The Effect of Capture Method on Microbial Abundance in Plumage of Eastern Yellow Robins (Eopsaltria australis)

Bird plumage is an ecosystem of microfauna that live in symbiosis with the avian host. Since most of these microbes are soil-dwelling Bacilli, it is assumed that birds with more soil contact will have higher microbial loads. While pursuing avian microbiology research in Victoria, Australia, we questioned if capture method influenced microbial loads and therefore skewed our data. We expected microbial abundance on birds captured with mist nets, a device used to catch birds in flight, will have lower abundance than those captured with snap traps, a tool which restrains the bird in the soil. We compared the abundance of Bacillus spp. on Eastern Yellow Robins (Eopsaltria australis) captured in both trap types. After statistical analyses, the data was found to significant overall (p = 0.004), but when comparing data from specific parts of the bird, capture method was only a significant factor on the back (p = 0.039; p = 0.055 and 0.125 on tail and venter, respectively). We assume that our methodologies have created a detection limit in our data, leaving our results inclusive to whether or not method of capture is a factor in microbial abundance

Ecological, economical, and social dependence on Coral Triangle tuna fisheries

Due to increasing pressures on tuna fisheries in the Coral Triangle Region (CT6) of the Western Pacific Ocean region, there is uncertainty regarding the social, economic, and ecological security of the member nations (e.g., Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste) due to the declining tuna populations. Overfishing is fueled by an economic dependency on already depleted tuna stocks. Fisheries unable to meet the demand of domestic and international fleets leave the member nations of CT6 without a sound livelihood or food source. This work seeks to identify the current uses of tuna stocks in the CT6 and the subsequent economic and social dependencies on tuna by each member nation. Using pre-existing data sets, maps were created to illustrate these trends and offer a visual comparison between each of the CT6 countries. It is found that the economies of the CT6 and their use of tuna stocks are highly interdependent given the migratory nature of tuna and transboundary fisheries. For this, it is recommended that the region cooperates in a multinational management plan for economic security. This work identifies needs for further, more robust research on tuna fisheries in the CT6

Prevalence of feather-degrading Bacillus spp. on the plumage of birds in Australia

Bird plumage hosts a diverse microbial community, including microbes capable of degrading the β-keratin in feathers (i.e. feather-degrading bacteria). The prevalence and effects of feather-degrading bacteria have primarily been studied in the Northern Hemisphere, and knowledge of the occurrence of these bacteria on Southern Hemisphere bird species is lacking. We explored the prevalence of feather-degrading bacteria on wild birds in Australia by sampling feathers from 254 individuals representing 25 species. First, to determine the total plumage bacterial load, we sampled bacteria from three body regions and identified and enumerated three presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. (B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. subtilis) based on morphology. Second, we collected a feather from each bird and in laboratory tests confirmed the presence of feather-degrading bacteria. Third, we tested for a relationship between the number of presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. counted and the presence of feather-degrading bacteria on the following variables: habitat type, foraging behaviour, flocking status, and feather wear. We found 85% of birds sampled harboured presumed Bacillus spp. Of the feather samples that tested positive for Bacillus in lab experiments, 62% were confirmed as feather-degrading Bacillus spp. The total plumage bacterial load varied with habitat type, with birds in heath habitats harbouring fewer bacteria. This study is the first report of feather-degrading bacteria on the plumage of wild Australian birds in vivo

Prevalence of Feather-Degrading \u3cem\u3eBacillus\u3c/em\u3e spp. on the Plumage of Birds in Australia

Bird plumage hosts a diverse microbial community, including microbes capable of degrading the β-keratin in feathers (i.e. feather-degrading bacteria). The prevalence and effects of feather-degrading bacteria have primarily been studied in the Northern Hemisphere, and knowledge of the occurrence of these bacteria on Southern Hemisphere bird species is lacking. We explored the prevalence of feather-degrading bacteria on wild birds in Australia by sampling feathers from 254 individuals representing 25 species. First, to determine the total plumage bacterial load, we sampled bacteria from three body regions and identified and enumerated three presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. (B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. subtilis) based on morphology. Second, we collected a feather from each bird and in laboratory tests confirmed the presence of feather-degrading bacteria. Third, we tested for a relationship between the number of presumed feather-degrading Bacillus spp. counted and the presence of feather-degrading bacteria on the following variables: habitat type, foraging behaviour, flocking status, and feather wear. We found 85% of birds sampled harboured presumed Bacillus spp. Of the feather samples that tested positive for Bacillus in lab experiments, 62% were confirmed as feather-degrading Bacillus spp. The total plumage bacterial load varied with habitat type, with birds in heath habitats harbouring fewer bacteria. This study is the first report of feather-degrading bacteria on the plumage of wild Australian birds in vivo

GEOG 499: Sustainability Seminar

During the Spring of 2017, students of Geog 499 and faculty member John Krygier are working on sustainability projects including planning May Move Out, enhancing the reusable food containers, collaborating for green week activities, and organizing various gardening and food projects at OWU. The students are also involved with revising and promoting a campus-wide sustainability plan. There is a growing interest in sustainability on campus but little funding for projects, little comprehensive knowledge, and no sustainability coordinator. With some effort of a few students, faculty, and staff this challenge can be met. The main objectives for the group have been expanding learning opportunities for students who want to be more involved in sustainability on campus and actually changing university infrastructure to make sustainability possible