Additional Research
Cara works on numerous projects, past and present.
Here are just a few of those not highlighted elsewhere.
AVIAN MALARIA AND MERCURY CONTAMINATION
This project investigated the potential for combined or synergistic effects of blood protozoans and mercury contamination in wading birds in the southeastern US. Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant resulting largely from atmospheric deposition as well as anthropogenic activities such as mining, coal incineration, medical wastes, and metal processing. Environmental contaminants have been shown to negatively affect wildlife health, and in the southeastern US certain species of wading bird are known to be exposed to, and bioaccumulate, high levels of mercury. Additionally wading birds of the southeast US are known to be host to avian malaria. Avian malaria (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) is a vector born protozoan disease which can cause severe anemia if sufficient burdens occur. Samples were collected from a variety of species across a range of diets and foraging habitats in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina . This work was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Stacey Lance and Larry Bryan through the Savannah River Ecology Lab.
FAR-EASTERN RUSSIA WILDLIFE POPULATION MONITORING
This work took place in one of the only non-governmental reserves in Russia, Muraviovka Park. Through a collaboration with the International Crane Foundation and other international research and conservation agencies, Cara worked to establish mammal and bird monitoring protocols to be implemented by future interns and researchers.
The Amur Oblast is located in the middle of the East Asian-Australian Flyway and provides critical habitat for migratory birds on their long migration. This region is utilized by numerous species of special concern, including 7 species of endangered crane for either migratory stop-over or breeding purposes. Breeding behavior and success of breeding pairs was monitored while they resided in the region.
Community involvement and education was an important element of this project. worked closely with schools, summer camps, and government officials to educate the community about regional conservation concerns. Our captive breeding pairs of Red-crowned Cranes, White-fronted Geese and other threatened species of waterfowl were important elements in engaging the public in local environmental issues.
EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOR
Cara worked with Dr. Al Uy and his lab in examining evolution and behavior in various species. Projects ranged from:
1) The genetic analysis of plumage variation along an avian hybrid zone of Bearded Manakins to look at divergent natural and sexual selection in rapid speciation.
2) Exploration of the maintenance of genetic color polymorphism in five male color morphs of parae and how behavioral and ecological factors contribute to the persistence of this polymorphism.
3) How human disturbances affect signals used in mate choice and territory defense in birds.
ACOUSTIC REMOTE POPULATION MONITORING
Working with Dr. David Buehler’s lab and a collaborative team of researchers from around the US, the team worked to develop and optimize methods for acoustically monitoring threatened and endangered avian populations in remote areas using Autonomous Aerial Acoustic Recording Systems (AAARS).