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Scientific Research and Information Gathering
ardea consulting compiles
information on birds and other wildlife from published literature before
suggesting additional studies. We also research topics involving ecotoxicology
or wildlife biology and provide a concise summary of the existing information
for regulatory or legal proceedings. Where no data are available to
address an issue, we design and perform the necessary studies to fill
data gaps.
Program/Study
Design
ardea consulting
assists in the design of sample collection schemes and advises on avian
and other wildlife observations necessary to meet the objectives of
the study. ardea consultants ensure:
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Adequate
sample size and number; |
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Proper
sample timing and intervals; |
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Appropriate
sample handling and preparation; |
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Sufficient
observations; |
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The
use of standard observation techniques. |
ardea
consulting
remains available for follow-up consultations regarding evaluations
on all aspects of avian and other wildlife toxicology and ecotoxicology.
Project
Management
When ardea consulting
contracts laboratory studies to third parties, ardea
tracks the status of the studies, drafts reports and provides evaluations
of the completed studies. If needed, studies are designed to meet the
requirements of governmental agencies with regulatory or legal jurisdiction.
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Sample
Projects: |
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Project
#1: |
Problem:
A federal agency required a literature review providing
natural history information and habitat requirements of
more than 80 amphibian, bird, mammal and reptile species
of concern.
Solution: A literature search was performed.
Result: A report was prepared documenting species
habitat requirements and management needs as well as impacts
from human disturbance, fire, roads and logging. |
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Project
#2: |
Problem: A client was developing a corn seed treatment and needed to know what bird species could consume the treated corn in freshly planted corn fields throughout the lower 48 states of the US.
Solution: Two reports were drafted.
Result: One analysis narrowed the list of possible birds from 587 total species occurring in corn-growing counties to the 22 species most likely to consume freshly planted or spilled corn seeds. The second report focused on gallinaceous birds and described their habits and diets to assess the likelihood of consuming treated corn seeds at planting time. |
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Project
#3: |
Problem:
A non-profit organization was interested in environmental
and toxicity data on a list of newly registered pesticides.
Solution: A literature search and review of
U.S. EPA databases and Canadian Pesticide Regulatory Management
Agency publications were conducted.
Result: Pesticide summaries
were developed that included ecotoxicity data, mammalian
toxicity data, environmental fate information and chemical
characteristics. |
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Previous
experience: Dr. Sullivan has conducted laboratory
research to evaluate the effects of contaminants on avian
reproduction and the development of nonlethal sampling
techniques relating levels of contamination to reduced
reproduction.
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