Eliyashaib James, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Preliminary Risk Assessment of Cotton suitability as a host plant for The Central American Locust
The Central American Locust (CAL), Schistocerca piceifrons, is expanding to the North and is predicted to reach South Texas. CAL swarms are known to damage many crops, including cotton plants. The potential impact of its invasion on US cotton production has not been investigated yet. To better inform US cotton producers about the risk of potentially invasive locusts feeding on cotton, we assessed the susceptibility of Bt and non-Bt cotton varieties as a host plant for the CAL. To do this, we conducted a comparative analysis of host plant suitability between the potentially invasive CAL and its closely related non-swarming sister species, American Bird Grasshopper (ABG), Schistocerca americana, native to the southeastern United States. We tested this by conducting standardized laboratory feeding trials using three different varieties of cotton: PHY490W3FE, NG5007B2XF (both Bt), and TAMCOT73 (non-Bt). To compare host plant suitability, we fed both species seedling wheat as a control, which is known to be a highly acceptable and suitable host plant for survival and growth of the ABG. We measured CAL and ABG's growth rate and survivorship from the final instar to the adult stage on the different cotton varieties (Bt and non-Bt) and seedling wheat. We found that cotton is a suitable hostplant for the survival and development of both CAL and ABG, and that the CAL tends to perform better on cotton than does the ABG. �
Skyler Nix, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Lights Out, College Station!
In March 2023, Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) partnered with Texas A&M�University’s Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections (BRTC) to initiate a�student-led bird-building collision monitoring study on Texas A&M’s sprawling campus.�As part of the statewide Lights Out, Texas! campaign, the Lights Out, College Station!�program aims to establish data baselines to allow for informed strategies to reduce the�alarming rates of bird casualties here on the state’s largest campus. Collision monitoring�helps to better understand local collision patterns to focus mitigation efforts and�resources to most effectively reduce collisions. In the study’s first two years, nearly 500�bird collision casualties have been documented on Texas A&M’s campus, more than�twice as many casualties as recorded in TCA’s other collision study in Downtown Fort�Worth. Collisions have so far been recorded at 46 campus buildings, with over half�coming from just the top five buildings, indicating clear priorities for collision mitigation.�Most concerningly, these records span 66 bird species, 12 of which are listed by Texas�Parks and Wildlife as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas, such as the�steeply declining Chuck’s-will-Widow and Wood Thrush. With the long-term collision�data collected in this ongoing multi-year study, targeted mitigation strategies could be�exceptionally effective in reducing collisions at some of our worst bird-killing buildings.�The Lights Out, College Station! can furthermore serve as a model for other universities�to create undergraduate research opportunities while fostering a campus culture of�environmental stewardship and protection for all wildlife.
Zoë BeDell, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: A Digital Guide to the Bees of Northeastern Trinidad
This study surveyed bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in the Toco region of northeastern Trinidad. Several yellow, blue, red, and white pan traps, a Malaise trap, aspirators, and various sweep netting excursions surveyed the area. Twelve locations were sampled around the region over the span of 10 active collection days (27.V.2023-4.VI.2023, and 9.VI.2023-10.VI.2023). A total of 147 specimens representing 22 different species were collected. Individuals were classified into one of the three families Apidae, Halictidae, or Megachilidae. Identification of all species to genus, subgenus or species were confirmed in College Station using standard taxonomic references. Three photos of each species were taken (lateral, dorsal, and frontal) using focus-stacking software to act as a visual guide to the bee fauna in the area. When species were collected while foraging on a plant, the host plant was identified. It was observed that most of the host plants had white flowers. It was also observed that certain kleptoparasitic coleopterans infested several brood cells of Epicharis bees, and further research of such parasites could be a promising future research topic for this region. (I cannot italicize on google docs, apologies for the Epicharis not being italicized).
Mariana R.-Higueras, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Community structure and microhabitat associations of cryptobenthic reef fishes in Veracruz, Mexico.
The cryptobenthic reef fishes are ideal for studying ecological processes led by the big four: selection, dispersion, drift, and speciation. In the present research, we investigate local factors that shape the structure of the cryptobenthic reef fish community in the Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV), the largest coral system in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). To assess the community and the species’ habitat preferences, we collected cryptobenthic reef fishes in five reefs through enclosed clove oil and focal mini-clove oil stations. Transects were photographed to characterize the benthic composition. To determine cryptobenthic reef fishes’ microhabitat preferences, we modified the Vanderploeg & Scavia (1979) electivity index. We found no significant difference between richness, abundance, and community structure across park regions and reef zones. However, the differences in the cryptobenthic reef fishes’ preferences for microhabitats suggest that the microhabitats’ distribution could influence the structure of the community. Especially those with higher architectural complexity, such as caves. Caves sheltered the highest biodiversity �and number of specialists. Among the species collected, the endemics Tigrigobius redimiculus, and Elacatinus jarocho resulted in high abundance and frequency. The endemic fishes had opposite lifestyles; T. redimiculus was categorized as a generalist, and E. jarocho as a cave-dwelling fish. The present research was the first quantitative exploration of the cryptobenthic reef fish community in the southwest GoM. The ongoing examination of the cryptobenthic reef fish community in this region is crucial for comprehending the biodiversity response of coral reefs to disturbances scenarios.
Eli Hartung, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Do Grasses of Central Texas Use Water Stored in Limestone?
