Upcoming Events
MS Thesis Defense - Environmental Science and Policy
Jul 1, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid: Exploratory Hall 3301 or virtual (contact espgrad@gmu.edu for Zoom meeting info)
MS Thesis
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: KImberly Todd
Defense Date and Time: July 1, 2024 at 11:00am
Defense Location: Hybrid - Exploratory Hall 3301 and virtual
Title: Translocating swift foxes (Vulpes velox): Insights on personality, stress, and success
Thesis Director: Dr. Elizabeth Freeman
Committee: Dr. David Luther, Dr. Hila Shamon, Dr. Nucharin Songsasen
ABSTRACT
Conservation translocations—the intentional movement of organisms from one site to another—can bolster species and ecosystem recovery but are prone to failure due to low post-release survival. More research is needed to understand how individual characteristics like behavior and physiology contribute to translocation outcomes. We investigate relationships among bold (risk-taking) personality, biomarkers of stress, post-release movement, and survival using an ongoing swift fox (Vulpes velox) reintroduction program as a case study. Our research is the first to incorporate stress physiology into swift fox conservation measures and can inform future translocations for other species of conservation concern.