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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.
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