In limestone karst, significant amounts of water are stored in the rock matrix, both in weathered bedrock and in limestone rock fragments embedded in the soil. Previous research showed that trees use bedrock water during the dry season and to mitigate the impact of drought. However, whether herbaceous plants benefit similarly from limestone fragments embedded in soil is unknown. The goal of my project was to determine whether 1) limestone endemics benefit from limestone fragments in the soil during intermittent drought treatment; 2) the utilization of limestone water can be linked to specific traits; and 3) species from deep prairie soils benefit less or not at all from linestone fragments. I addressed these questions in a series of greenhouse experiments with Muhlenbergia reverchonii (seep muhly) as the limestone endemic species. To determine plant responses to limestone, plants were grown either in pure soil, or in rock-soil mixtures containing either 30% limestone rock or 30% inert rock. In the first experiment, I determined that M. reverchonii develop higher root:shoot when grown in limestone versus inert rock or pure soil, but not when growing in a mixture of crushed limestone and soil. When the experiment imposed drought, M. reverchonii also survived the longest with limestone and delayed the decline in gas exchange longer than in pure soil and soil+inert rock. Furthermore, these responses to limestone were not evident in three other graminoid species tested. This study provides the first direct evidence of rock water supporting herbaceous plants during drought and furthermore suggests that specific plant traits can improve this ability.
Addison Earley, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Provisioned Resources in Urban Landscapes: An Indirect Driver of High Window-collision Mortality in Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris)
Bird window-collisions represent a significant mortality risk for avian populations in anthropogenically-altered landscapes, yet the factors driving these incidents remain understudied, especially for species influenced by provisioned resources, such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). Although previous research has highlighted the disproportionately inflated susceptibility of window-collision mortality amongst Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), the indirect ways in which humans may be contributing to such vulnerability is largely unknown. In this study, we examined potential correlations between provisioned resources in an urbanized landscape, Texas A&M University, and window-collision rates amongst Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) with survey data from the Texas Conservation Alliance’s Lights Out College Station project. A total of 59 casualties were documented over four migratory seasons (2023-2024), with the highest rates of window collisions occurring at buildings close to provisioned resources. Furthermore, the results of our study suggest a correlation between the proximity of provisioned resources to buildings and elevated rates of window-collision mortality.
Anastasia Umstott, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Disentangling Drivers of Beta Diversity in Stream Fish Communities in Texas: Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Approaches
Analyzing β-diversity (i.e., variation in species composition), offers valuable insights into the ecological processes governing communities across multiple spatiotemporal scales. To enhance our understanding of these processes, β-diversity can be partitioned into turnover (i.e., species gain/loss) and nestedness (i.e., species richness differences) components. Furthermore, examining β-diversity facets (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) provides comprehensive view of community structure. Streams in East Texas support rich freshwater biodiversity and are ideal for investigating community processes. Across an entire year, 60 stream reaches were surveyed in the Neches and Sabine River basins to examine the relationships and relative contributions of turnover and nestedness to taxonomic (TDβ), functional (FDβ), and phylogenetic β-diversity (PDβ) patterns. The influences of local, regional, and seasonal variables on β-diversity for each facet were assessed. In all seasons and in both basins, TDβ was consistently higher than FDβ and PDβ. TDβ was primarily driven by turnover, while nestedness and turnover made comparable contributions for FDβ and PDβ. Significant correlations among all β-diversity facets and seasons were revealed by Mantel tests. The strongest relationships were observed between TDβ—PDβ, while FDβ—PDβ exhibited weakest relationship. Variation partitioning revealed that fish communities in the Neches basin were structured by the combination of regional and local variables. In the Sabine basin, FDβ was driven by the combination, while TDβ and PDβ were structured by both individual and combined variables. Seasonal variation did not make notable contributions to β-diversity. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating multiple diversity dimensions into β-diversity analyses to better understand the factors driving community composition.
Dileka Kariyawasam, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Tracing Breeding Origins of Wintering Orange-crowned Warblers Using Hydrogen Isotope Analysis
Stable isotopes are intrinsic molecular markers used to track animal movement, diet, and ecological interactions by linking isotopic values in tissues to specific geographic or environmental origins. This approach is particularly effective for studying small songbird migration, as it is minimally invasive and allows inferring breeding origins across large scales. The Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) is a migratory songbird with four subspecies that breed across Canada and the western United States. It migrates southward for the winter, with large populations wintering in Central Mexico and the southern United States. However, the geographic origins of these wintering populations remain poorly understood, as multiple breeding populations may converge on shared non-breeding grounds. To investigate migratory connectivity, we analyzed hydrogen stable isotopes (δ²H) from feathers of individuals captured at wintering sites in Mexico and the southern United States using a Bayesian approach. We identified diverse breeding grounds across northern North America. Additionally, we examined morphometric measurements, including mass, wing chord, and tail length, using long-term banding data from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, to confirm subspecies identity. Results indicate that L. c. celata and L. c. orestera winter in this region, with L. c. celata being more prevalent. Our findings suggest weak migratory connectivity, with individuals from multiple breeding populations mixing in shared non-breeding regions. This highlights the importance of protecting wintering habitats, as they support individuals from diverse breeding populations.�
Temidayo Adeyanju , 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Seasonal Effects and Dietary choices of insectivorous bats in a key biodiversity area in southwest, Nigeria
