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Meredith A. Barrett


Ph.D Student
Duke University Program in Ecology
Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90328
Durham, NC 27708
Office: BioSci 311

CV

meredith.barrett@duke.edu


Environmental Stress, Disease Ecology, and Conservation

Anthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat fragmentation, degradation and pollution, negatively affect wildlife health and survival. Pressures from overcrowding, displacement and decreased habitat quality may increase the prevalence of parasites, decrease body condition and elevate stress. As humans expand into forest habitat, an increased rate of wildlife contact with humans and domestic animals will potentially foster disease in wildlife populations through “pathogen pollution” (human-mediated pathogen invasion). By examining field-based wildlife health data, survival, distribution and habitat viability on large scales with geospatial tools, we can clarify the relationships between these ecological factors. This information can assist current conservation efforts and make future protected area selection more effective.


Study System: Lemur health in Madagascar

Although Madagascar is considered a highly important conservation priority due to its remarkable endemism and diversity, it continues to suffer from rapid habitat degradation. I will study the effects of this disturbance on disease dynamics within lemur populations by evaluating lemur health through body condition, parasite load, and stress levels. I will look at these patterns on broad scales within habitats of varying protection and exposure to humans.

 

 

 

 

Links

Mitchell Lab; University of Norht Carolina-Chapel Hill

Duke University Program in Ecology

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