Comparative ecophysiology of vertebrates in the wild and in captivity and their study using non-invasive techniques

• Grant number: 19/04966-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: October 20, 2019
• End date: November 29, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Erika Hingst-Zaher
• Grantee: Erika Hingst-Zaher
• Visiting researcher: Kathleen Ellen Hunt
• Visiting researcher institution: Northern Arizona University, United States
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dr. Kathleen Hunt of Northern Arizona University (USA) is a vertebrate endocrinologist with particular expertise in the evaluation of stress in captive vertebrates, with particular focus on assessment of stress and reproduction of mammals, birds and reptiles in the wild and in the captive environment. Her work has been centered in developing and applying innovative techniques for ecophysiology studies using non invasive sample types. These techniques allow measurement of hormones in non-plasma sample types, many of which can be collected without stressing the animal - feces, claw, and shed skins in the case of reptiles, and fur, feather, or respiratory vapor for birds and mammals. In addition, museum specimens of some of these sample types can enable us to "look back in time" decades or even centuries, to compile information on stress and reproduction in past populations as compared to present populations, or in wild populations as compared to captive ones.During her visit, Dr. Hunt will (1) work on ongoing projects with Dr. Hingst-Zaher and other researchers at Instituto Butantan; (2) prepare one of the laboratories at Instituto Butantan to conduct analyses on vertebrate endocrinology, (3) collect and analyze samples of snake skins, feathers and whale baleens; (4) teach a graduate hands-on course that will allow the students to learn about sample selection and processing, data analysis and interpretation; (5) give a series of talks at the University of São Paulo (USP) and at the Universities of the State of São Paulo (UNESP) at Jaboticabal and Rio Claro; and (6) establish collaboration with other researchers and students. (AU)