Management and control of pests is a major ecological service provided by insectivorous bats, yet they face threats from increasing anthropogenic activities. In Nigeria, there is sparse information on ecological roles provided by bat species. Therefore, this study identified the dominant species order in insectivorous bats captured within urban and rural areas in southwest, Nigeria. Mist nets were used to capture insectivorous bats along trails and across streams at sunset from 1800hrs to 2300hrs during the wet and dry seasons. Captured bats were identified at the species level using morphological characteristics following Mammals of Africa. Individual bats were kept in cotton for an hour to obtain fecal pellets and stored in 70% alcohol. Five fecal pellets were placed on a petri dish, and viewed under a light stereomicroscope (20x). All insect fragments present were identified at the order level using an insect identification guide. The Order Blattaria had the highest frequency during the dry season; and was dominant in the diet of Hipposideros ruber. The Order Diptera ranked highest in the diet of Rhinolophus landeri during the wet season. Ncyteris spp and Pipistrellus nanus show preference for Order Diptera and Lepidoptera in the dry season and wet season respectively. This study provides useful baseline information for future research on the diets of insectivorous bat species in Nigeria. It has shown that insect diet frequently features insect orders which include important pest species for agriculture within the urban and rural areas playing key roles as biological control organisms
Ali Lira-Olguin, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Bat flies ectoparasites of bats from Dominica Island (Lesser Antilles)
Bats are the second most specious order of mammals and are recognized as hosts for a variety of�parasites, with bat flies being the most conspicuous. Bat flies are blood feeding ectoparasites parasitizing�exclusively bats. Most bat fly species are host specific, parasitizing only one species of bats or bat species�that are phylogenetically closely related. While phylogenetic relationships of bats have been highly�investigated, the information pertaining to the phylogenetic relationship between different bat fly species,�particularly within the superfamily Hippoboscoidea, is limited. The goal of this study is to determine the�phylogenetic relationship of bat flies using a larger taxonomic sample size, focusing on the family�Streblidae. The bat fly samples were collected from the island of Dominica, in the years of 2000, 2004,�and 2012. Dominica is an island in the Lesser Antilles located in the Caribbean and is the largest of the�windward islands lying halfway between Guadeloupe and Martinique. DNA extractions were performed�for each bat fly species collected. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) and Gel Electrophoresis were used�to amplify and identify four specific genes: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI); cytochrome oxidase II�(COII); cytochrome b (Cytb); 18s ribosomal RNA. Further implications of this study could be used to�resolve phylogenetic relationships of bat flies, in the understanding of the coevolutionary relationship�between bat flies and bats, investigating the influence bat flies have on bats, as possible reservoirs for�pathogens and infectious disease.
Skai Peterson, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Effects of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Squash Plant Resistance to Aphid Herbivory
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can facilitate nutrient uptake and enhance systemic resistance of their plant hosts. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are commonly applied as biological control agents against root-feeding insects and were recently shown to enhance plant systemic defenses. Although these plant mutualists are both commonly deployed in agriculture, there is little research examining the systemic effects of combined AMF and EPN inoculations within the same plant. This is of interest because defense signaling pathways associated with plant mutualists can be antagonistic or act synergistically. Potential interactions between EPNs and AMF could affect plant systemic defense pathways and thus alter plant herbivore resistance. �The aim of this study was to fill knowledge gaps regarding the interacting effects of AMF and EPNs on plant systemic defenses through a series of experiments examining plant defense responses and herbivore performance. Squash plants (Cucurbita pepo) were inoculated with either AMF (Mycobloom Max Diversity blend), EPNs (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), a combination of AMF followed by EPN inoculations, or remained non-inoculated controls. Plants were then challenged with melon aphids (Aphis gossypi). We compared aphid population growth on squash plants across treatment groups as a metric of plant resistance to aphid herbivory. This research provides new insights into the roles of mutualists in shaping plant defenses and expands our understanding of how AMF and EPNs can be applied for agricultural pest management.�
Taiye Adeyanju, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Anthropogenic, habitat, and climatic factors determine bat abundance, richness, and diversity in Nigeria: A potential for spread of emerging infectious diseases
Understanding the factors that affect the occurrence and or persistence of bat species is critical for predicting the spread of emerging infectious diseases and designing effective management strategies to mitigate risks associated with zoonotic pathogens. This study investigated the impacts of predictable environmental and anthropogenic variables on bat abundance, species richness, and diversity in Nigeria. Results indicate that human activities, as measured by the Human Footprint Index (HFI), will negatively impact bat abundance (BA), while Human Population Density (HPD) will have a positive effect. Urban expansion is also predicted to impact bat species richness and diversity positively. Moreover, environmental variables, such as Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), relative humidity, temperature, and several bioclimatic variables, significantly affect bat abundance, species richness, and diversity. The findings demonstrate that it is crucial to consider environmental and anthropogenic factors when managing bat populations in changing landscapes. The study also emphasizes the potential for bat-human interactions in Nigeria, given the country's high population and ethnic and cultural diversity, with risks for pathogen spillover. These findings significantly affect bat conservation and the prevention of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria.
Bryce Clements, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: First impressions and lasting memories: The importance of type specimens in natural history collections under a changing world with examples from freshwater fishes
Name-bearing type specimens (holotypes, syntypes, lectotypes and neotypes) are crucial in taxonomy because they link species names to an individual specimen (or series of specimens) and establish the type locality for each species. As a public resource for verification or description of species, type specimens play a central role in advancing our understanding of taxonomic relationships. However, anthropogenic global change has caused populations to become extirpated from portions of their range, including at type specimen localities. The goal of this study was to assess spatial patterns in type localities, the status of populations at those locations, and landscape correlates for change where species no longer exist at their type locality. We first developed a data set of North American freshwater fishes and their type locations using Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes. We then used a ranking system to assess the quality of type location descriptions. These rankings included: (1) type locality global positioning system (GPS) coordinates were provided, (2) type locality was described in sufficient detail for GPS coordinates to be assigned, (3) type location described a waterbody but not a specific location, and (4) type location was not given, or no type was specified. Using only type specimens with rankings 1 and 2, we mapped locations, compared locations with population status derived from NatureServe, and compared population status with riverine landscape metrics describing anthropogenic alterations. This work has implications for understanding of broad-scale range changes of North American freshwater fishes and the value of specimens housed in natural history collections.
