The Effects of Urban Fragmentation and Landscape Connectivity on Disease Prevalence and Transmission in North American Felids

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The objective of this study is to model the effects of urbanization and resultant habitat fragmentation on disease dynamics in large carnivore species--ecologically pivotal organisms that are sensitive to human disturbances. Bobcats, puma, and domestic cats will be evaluated simultaneously in three divergent ecosystems: high mountain desert (Colorado), everglades (Florida), and Mediterranean scrub habitat (California). The research will: (1) assess the relationship between habitat fragmentation and prevalence of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens across a gradient of urbanization, (2) use transmission dynamics of selected disease agents as markers of connectivity of fragmented populations, and (3) evaluate the effect of urbanization on the incidence of cross-species disease transmission. The combination of a uniquely qualified research team with an extensive dataset on large carnivores presents an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the disease dynamics in these rare and difficult to study species. Training of graduate students in ecology, infectious disease, and epidemiology will be emphasized, as will training for pre- and post-doctoral veterinarians. Results will be made widely available to other scientists, conservation practitioners, and the general public. This research has a tremendous capacity to broadly impact areas of public and post-graduate education, career development for new investigators and persons from under-represented groups, and to enhance understanding of complex infectious disease ecological problems using extensive multi-disciplinary collaborations.