Effects of an Established Wind Farm on Levels of Stress Hormones in Greater Prairie Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus)
Advisor Information
L. LaReesa Wolfenbarger
Location
Milo Bail Student Center Dodge Room B
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
8-3-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
8-3-2013 1:15 PM
Abstract
Human disturbances such as wind farms potentially stimulate stress responses in wildlife. Levels of stress response hormones in birds can be measured noninvasively by analyzing droppings, and potentially feathers, thereby eliminating capture stress required for taking blood samples. My study will use a radioimmunoassay to measure a stress response hormone in droppings and feathers of Greater Prairie Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) at their breeding display grounds. Prior to sample analysis, I will use two methods to physiologically and biologically validate the assay to show that it is an effective method for my study species. My overall objective is to use noninvasive sampling techniques to assess stress levels on a distance gradient from an established wind farm. I hypothesize that, if wind farms induce physiological stress in prairie grouse, then stress hormone levels will decrease as distance from the wind farm increases. The results of my study will provide management and energy development guidelines to protect species of conservation concern.
Effects of an Established Wind Farm on Levels of Stress Hormones in Greater Prairie Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus)
Milo Bail Student Center Dodge Room B
Human disturbances such as wind farms potentially stimulate stress responses in wildlife. Levels of stress response hormones in birds can be measured noninvasively by analyzing droppings, and potentially feathers, thereby eliminating capture stress required for taking blood samples. My study will use a radioimmunoassay to measure a stress response hormone in droppings and feathers of Greater Prairie Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) at their breeding display grounds. Prior to sample analysis, I will use two methods to physiologically and biologically validate the assay to show that it is an effective method for my study species. My overall objective is to use noninvasive sampling techniques to assess stress levels on a distance gradient from an established wind farm. I hypothesize that, if wind farms induce physiological stress in prairie grouse, then stress hormone levels will decrease as distance from the wind farm increases. The results of my study will provide management and energy development guidelines to protect species of conservation concern.