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Publications

Promoting urban ecological resilience through the lens of avian biodiversity
2024. MD McCloy, RK Andringa, TJ Maness, JA Smith, JK Grace. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 14,
DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2024.1302002

The significance of urban landscapes in safeguarding biodiversity is often disregarded, even though a considerable amount of conservation focus is directed toward biodiversity hotspots where urban land conversion is happening at the fastest pace. Maintaining biodiversity in urban areas not only benefits the environment, but along with social, economic, and technological factors can increase the stability of urban systems to disturbance, a concept known as “urban resilience”. In this synthesis paper, we explore the ecological dimension of urban resilience and specifically focus on avian biodiversity because birds are easy to observe, relatively abundant, and can serve as an indicator of the overall health of urban environments. We first examine the concept of ecological resilience and discuss the role of environmental stressors associated with urbanization in the ongoing avian biodiversity crisis. We then provide an overview of characteristics of the urban environment that may promote ecological resilience in birds, and associations between social and economic factors and urban ecological resilience. Finally, we provide recommendations on future research regarding strategies to improve urban ecological resilience and thus, urban resilience as a whole, at the intersections of urban ecology, ecosystem ecology, environmental justice, and urban planning. Since 68% of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050, it is imperative that scientists, urban planners, civil engineers, architects, and others consider urban ecological resilience as a dimension of both environmental health and the resilience of cities to future natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Circulating corticosterone predicts near-term, while H/L ratio predicts long-term, survival in a long-lived seabird
2023. TJ Maness, JK Grace, MR Hirchak, EM Tompkins, DJ Anderson. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11,
DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1172904

Assessing stress in wild populations is important in many ecological and conservation contexts because the physiological responses of individuals to stressors can be used to identify at-risk populations and the ability to respond appropriately to stressors is related to individual quality and fitness. Yet, one of the great challenges in ecophysiology is linking physiological measures in wild animal populations with changes in individual fitness. Here, we examined two indices of stress, namely, circulating baseline corticosterone concentration ([Cort]) and the heterophil:lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, in a long-lived seabird, the Nazca booby (Sula granti) and their relationship with current individual state and subsequent survival and residual and lifetime reproductive success. [Cort] was related to sex, age, and current reproductive effort in in that males, older birds, and birds currently engaged in a breeding attempt birds had higher [Cort]. [Cort] was negatively associated with survival to the next breeding season. The H/L ratio was not associated with the current state of birds but predicted cohort-specific long-term survival. Lifespan and reproductive performance are correlated in Nazca boobies; therefore, our results suggest that the H/L ratio may be useful as an indicator of overall fitness, while [Cort] can be used to predict current or near-term fitness in this species. We further propose the H/L [or neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L)] Ratio-Fitness Hypothesis, which posits that this ratio is repeatable within individuals and are negatively associated with fitness. This hypothesis needs to be tested in Nazca boobies and other species, and when supported by empirical evidence, then these ratios could be a powerful monitoring tool for assessing population health or identifying at-risk populations.

Microplastics in the Gulf of Mexico: A Bird's Eye View
2022. JK Grace, E Duran, MA Ottinger, MS Woodrey, TJ Maness. Sustainability 14 (13), 7849

Microplastic debris is a persistent, ubiquitous global pollutant in oceans, estuaries, and freshwater systems. Some of the highest reported concentrations of microplastics, globally, are in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), which is home to the majority of plastic manufacturers in the United States. A comprehensive understanding of the risk microplastics pose to wildlife is critical to the development of scientifically sound mitigation and policy initiatives. In this review, we synthesize existing knowledge of microplastic debris in the Gulf of Mexico and its effects on birds and make recommendations for further research. The current state of knowledge suggests that microplastics are widespread in the marine environment, come from known sources, and have the potential to be a major ecotoxicological concern for wild birds, especially in areas of high concentration such as the GoM. However, data for GoM birds are currently lacking regarding typical microplastic ingestion rates uptake of chemicals associated with plastics by avian tissues; and physiological, behavioral, and fitness consequences of microplastic ingestion. Filling these knowledge gaps is essential to understand the hazard microplastics pose to wild birds, and to the creation of effective policy actions and widespread mitigation measures to curb this emerging threat to wildlife.

