BAS Monthly Meeting: Microplastics and Crested Caracaras

UTSA graduate student Alexis Baum will present a program in person about microplastics (<5mm), an emerging threat that has deleterious impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. However, little research has examined the exposure of terrestrial birds to microplastics, and it is unknown how urbanization relates. This study aims to investigate terrestrial birds’ exposure to microplastics by examining gastrointestinal contents and the correlation between ecological traits such as foraging type and microplastic loads. We also will compare microplastic exposure of terrestrial birds across an urban gradient using Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) as a model system.

We will meet in person at Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo Street, or you can watch from home via Zoom.