Alexia Engel, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Rare And Convergent: High Elevation Coexistence Of Caenolestes (Paucituberculata) And Cryptotis (Soricomorpha) In The Northern Andes
Interspecific competition drives community structure by influencing resource use patterns and species abundances. However, the importance of interspecific competition has long been debated, in part due to the poor quality of field experiments and the lack of integration within a broader theoretical framework. Two species of small mammals that occur sympatrically in the northern region of the high Andes provide a natural experiment for understanding how similar species with different evolutionary histories interact and how such interactions influence community structure. Based on the relative abundances of Caenolestes fuliginosus and Cryptotis montivaga, niche overlap between these species has been hypothesized. Although this hypothesis is grounded in broad niche theory and general ecological information about the species, it remains untested. To assess niche overlap between the sympatric species Cryptotis and Caenolestes, we apply a geometric morphometric analysis by comparing skull and mandible morphology in several species within each genus across sympatric and isolated populations. We expect to find greater differences in skull and mandible morphology in sympatric populations, as species may exhibit morphological divergence to minimize competition, compared to populations where only one genus is present. Such results would support the role of interspecific competition in shaping species morphology and influencing overall community structure.
Nabras Mahmoud Abdulrahman , 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Integrative Computational Approaches to Assess Environmental Contamination and Cancer Risk in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.
The Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens communities in Houston, Texas, have been designated as cancer clusters, exhibiting increased incidences of leukemia, lung, and esophageal cancers.These health disparities are associated with extended environmental exposure to industrial contaminants, including as creosote, benzene, dioxins, and lead, originating from the former Union Pacific Railroad site and adjacent industrial establishments. This study seeks to amalgamate geospatial analysis and computational modeling to examine the correlation between environmental contamination and cancer risk within this community. We evaluate the influence of carcinogenic pollutants on disease prevalence and find possible biomarkers for exposure-related cancers by GIS-based exposure mapping, machine learning-based risk prediction, and bioinformatics analysis of cancer-associated genetic changes. Epidemiological data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) and environmental pollution data from the EPA’s RSEI model is examined to determine regional relationships. Furthermore, RNA-Seq and DNA methylation datasets is employed to investigate molecular markers linked to toxin exposure.The results will enhance cancer risk assessment models, inform targeted public health treatments, and guide policy recommendations for environmental justice. This work seeks to integrate computational biology with environmental health research to address significant knowledge deficiencies in pollution-related carcinogenesis and promote community-led remediation initiatives.
Andra Dalbeto, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Fragile Ecosystems Under Threat: Afforestation of Wetlands in the Brazilian Savanna for Carbon Sequestration
The iconic grassy wetlands of the Brazilian savanna are precious ecosystems with huge biodiversity, ensuring freshwater supply and carbon storage below ground. However, they remain largely overlooked in Brazil and globally, lacking adequate conservation and restoration efforts. We aim to highlight the importance of these wetlands by providing an overview of their high biodiversity and unique ecological functioning, and emphasizing the need for their preservation. We sampled 19 sites in southeastern Brazil, assessing their plant communities and collecting soil samples to quantify soil carbon. We identified 284 plant species, over 95% of which were grasses and forbs. Notably, over 90% of the recorded species have never had their conservation status assessed, highlighting the knowledge gaps in these ecosystems. Additionally, we found an average soil carbon content of 23 g/kg , reinforcing the crucial role of these wetlands in carbon storage. These ecosystems rely on seasonal hydrological pulses that maintain their biodiversity and carbon stocks. However, their biodiversity and ecosystem services are increasingly threatened by (i) climate change, which is altering precipitation patterns and, together with overexploitation to irrigate crops, are deepening the water table and thus triggering woody encroachment; and (ii) misguided “restoration” actions based exclusively on planting trees. Such initiatives, in most cases, have been carried out by NGOs, sponsored by huge companies from the Northern hemisphere aiming to offset their carbon emissions. While research continues to slowly advance our understanding of these wetlands, they are disappearing at astonishing rates, due to inadvertent land use planning and disastrous restoration initiatives.
Sidney Sanchez, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE BETWEEN RANCHERS AND WILDLIFE IN BOTSWANA: TEXAS A&M’S INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDENT INITIATIVE
Since 2019, students of all majors from Texas A&M University have collaborated to develop innovative solutions to promote the coexistence between farmers and wildlife in Botswana. Livestock losses to predators can severely affect ranchers’ livelihoods, making it challenging to devise solutions that preserve both farmers and at-risk wildlife. Under the leadership of Dr. Leslie Ruyle, the project began by deploying ear-tracking technology on cattle to notify farmers of predation events. Over time, it has evolved to include testing and strategically placing fox lights to deter wildlife from entering farmlands. After interviewing communal farmers on their concerns, exploring other low-tech solutions such as using chilies as an elephant deterrent is currently being investigated, as well as using acacia thorns as fences depending on the rancher's receptivity to using either method. A team of graduate students is traveling in March to inquire about these low-tech deterrents, and a second group will travel this May to implement both deterrents to mitigate habituation of either one. Through annual fieldwork in Botswana and partnership with Cheetah Conservation Botswana, a local conservation NGO, students gain hands-on experience working in teams to address complex, real-world conservation challenges on how to best help both ranchers and wildlife.
Emily Castillo, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Population Genomics of Roosterfish (Nematistius pectorais) along the Eastern Pacific
Genetic and genomic analyses were conducted to investigate the population structure of Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis). Genetic analyses involved the characterization of nine microsatellite markers on samples from Baja California, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. In addition, within Central America, Panama was significantly different from Guatemala and Costa Rica, which, in turn, were not different from each other. Genomic analyses involved the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained using ddRAD sequencing. The samples from Panama were excluded because of low DNA quality. Sequencing data on the samples from Baja California (n=20), Guatemala (two years; n= 9, n=8), and Costa Rica (n= 24) consisted, on average, of about 8 million reads 150 base pairs (bp) long per individual. After filtering the reads to minimize potential biases and retaining only those SNPs present in all the individuals in all localities, a panel of 14,366 SNPs was generated. Discriminant Function of Principal Components (DAPC) analysis showed a clear differentiation among the Roosterfish samples from Baja California, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, with no differences between the two temporal samples from Guatemala. This is the first study that demonstrates genetic and genomic differences among Roosterfish samples, and the high level of differentiation obtained with SNP data implies limited gene flow among subpopulations. This finding has important management consequences, as with limited exchange the overexploitation of a subpopulation may result in local or regional extinctions.
