Research News
GRAPHING THE GUANO
Researchers from Queen’s University, the University of Ottawa and Memorial University of Newfoundland used a novel methodology to better understand how populations of Leach’s storm-petrels (Oceanodroma
leucorhoa) have changed over the centuries on a small island off Newfoundland. In a new paper, the team describes delving into lake sediments to track 1,700 years of fecal matter. Their method may offer other researchers a way to get long-term data on bird populations.
WOLVERINES VS. ODDBALLS
“Oddball” is the nickname of a mysterious new parasitic worm (Trichinella chanchalensis) that seems to be related to a decline in northern Canadian wolverine populations. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have noted that the worm’s range is limited to the areas in which wolverines are declining. They are searching for the link. For more, visit news.usask.ca.