Correlates of bird collisions with buildings across three North American countries

2021. Elmore, JA, SB Hager,  B.J. Cosentino, T.J. O’Connell, C.S. Riding, M.L. Anderson, M. Bakermans, T.J. Boves, D. Brandes, E.M. Butler, M.W. Butler, N.L.Cagle, R. Calderón-Parra, A.P. Capparella, A. Chen, K. Cipollini, A.A.T. Conkey, T.A. Contreras, R.I. Cooper, C.E. Corbin, R.L. Curry, J.J. Dosch, M.G., K. Dyson,  E. Fraser, R. Furbush, N.D.G. Hagemeyer, K.N. Hopfensperger, D. Klem, Jr., E. Lago, A.  Lahey, C.S. Machtans, J. Madosky, T.J. Maness, K.J. McKay, S.B. Menke, N. Ocampo-Penuela, R. Ortega-Álvarez, A.L. Pitt, A.L. Puga-Caballero, J.E. Quinn, A.M. Roth, R.T. Schmitz, J. Schnurr, M. Simmons, A.D. Smith, CW Varian-Ramos, J. Vigliotti, E.A. Walters, L.A. Walters, J.T. Weir, K. Winnett-Murray, J.C. Withey, I. Zuria, SR Loss. Biological Conservation 35: 654-665

Collisions with buildings cause up to 1 billion bird fatalities annually in the United States and Canada. However, efforts to reduce collisions would benefit from studies conducted at large spatial scales across multiple study sites with standardized methods and consideration of species- and life-history-related variation and correlates of collisions. We addressed these research needs through coordinated collection of data on bird collisions with buildings at sites in the United States (35), Canada (3), and Mexico (2). We collected all carcasses and identified species. After removing records for unidentified carcasses, species lacking distribution-wide population estimates, and species with distributions overlapping fewer than 10 sites, we retained 269 carcasses of 64 species for analysis. We estimated collision vulnerability for 40 bird species with ≥2 fatalities based on their North American population abundance, distribution overlap in study sites, and sampling effort. Of 10 species we identified as most vulnerable to collisions, some have been identified previously (e.g., Black-throated Blue Warbler [Setophaga caerulescens]), whereas others emerged for the first time (e.g., White-breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis]), possibly because we used a more standardized sampling approach than past studies. Building size and glass area were positively associated with number of collisions for 5 of 8 species with enough observations to analyze independently. Vegetation around buildings influenced collisions for only 1 of those 8 species (Swainson's Thrush [Catharus ustulatus]). Life history predicted collisions; numbers of collisions were greatest for migratory, insectivorous, and woodland-inhabiting species. Our results provide new insight into the species most vulnerable to building collisions, making them potentially in greatest need of conservation attention to reduce collisions and into species- and life-history-related variation and correlates of building collisions, information that can help refine collision management.

Avian Health

2019. Ottinger, MA, TJ Maness, JK Grace, RR Wilson, PGR Jodice. GoMAMN Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines: Pages 275-296 in R. R. Wilson, A. M. V. Fournier, J. S. Gleason, J. E. Lyons, and M. S. Woodrey (Editors), Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines for the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi State University.

Here we review avian physiological adaptations related to migration, survival, and reproduction to provide a foundation upon which an avian health assessment can be conducted. For the purpose of this document, we define health to include, but not be limited to selected measures that have been utilized in the field and/or otherwise shown to be indicative of stress related responses. Further, we define health assessment in the context of birds and as such, encompass the concepts of fitness or condition within the consideration of health assessments. The information and recommendations herein are intended to facilitate the ability of resource managers to establish avian health and fitness baselines.

Avian sentinel of "One Health" for the Gulf of Mexico

2019. Ottinger, MA, JK Grace, TJ Maness, K Dean. Proceedings of The Gulf of Mexico Workshop on International Research 2019-045: 152-160. https://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/87245

The GOM is a complex ecosystem with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The past few decades have brought dramatic changes to the GOM coastal ecosystem, with rising contamination from environmental chemicals associated with catastrophic events, including hurricanes and human-made crises. Assessing the impacts and interventions for future natural or human-made events remains challenging. The full implications of events such as Hurricane Harvey, which wreaked havoc in a region already heavily impacted by contamination from the DWH oil spill, are complex and ongoing. Understanding vulnerable areas associated with flooding and waterways are critical to maintain human health, wildlife populations, and the ecosystem. Coastal communities have been severely impacted by both natural and human-made events and their recovery relies on community and ecosystem resilience to achieve stability and nurture growth. Economic drivers and ecosystem attributes in these communities focus on fishing, oil, gas and chemical industries, ports, tourism and a range of other industries, as well as leisure activities that are fundamentally important for the health and well-being of individuals and the social and/or psychological health of human communities. Birds are important members of this ecosystem dynamic, not just for their roles in maintaining natural ecosystem balance, but also for providing direct benefits in the form of economically important leisure activities (e.g., hunting, birdwatching), and a more generalized sense of well-being for those who engage in “enjoyment of nature” activities. The concept of “One Health” articulates the close interrelationship between ecohealth and human health, particularly acknowledging not only the relationship of environment to human well-being, but also the critical co-dependence of the human population with our world. Birds provide sentinel wildlife species to assess “One Health” and the potential risk from exposure to environmental chemicals for individuals, species, and ultimately populations. Birds are often sensitive indicators of environmental damage, so understanding the health of GOM birds in relation to environmental stressors which include chemical contaminants, and the short and long-term impacts of these stressors, can provide tremendous insight into the status of these key wildlife populations and a mirror into the “One Health” of the ecosystem. The GOM contains large numbers of resident and migratory bird species that rely heavily on the Central Flyway for spring and fall migrations. The quality of these habitats and resources has implications for human health and the economic well-being of coastal communities. This review will focus on the status of selected sentinel species of birds in the GOM, with attention to environmental challenges and impact for the “One Health” of wildlife and humans.