Bonny Amin, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Economic, Soil, and Environmental Factors of Cover Crop Adoption: A Survey Approach
Erratic weather, shifting rainfall, and rising temperatures are making agriculture more vulnerable, highlighting soil health practices like cover crops (CC) key to boosting climate resilience. Despite their benefits for soil health and sustainability, CC adoption remains low at ≈5% in the USA. Cover crop adoption depends on a “complex web” of internal and external factors of economic, soil, and environmental factors, whereas the regional difference is large. Adoption rates vary by region due to climate, markets, and incentives, with the Heartland (10%) and Northern Great Plains/Prairie Gateway (11%) leading. Texas, especially South Texas, has low adoption due to significant barriers, warranting further study. This research examines factors that affect CC adoption including economics (annual sales, payment assistance), soil properties (soil moisture, soil types), and environmental factors (reduce fertilizer/pesticide/herbicide use). An online survey questionnaire was distributed through random sampling to farmers in Texas. The regression analysis will be implemented on soil, economic and environmental, factors, farm characteristics, and farmers' demographics, the benefits and challenges of adopting cover crops, and the resilience of farms. The survey is ongoing with 3,550 responses. Cover crop adoption is hindered by lack of soil moisture and medium farm size (1,001-2,000 acres), while farmers with higher annual sales ($20,001-$100,000) are more likely to adopt. Research findings can help policymakers design tailored environmental practices, considering farm diversity and farmer perspectives, to boost cover crop adoption nationwide.
Jesus Lopez, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Utilizing agent-based modeling to understand amphibian life cycle ecology and evolution
Many amphibian species undergo complex life cycles, where larvae develop in a deteriorating environment. Larvae must balance consuming resources and metamorphosing quickly enough to escape their shrinking pond. This process has been difficult to model due to the complex interplay of environmental, physiological, and genetic factors influencing metamorphosis. We have developed an agent-based model leveraging data on Ambystoma maculatum to capture the key features of the ecology and evolution in many amphibian life cycles. Our model simulates agents through four developmental stages: egg, larva, juvenile, and adult, with parameters corresponding to the real-life attributes of amphibian organisms. These include chromosomes with genes that can either contribute additively to metamorphic risk or remain functionally neutral. The environment in the model consists of patches with parameters for agent mortality risk, habitat permeability, and food availability, with the ability to import GIS data files. The model is highly configurable, allowing for the modeling of different amphibian species and heterogeneous environments across various parameters. Additionally, it supports different use cases, offering flexibility through a user-friendly interface or parameter and output files for more specific needs. We have utilized the model to study gene flow and natural selection under several spatial scenarios with varying numbers of ponds with unique hydroperiods. The model has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for conservation, research, and education.
Sean Chien, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Genomic Insights into Beetle Conservation: De Novo Assembly of an Endangered Species and Population Genomics of an Endemic Species
Habitat fragmentation, driven by natural events, human activities, and environmental changes, disrupts gene flow among populations, leading to genetic isolation. Isolation can result in reduced genetic diversity due to genetic drift, diminishing populations' adaptive capacities and increasing extinction risks. High-quality reference genomes are essential for genomic studies addressing demography, adaptation, and population structure, thereby informing conservation strategies. This study presents a de novo genome assembly and population genomics analysis of Cheirotonus formosanus, an endangered and endemic beetle species from the mountain forests of Taiwan, and Dynastes grantii, one of the largest and most charismatic beetles in North America. These genomic resources will offer insights into the evolutionary history of these beetles and accelerate future population genetics work that can provide a basis for scientifically informed conservation efforts.
Oluwaseun Ajileye, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: First Molecular Detection and Characterization of Filarial Nematodes in Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) in South Texas
Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick) is an emerging vector of medical and veterinary importance distributed throughout the southeastern United States. While known to transmit pathogens such as Rickettsia parkeri and Hepatozoon americanum, its role in filarial nematode transmission remains poorly understood. This study provides the first documented evidence of Litomosoides sigmodontis DNA in A. maculatum populations collected from small mammals and diverse ecosystems in South Texas. Using PCR amplification targeting an approximately 450 bp fragment of the filarioid 12S rDNA, we detected and characterized filarial nematodes in these ticks. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic assessment revealed genetic similarity to L. sigmodontis, a natural parasite that circulates among Sigmodon hispidus (cotton rat) populations endemic to North America. While mites are recognized as the primary vectors for L. sigmodontis, our findings suggest ticks may serve as alternative intermediate hosts, particularly in environments where mite populations are limited. The potential vector competency of A. maculatum is supported by several factors: its established feeding preferences for rodents including S. hispidus, demonstrated ability to harbor various pathogens, and widespread distribution in regions where these rodent hosts are abundant. Our discovery adds to the growing list of Ixodid ticks documented to harbor filarial nematodes in North America and expands our understanding of tick-borne filarial diversity. Further research through systematic sampling of both reservoir hosts and their associated tick populations is warranted to better understand geographical distribution, transmission dynamics, and ecological implications in North America. Vector competence studies involving experimental infections and demonstration of complete larval development are needed to confirm the vector status of A. maculatum for these filarial nematodes.
