Field Work - Sampling Sites

 

The attached map depicts the areas where we sampled Grevy's zebra, spanning 14 months in 2014 and 2015. Sites include areas that are officially protected (i.e. national reserves) and sites that are unprotected. Protected areas are noted on the map by an upside-down triangle and unprotected areas are represented by a cross. You'll note there are few protected areas. This is due to the fact that less than 1% of the Grevy's range (noted in light grey (that's Lake Turkana in dark grey)) is officially protected for wildlife. However, across unprotected areas, environmental conditions vary dramatically. To account for differences in environments experienced by each animal, I am using information obtained from online databases and satellite imagery to model how the environment impacts health and disease for each animal. This data includes livestock density, density of human settlements, forage quality and quantity, and distance from nearest available water. 

I will use these environmental metrics to determine if and to what extent the different variables impact parasite burden in Grevy's zebra. Once we have genetic data for each individual, I will use this information to see if an individual's genetic makeup determines how they respond to their environment. 

I expect that animals with lower levels of genetic diversity will respond less well to environmental stress -- this may show up as increased parasite burden. 

Just for fun, I've made the cover photo a picture that is a realistic depiction of a day in the field. This was taken after several hours spent digging ourselves out of a ditch! Many soaked and muddy, but happy people. 

Please feel free to send me a message if you have comments or questions about any aspect of this research!