The Potential of Ecologists to Enhance our Understanding of Seabird Health

Authors

Melanie R. Wells, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of TasmaniaFollow
Annie Philips
Mary-Anne Lea
Scott Carver

Abstract

Ecologists play a pivotal role in the detection and investigation of population changes in seabirds and by doing so have significant potential to contribute to enhancing knowledge of seabird health. This review highlights key examples in the literature where ecologists have employed diligent passive health surveillance and/or undertaken targeted investigations of seabirds, strategies that have augmented our knowledge of seabird health at individual and population levels. Within the context of One Health, an integrated approach to perceiving and managing health, this review amalgamates veterinarian and ecology disciplines by summarising auxiliary metrics of clinical health that may be considered for incorporation into ongoing fieldwork. A focus on effective surveillance will advance understanding of disease processes impacting seabird health.

DOI

http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.51.1.1504

Creative Commons License

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Recommended Citation

Wells, Melanie R.; Philips, Annie; Lea, Mary-Anne; and Carver, Scott (2023) "The Potential of Ecologists to Enhance our Understanding of Seabird Health," Marine Ornithology: Vol. 51 : Iss. 1 , Article 6.
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.51.1.1504
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/marine_ornithology/vol51/iss1/6