Jasmine Childress, PhD
Preventing parasite-induced extinction of the San Miguel Island fox
Since the recent appearance of an acanthocephalan parasite in the wild population, SMI fox reproductive success has been very low and mortalities have increased dramatically. The goal of this study was to understand the parasitological impacts of the SMI fox and contribute to the conservation management plans in conjunction with the Channel Islands National Park and USGS.
Ecology of amphibian parasites in Yosemite National Park
Amphibians are disappearing at an alarming rate due to multiple stressors, such as habitat loss, disease, and the introduction of non-native species. Within Yosemite National Park (YNP), one current threat to amphibians is the American bullfrog, Lithobates [Rana] catesbeianus. Bullfrogs can introduce foreign parasites and support native parasites, altering natural host-parasite communities. This project aimed to describe the parasite communities of both native and introduced amphibians. We coordinated with the Bullfrog Removal Program operated by YNP’s Aquatic Restoration Team.