Nicole Stevens, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Global review of invasive threats to native lizard species
Invasive species are one of the largest contributors to global biodiversity loss. Risks to native fauna can include direct predation, competition, habitat loss, and genetic changes imposed by introduced species. Island ecosystems are often disproportionately affected due to their constrained size. Despite large-scale species and population impacts from invasive species, little research has focused on the broad scale impact and trends of invasive species that impact native lizards. Our goal is to identify the invasive species and threat types most affecting native lizards on a global scale, and assess how factors like habitat, lizard body morphology, or presence on islands influence extinction risk. We have compiled data for lizard species with invasive species identified as a major threat. For each, we have identified the invasive species, the threat type, range type (island, continent, both), habitat, lizard body traits, and lizard extinction status. We used this data to assess which threat types and conditions may be linked to lizard extinction risk and which may be most conducive to native-invasive coexistence. The results of this research will be the first cohesive review of the threat of invasive species on native lizard species. Because we are conducting a global analysis, this work will put into context all projects being conducted on invasive species impact to native lizards. Our research will provide valuable information for lizard conservation and the potential for improving coexistence between native species and invasive threats.
Pourya Sardari, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: No Shell-ter Online: Illegal Chelonian Trade in Iran
The expansion of online marketplaces has increased accessibility to the illegal wildlife trade for potential buyers. Among reptiles, turtles and tortoises (chelonians) are among the most frequently traded groups on these platforms. This study monitored Sheypoor, an Iranian online marketplace, from April 29, 2021, to September 10, 2022, using web scraping techniques. Four protected native chelonian species were consistently advertised for sale: Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, Testudo graeca, and Testudo horsfieldii. Additionally, non-native species such as Trachemys scripta and Pelodiscus sinensis were also listed. Over the study period, 2,380 advertisements were recorded, featuring a total of 4,614 individual animals. E. orbicularis was the most frequently listed species, appearing in 42% of advertisements and representing 50% of the total animals, followed by T. graeca, which accounted for 37% of ads and 33% of individuals. Most listings originated from Tehran (29%), Khorasan Razavi (12%), and Mazandaran (11%), provinces that overlap with the distribution range of some of these species. The highest number of advertisements appeared in spring (40%) and summer (34%), while fall (16%) and winter (12%) had fewer listings. These findings reveal a concerning trend in the trade of native turtles and tortoises in Iran, which may pose a threat to wild populations. Although this study provides only a snapshot of the trade, it highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement to curb the illegal sale of native chelonians on digital platforms, particularly in regions and seasons with peak trading activity.
Danial Nayeri, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Opposition to Killing in Conservation is Driven by Perceptions of Harm and Human Culpability
Wildlife are increasingly killed to achieve traditional conservation goals, a practice known as 'killing in the name of conservation' (KITNOC). Yet, public attitudes toward this approach remain largely unexplored. We investigated whether college students' attitudes toward KITNOC are linked to their field of study. To explore this, we surveyed 398 current and recent students from seven major universities in Iran between January and March 2022, spanning environmental science, veterinary science, engineering, and law. The survey included three scenarios: trophy hunting lions, killing free-ranging dogs, and killing pythons. While attitudes varied considerably among the three scenarios and among individuals, there was an overall tendency to oppose KITNOC. Although education in environmental science was linked to attitudes toward KITNOC, the association was not strong enough to produce significant differences between groups with different educational backgrounds. More positive views about KITNOC tended to be held by males and those expressing more support for anthropocentric beliefs – all else being equal. The strongest associations were that opposition to KITNOC was greatest among those who thought it more important than others to consider: (i) less harmful methods of solving the conservation problem, and (ii) that humans, not the animals to be killed, were culpable to the conservation harms. These findings underscore the importance of considering key values when shaping conservation policies that involve lethal measures, highlighting the need for value-based discussions on harm and culpability.
Isabella Szebelledy, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: EXPLORING PLANT-INSECT NETWORKS ASSOCIATED WITH NATIVE GRASSES IN NORTH-TEXAS
Long-term studies show declines in pollinator insect diversity on a global scale, necessitating efforts to improve sustainability of pollinator-plant relationships at local scales. Although primarily wind-pollinated, grasses (Poaceae) may be important for pollinator success by providing nesting structure and an abundant, supplemental floral resource when other floral resources are limited, particularly during drought. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associate with plant roots, uptaking nutrients and priming plant defense, which may influence components of plant reproduction. We seek to assess the efficacy of AMF on pollinator assemblages associated with Texas grasslands by addressing the following objectives: (1) quantify insect pollinator networks associated with a suite of native grasses with AMF infection during the flowering period in North-Central Texas, and (2) assess AMF infection on grass pollen productivity and nutritive value at early and late flowering stages. We designed a randomized split plot under 4 treatment combinations including mycorrhizal inocula (soil treated with mycorrhizae, or fungicide), nutrient load, and five species of native warm-season perennial grasses. We collected soil, pollen, flower visitors, and floral characteristics as well as pollinator visitation, richness, and relative abundance. We also harvested pollen to assay amino acid, crude protein, non-structural carbon, proximate and fiber composition, fatty acids, and micronutrients. In some grasses, we observed reduced pest (herbivore) densities following AMF inoculation, but have little to no effect on beneficial insects (predators and flower visitors).We seek to provide a baseline for understanding aboveground-belowground trophic interactions and guide pollinator conservation initiatives in Texas grassland ecosystems.