  • Johnson, J.M. and T.J. Maness. 2018. Response of wintering birds to simulated birder playback and pishing. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5:136-143. pdf

  • Maness, T.J. and D.J. Anderson. 2017. Serum chemistry of free-ranging Nazca boobies (Sula granti). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 48(4): 1234-1238. DOI: 10.1638/2017-0015.1 pdf

  • Hager, S.B., B.J. Cosentino, M.A. Aguilar-Gómez, M.L. Anderson, M. Bakermans, T.J. Boves, D. Brandes, M.W. Butler, E.M. Butler, N.L. Cagle, R. Calderón-Parra, A.P. Capparella, A. Chen, K. Cipollini, A.A.T. Conkey, T.A. Contreras, R.I. Cooper, C.E. Corbin, R.L. Curry, J.J. Dosch, M.G. Drew, K. Dyson, C. Foster, C.D. Francis, E. Fraser, R. Furbush, N.D.G. Hagemeyer, K.N. Hopfensperger, D. Klem, Jr., E. Lago, A.  Lahey, K. Lamp, G. Lewis, S.R. Loss, C.S. Machtans, J. Madosky, T.J. Maness, K.J. McKay, S.B. Menke, K.E. Muma, N. Ocampo-Penuela, T.J. O’Connell, R. Ortega-Álvarez, A.L. Pitt, A.L. Puga-Caballero, J.E. Quinn, C.W. Varian-Ramos, C.S. Riding, A.M. Roth, P.G. Saenger, R.T. Schmitz, J. Schnurr, M. Simmons, A.D. Smith, D.R. Sokoloski, J. Vigliotti, E.A. Walters, L.A. Walters, J.T. Weir, K. Winnett-Murray, J.C. Withey, I. Zuria. 2017. Continent-wide analysis of how urbanization affects bird-window collision mortality in North America. Biological Conservation 212: 209-215.  DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.06.014. pdf

  • Maness, T.J. and D.J. Anderson. 2017. Juvenile survival of Nazca boobies: Effect of age and sex. Proceedings of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 36: 72-72.

  • Maness, T.J. and D.J. Anderson. 2017. Developmental tradeoffs during poor rearing conditions in a seabird. Integrative and Comparative Biology 57: e336-e336. DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx001.

  • McCarter, A.L., E.M. Tompkins, D.J. Anderson, and T.J. Maness. 2017. Induction and maintenance of immunological memory in a long-lived seabird. Integrative and Comparative Biology 57: e108-e108.  DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx002.

  • Maness, TJ and DJ Anderson. 2015. Evolution of a novel mating system in Nazca boobies. Proceedings of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science 34: 3.

  • Maness, T.J. and D.J. Anderson. 2014. Immune investment, muscles, and female mate choice. Integrative and Comparative Biology 54: e311-e311.  DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu009.

  • Maness, T.J. and D.J. Anderson. 2014. Nestling growth rate and juvenile survival. Integrative and Comparative Biology 54: e132-e132. DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu008.

  • Maness, TJ and DJ Anderson. 2013. Predictors of juvenile survival in birds. Ornithological Monographs 78:1-55.  pdf 

  • Maness, TJ, MA Westbrock, KJ Feeley, and DJ Anderson. 2011. Offspring sex and duration of post-fledging parental care in the sexually size dimorphic Nazca Booby (Sula granti). Neotropical Ornithology 22:347-359.

  • Maness, TJ and DJ Anderson. 2008. Mate rotation by female choice and coersive divorce in Nazca boobies, Sula granti.  Animal Behaviour 76:1267-1277. 

  • Maness, TJ and DJ Anderson. 2007. Serial monogamy and sex ratio bias in Nazca boobies. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biology 274:2047-2054.

  • Maness, TJ, MA Westbrock, and DJ Anderson. 2007. Ontogenic sex ratio variation in Nazca Boobies ends in male-biased adult sex ratio.  Waterbirds 30: 10-16. 

  • Townsend, HM, TJ Maness, and DJ Anderson. 2007. Offspring growth and parental care  in sexually dimorphic Nazca boobies. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:686-694.

  • Maness, TJ and SD Emslie. 2001. An analysis of possible genotoxic exposure in adult and juvenile Royal Terns in North Carolina, USA.  Waterbirds 24:352-360. 

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