URCAD Sneak Peek: Omland Lab

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:40:12 -0400

Sheridan Danquah is a Biological Sciences major. and an LRC tutor. He will be presenting his research, "Use of Radio Tracking to Study Territory Size of the Bahama Oriole," along with his research team, Gabriel Wilkins, Breanna Byrd, and Sierra Barkdoll at online URCAD 2020!

Abstract:

The Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi) is a critically endangered bird found only in Andros, Bahamas. Previous literature on these orioles suggested they mostly nested in developed areas in Coconut Palms (Cocos nucifera). With new knowledge that the Bahama Oriole also nests in pine forests (Pinus caribaea), we hope to make more accurate population estimates. Determining the territory size of the Bahama Oriole is crucial to making reliable population estimates.

Using radio transmitters placed on three different orioles, we triangulated the positions of tagged birds. These positions were used to generate territory maps for the three radio tagged orioles. To assess the validity of our equipment, and ensure the transmitter was still on sampled birds, we also periodically set out to sight the tagged orioles. The resulting home range maps show that the Bahama Oriole has a larger territory size than was previously assumed. These findings will be crucial in our ongoing efforts to estimate the total number of Bahama Orioles surviving.

Mentors: Kevin Omland, Biological Sciences, Colin Studds/Matthew Fagan, Geography & Environmental Systems, UMBC

Photo: Dr. Omland with the 2019 research group

Come see the Omland Lab presentation and other undergraduate research and creative work, April 22-29th at URCAD.umbc.edu!