Pragya Gupta, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Impact of persistent entomopathogenic nematodes for biocontrol of corn rootworms on non-target arthropods in Texas
Corn rootworms, including western (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and Mexican (D. v. zeae) corn rootworms are major pests of corn, and various control measures, from cultural to chemical, have been used. However, corn rootworms have evolved resistance to all known control methods, including insecticides, cultural control, and Bt corn hybrids. With this growing concern, developing new control methods is important. Biological control with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers a promising and more sustainable alternative that may be incorporated as part of an integrated pest management plan. Persistent EPN strains have been developed to control corn rootworm populations and are now sold commercially. Efforts have focused on the efficacy of these strains for pest control, but no studies have evaluated their potential non-target effects in the corn agroecosystem. This study aimed to evaluate the potential non-target effects of persistent EPN strains applied for corn rootworm control in Texas, focusing on beneficial Carabidae and Araneae and lepidopteran pests. We hypothesized that additions of persistent EPN strains would reduce the abundance of both beneficial and pest non-targets. Results showed that the abundance of beneficial arthropods was not affected, however, EPNs caused higher fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) mortality. The long-term goal of this project is to understand the potential benefits and/or negative impacts of using persistent EPN strains for biocontrol to better inform pest management decisions.
Caitlin Castro, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Degrees of Change: Influencing the Perceived Knowledge, Attitudes, & Behavioral Intentions of Natural Resource College Students & Young Professionals Through an Applied-Learning Curriculum.
While research indicates that education can temporarily evolve environmentally positive behaviors, few studies assess the long-term impact of intrinsic characteristics of a natural resource management curriculum. This study explores the role of an applied and experiential learning-focused curriculum in promoting pro-environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among college students towards environmental management and individual behaviors. To achieve this goal, the study collected data from students in the Texas A&M University Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management (RWFM) senior seminar and recent graduates. Participants completed a three-part quantitative survey, rating statements on a Likert scale regarding their perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions towards natural resource management and pro-environmental practices before and after the program. With consent, follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted to expand on survey responses. Preliminary findings suggest that students view experiential learning and applied activities as key factors in fostering and enhancing their perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions towards natural resource management and personal behaviors. These results support our hypothesis that students view experiential learning and applied activities as the most influential in the development of pro-environmental attitudes, behavioral intentions and a positive change in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions towards natural resource stewardship. The goal for this project is to inform environmental curriculum advancement to integrate experiential and applied learning to best equip future professionals and connect people with nature through meaningful education.
Dave Pearce, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Song of the South: Estimating Northern Bobwhite Quail Abundance Using Passive Acoustic Monitors
Autonomous recording units (ARUs) are being increasingly used in avian research and management due to their ability to survey large spatial extents across long temporal periods. To investigate the efficacy of ARUs for estimating abundance of northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite), we deployed 27 ARUs across La Copita Ranch in southern Texas during bobwhite breeding season from May to July 2024. We used two acoustic classifiers to identify bobwhite calls: BirdNET, an open-source classifier, and BirdSong a bobwhite-specific classifier. We implemented a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate bobwhite abundance that accounted for: 1) false positives, 2) call rate, 3) detection, and 4) factors influencing abundance. We collected 1,249 hours of acoustic data but used 189 hours (14 days); BirdNET detected 860 bobwhite calls and BirdSong detected 7,039 bobwhite calls. To validate the acoustic model, we conducted point counts at 10 sites using mental capture-recapture (MCR) and distance sampling (DS) methods; 68 bobwhites were detected across 4 survey periods. Estimates of abundance between ARU and point count models were variable, but all estimates overlapped between approaches. The most precise estimates were produced from the MCR model, which estimated a mean of 620 [593, 663; credible interval] bobwhites. The DS model estimated 595 bobwhites [486, 716] whereas the ARU BirdNET model estimated 304 bobwhites [132, 704] and the ARU BirdSong model estimated 527 bobwhites [368, 717]. Our findings illustrate that abundance estimates obtained from ARUs are a viable survey method for bobwhites and has implications towards other vocal avian species.
Jenna Turpin, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Tradeoffs during Courtship Displays in Peacocks
There are possible tradeoffs between signaling and thermoregulation in animal behavior. Sexual selection often favors colorful signals that are brightest in the sun but animals may display in the shade to minimize heat stress. Heat stress is becoming more prevalent with climate change. To examine these tradeoffs, we used Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) as a model system because they are an icon of sexual selection and perform courtship displays in a hot environment with shade availability. We hypothesize that peacocks display under lighting conditions that maximize feather coloration and minimize heat stress. We experimentally manipulated the lighting environment and quantified peacocks’ preference for displaying in different lighting environments relative to ambient temperature. We also quantified feather coloration under different lighting environments. Our results will highlight how animals respond to their sensory environment under heat stress.
Myles Wagner, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Community generated data suggests a recent range expansion of the upside-down jellyfish
Tropicalization — the poleward expansion of tropical species into warming subtropical and temperate latitudes — is fundamentally altering marine community structure. While predicting these ecosystem changes requires understanding of how specific species are shifting their ranges, tracking such movements in marine environments presents significant challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of community-generated data for monitoring marine range shifts and to document the potential range expansion of the upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.) in Florida. We analyzed 1,277 observations from iNaturalist (2003-2023) and temperature data from 11 coastal monitoring stations, finding that Cassiopea spp. has recently expanded its range northward in Florida, with consistent populations observed above 27°N latitude since 2021, coinciding with reduced frequency of cold events (temperatures below 15°C). Northern populations exhibited distinct phenotypic differences, including a higher proportion of brown coloration (85.3% vs 55.2-62.7% in other regions) and slender appendages (57.8-67.1% vs 35.2-37.5%). Cassiopea spp. was observed across diverse coastal habitats, suggesting broad environmental tolerance. The average water temperature in colonized northern regions increased by 0.12°C per year, compared to 0.06°C per year in southern regions. This study demonstrates the utility of community-generated data for tracking marine range shifts, reveals phenotypic patterns potentially associated with range expansion, and highlights the value of public databases for monitoring ecosystem responses to global change.�
3 Shannon Harris, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Endosymbiotic Spiroplasma MSRO Confers Resistance to Parasitoid Wasps; Ganaspis sp. and Leptopilina heterotoma, in Drosophila melanogaster
Insects and microbial species have an influential, widespread, and diverse association including endosymbiosis; a persistent interaction between two partners, generally a eukaryotic host and a microbial symbiont that lives inside the host’s body. Facultative persistence of endosymbionts is often accompanied by conferring fitness advantages to the host and/or by host reproductive manipulations such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and male-killing. The heritable facultative symbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii strain that infects D. melanogaster (sMel) induces mortality in larval parasitoid wasps as they develop inside the hosts. Protection against larval parasitoids is not universal across larval parasitoids as several have been determined to be “resistant” to the effects of Spiroplasma. Here we investigate whether Spiroplasma sMel protects against these two previously uncharacterized wasp species: one belonging to the Leptopilina clavipes group and the other belonging to the genus Ganaspis. Spiroplasma poulsonii had a significant negative effect on wasp success for both species and a significantly positive effect on larvae to adult fly survival. Additionally, oviposition frequency showed no significant difference between the two treatments of Ganaspis sp. and Leptopilina clavipes.
