. pacing) behaviors. These issues can decrease ecological fitness, potentially jeopardizing success of introductions of animals into the wild. By providing captive animals with enrichment, natural behaviors can be increased, and stereotypical behaviors can be decreased. Enrichment is defined as an activity or item that promotes the mental and physical …

What Is The Value Of A Sea Turtle?: A Case Study Of The Conservation Ethics Of Sea Turtle Fishermen In The Caribbean Coast Of Nicaragua, Alicia Conte

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The sea turtle populations on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua have dramatically decreased as a result of human use and consumption. All species of sea turtles are endangered and at risk of extinction. This is an environmental issue because if sea turtles go extinct, many other plants and animals in marine ecosystems will be negatively impacted by this loss, and the environment will be drastically altered. This is also problematic for locals who depend on this resource for food and as a source of income. Conservation efforts have been initiated by an international NGO, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); however, …