Invasive Parasites and Darwin's Finches: Effects of an Introduced Nest Fly (Philornis Downsi) on the Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis)

入侵寄生虫和达尔文雀：引进的巢蝇 (Philornis Downsi) 对中地雀 (Geospiza fortis) 的影响

• 批准号: 0816877
• 负责人: Dale Clayton
• 金额: $ 50.01万
• 依托单位: University of Utah
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-08-01 至 2013-09-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0816877&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Invasive; Parasites; Darwin; Finches; Effects

Darwin?s Finches of the Galápagos Islands are one of the most famous examples of evolution by natural selection. Unfortunately, several species of these evolutionary icons have recently come under serious threat from an introduced species of parasitic fly (Philornis downsi). This pest, which was probably accidentally introduced from mainland Central or South America, may have devastating effects on host reproductive success. The endangered Mangrove Finch and other species may be at risk of extinction if a way to combat the fly is not found. The goal of our study is to carefully measure the impact of this invasive parasite on Medium ground finches, and test whether the birds are able to mount immune responses to the flies, or defend themselves in other ways. This study will provide critical data to inform decisions by management personnel of the Galápagos National Park, which is responsible for the welfare of Galápagos native fauna and flora. The project will provide interdisciplinary training for a postdoc, a Ph.D. student, Ecuadorian volunteers, and several undergrad students in host-parasite evolutionary ecology, behavior, immunology, and conservation biology.

达尔文？加拉帕戈斯群岛的雀是自然选择进化的最著名的例子之一。 不幸的是，这些进化图标中的几个物种最近受到一种寄生蝇（Philornis downsi）的严重威胁。 这种害虫可能是偶然从中美洲或南美洲大陆引入的，可能对宿主的繁殖成功产生破坏性影响。 如果不找到对付这种苍蝇的方法，濒危的红树林雀和其他物种可能面临灭绝的危险。我们研究的目的是仔细测量这种入侵寄生虫对中地雀的影响，并测试鸟类是否能够对苍蝇产生免疫反应，或以其他方式保护自己。 这项研究将提供关键数据，为负责加拉帕戈斯本土动物群和植物群福祉的加拉帕戈斯国家公园管理人员的决策提供信息。 该项目将为博士后、博士和研究生提供跨学科培训。学生、厄瓜多尔志愿者和几名本科生，他们学习宿主-寄生虫进化生态学、行为学、免疫学和保护生物学。