Research
Our research focuses on the effects of anthropogenic change on birds, but occasionally on other taxa too. Specifically, we are interested in the mechanisms that drive changes in the spatial ecology, demography, and behaviour of wildlife following land use changes and other human driven disturbances. Our research often combines field-based approaches and geospatial and statistical analyses
More recently, we have begun to explore the human dimensions of wildlife to understand how peoples’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes influence, and are influenced by conservation behaviors and nature engagement.
Overall, our objective is to conduct research that informs policy and promotes sustainable land uses that consider the conservation of wildlife and human well-being simultaneously.
Jen Smith and Marina Zannino deploying trail cameras at Cibilo Nature Preserve, Boerne, Texas
CURRENT & Ongoing RESEARCH IN THE LAB
Urbanization and white-winged dove ecology
Content coming soon….
Guineagrass and northern bobwhite ecology
Content coming soon….
Microplastic Exposure in Terrestrial Birds
Objective 1: take a traits-based approach to understand microplastic exposure in terrestrial birds
Microplastic pollution is an emerging threat in terrestrial systems, especially in urban areas. Yet, the potential for microplastics to affect terrestrial wildlife has received little attention. As part of this project led by MS student, Lexi Baum, we are using birds as model systems to (1) investigate exposure of terrestrial wildlife to microplastics, (2) evaluate how microplastic exposure correlates with ecological traits, and (3) assess potential relationships between urbanization and microplastic exposure. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Zach Tonzetich (Dep. of Chemistry, UTSA) and the Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections at Texas A&M, College Station.
Objective 2: Understand microplastic exposure as an environmental justice issue via avian ecology and the #urbanbirdproject
Content coming soon….
Objective 3: assess microplastic exposure in birds in remote areas using northern bobwhite as a model
Content coming soon….
Microplastics in (a,b) a GI tract of a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), and (c) a Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) pellet. Biological materials obtained under State and Federal permits and approved IACUC protocols. Photos: A. Baum
Other ongoing projects in the lab
Investigating the ecology of white-lipped frogs in the Rio-Grande Valley (led by MS student, Gil Martinez)