Andie Miller, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Host plant association in a generalist caterpillar: the role of strain and nutrition
Speciation occurs when intrinsic or extrinsic factors limit introgression between closely related groups. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major agricultural pest composed of two strains in the intermediate stages of speciation. These strains were historically thought to be host-associated, with the C-strain predominating in corn, sorghum, and cotton, while the R-strain was more commonly associated with pasture grasses and forage plants. However, evidence for strict host association remains inconclusive, as the R-strain frequently co-occurs with the C-strain in crops such as corn, sorghum, and cotton, and host preference and performance assays have failed to reveal consistent strain-specific patterns. To address this long-standing ‘Host Association Hypothesis,’ we take a novel approach by examining the role of nutrition in shaping host plant selection by the strains. Using the Geometric Framework for Nutrition, we investigate how nutritional composition influences feeding regulation strategies, larval and adult fitness, and strain-specific feeding behaviors. Here, we present findings from our nutritional experiments and discuss their implications for the ongoing speciation of S. frugiperda and the sustainable management of this agricultural pest.
1 Dylan Stewart, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Is Anyone There? Resident Conspecifics Influence Behavior of Translocated Desert Bighorn Sheep
Translocation is a primary tool for restoring bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations to their historical range. However, ~50% of reintroductions are considered unsuccessful, necessitating investigation into behavioral strategies of sheep that increase the probability of population establishment. Our objectives were to quantify behavioral states following release and determine behavior-specific habitat selection of translocated desert bighorn sheep (O. c. mexicana) in Sonora, Mexico. We captured and fitted 16 bighorn sheep (9 females, 7 male) with GPS collars in November 2022. We used nonparametric Bayesian methods to identify latent behavioral states, validated behavioral states using social networks and video footage from collars, and predicted habitat selection using a random forest model. We identified three behavioral states: 1) unsettled and settled 2) close or 3) farther away from the release site, but grouped the two settled states for further analyses. On average, female and male bighorn sheep shifted from unsettled to settled states within 4.3 days (± 1.3 SE) and 6.4 days (± 4.0 SE) after the day of translocation, respectively, which was related to when sheep integrated into native herds. Bighorn sheep selected higher elevations when in a settled state, which was not observed when in an unsettled state, because sheep were likely moving more at lower elevations to maximize the viewshed for locating resident conspecifics. Once located, sheep integrated with resident conspecifics at higher elevations. Overall, our results suggest that integration of translocated bighorn sheep into native herds will reduce search time, which may increase the probability of survival.
X Abigail Meeks, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: Mapping Potential Recreational Disturbance to Waterbirds on Texas’ Coast
The number of people inhabiting and visiting global coastal regions has increased in the last fifty years along with recreational disturbance to avian species, contributing to a decrease in bird populations. While most recreationists believe that mortality is the only type of harmful disturbance, direct and indirect anthropogenic activities as well as natural occurrences, such as storms, can cause stress to nesting birds, induce nest abandonment, and increase energy expenditure, but may also negatively impact species populations. Proximity to anthropogenic disturbance sources indicates an increase in indirect disturbances. Previous literature has demonstrated a need to understand spatial relations between recreationists and rookery islands in order to mitigate colonial waterbird disturbance. We analyzed data from a participatory mapping survey instrument and publicly available ArcGIS layers to establish reasonable estimates of disturbance potential of rookery islands. Findings indicate that most rookeries are within two miles of a potential disturbance source. Additionally, there are hotspots of potential disturbances grouped around two metropolitan areas, Corpus Christi and Galveston, with a cold spot cluster near the Upper Laguna Madre. Waterbird managers can use the spatial relation of disturbance locations to identify areas of concern or areas to prioritize when considering rookery island conservation and placement.
Alyssa Voss, 12 Minute Oral Presentation
Title: National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON): Open Data and Samples for Understanding Changing Ecosystems
NEON data use" + table during poster session�To answer pressing questions in ecology and understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, researchers need data collected consistently across long time scales. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle, is a continental-scale observatory that collects long-term, open access ecological data from 81 field sites located across the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and Hawaii over a 30-year timeframe. NEON collects data at both terrestrial and aquatic sites through three data collection systems: Airborne Remote Sensing, Automated Instruments, and Observational Sampling. Collection methods are standardized to ensure long-term comparability of patterns and processes spatially and temporally. All samples and data collected by NEON are publicly available and can be accessed digitally through the NEON website. By providing free and open standardized data—along with data analysis tools, tutorials, and educational resources—NEON is engaged in the global effort to expand the scope of science and make scientific data access easier for all. This presentation will introduce NEON and demonstrate the resources available to access and use NEON data and samples for research, curriculum development, or land management. The presentation will highlight examples of NEON data and sample use in organismal and habitat research and provide an overview of NEON’s research support services, which makes available certain components of NEON’s infrastructure to members of the community to support their own research or other activities.