We are currently sitting at 2 days before the 2018 trapping season starts at West Gulch in between Hart and Sheldon NAR, and as usual, I am not packed. I find it very hard to pack for 6 months in the field! Especially when we encounter temperatures from the low teens to the hundreds and weather from every season! Does anyone else have this problem?!?!
Luckily, we have gotten a lot done since the last field season! I have finally published the second chapter of my Masters thesis, we have sent the first batch of genetic samples to University of Idaho to begin running SNPs, my new tech and trusty sidekick, Jacy, has extracted DNA from over half the ear biopsies we have so far, and Kevin and I have been working on incorporating the burrow surveys into the SECR model to estimate pygmy rabbit densities. Unfortunately, it was a pretty dry winter (up until March..), so we were only able to get out to Austin for a couple days to collect fecal genetic samples. However, we have some new strategies we are going to try out this season, including sweeping sites. This involves going to a site where we need genetic samples, completing a burrow survey and clearing away poop from burrow entrances, and coming back for the next couple days to collect poop at those same burrows! Well, looks like I should get back to packing so wish us luck and I will update when I can!!
0 Comments
|
Field work updatesA place to update on happenings in the field throughout the year. Sites visited. Status of the sagebrush-steppe. Samples collected. Milestones in lab work. Rabbits trapped. Pictures! Archives
April 2019
Categories
|