Thesis and Dissertation Announcements

Dissertation Proposal Defense

A Comprehensive Study of Breeding Biology and Behavior of the Critically Endangered White-Bellied Heron Ardea insignis to Support Conservation and Population Reinforcement

Major Advisor: Dr. M. Clay Green

Committee Members:

• Dr. Joseph A. Veech
• Dr. Leila Siciliano-Martina
• Dr. Michelle L. Stantial
• Dr. Jonathan Cohen

Zoom Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/j/81178335937pwd=8mTeKbGvsRCzejHChLkMbKTDfbnYYP.1 
Meeting ID: 811 7833 5937
Passcode: 183738

Abstract: The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is a critically endangered species that poses a significant global conservation concern. Despite ongoing conservation efforts throughout its range, the population continues to decline. Bhutan has made substantial investments in conservation, including the establishment of a captive breeding center, to help protect this species. Previous research indicates a staggering 60% reduction in suitable habitat across its range, which now spans less than 165,000 square kilometers. This continuous population decline is alarming and necessitates more in-depth research. Therefore, I plan to conduct a comprehensive assessment and mapping of the major threats facing the White-bellied Heron and its habitats in Bhutan. By mapping and quantifying these threats, I aim to understand their impact on both population dynamics and the overall survival of the species. Additionally, the breeding population is extremely limited, with only three known active nests in Bhutan representing the only known successful breeding pair in the world. The second phase of my research will focus on the breeding biology and behavior of the species, including how ecological and environmental factors influence breeding behavior and success rates. I plan to employ a mixed-methods approach that includes field observation, remote camera surveillance, and a review of historical breeding data. This will allow me to address knowledge gaps regarding the spatial distribution and severity of threats, and how the herons are responding to these impacts. The findings from my research are expected to not only enhance our understanding of the species but also contribute to refining captive breeding procedures, improving chick rearing in captivity, and informing conservation strategies.

Bio: Indra Acharja is from Bhutan, and his research interests include avian ecology, biology, and freshwater ecosystems. Before joining Texas State, Indra worked at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (www.rspnbhutan.org), a conservation NGO in Bhutan leading the WBH conservation, captive breeding, and research. Indra holds a Master of Forest Science (2019) from the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, USA, an M. Sc. Forestry (2014) from Forest Research Institute (FRI) University, India, and a bachelor’s degree in Life Science (2012) from Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan. Indra is a member of the WBH IUCN-SSC Working Group and also a National Geographic Explorer and has received several grants and awards, including National Geographic Explorer Grants and the Andrew Sabin International Environmental Fellowship.

Dissertation Defense

Human Dimensions of Recreational Disturbance of Waterbirds

Major Advisor: Dr. Christopher Serenari

Committee Members:

• Dr. Elena Rubino, University of Arkansas at Monticello
• Dr. Clay Green, Texas State University
• Dr. Leila Siciliano-Martina, Texas State University
• Dr. Anthony Deringer, Texas State University

Zoom Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/j/84508174574pwd=KI3aYIyazF3rlX91o23EIyW13wW2ik.1
Meeting ID: 84508174574          Passcode: 721634

Abstract: The number of people living and visiting global coastal regions has increased in the last fifty years. During this time, recreational disturbance to avian species has increased due to human development and activities, decreasing bird populations. Waterbirds are most sensitive to human disturbance because of the sensitivity of coastal habitats. Texas is home to approximately 139 waterbird species, which are crucial for the environment and primarily nest off the coast on rookery islands. This dissertation employed a social science survey design to address the decline in Texas waterbird populations and efforts to reduce their disturbance while filling knowledge gaps concerning the nexus of recreation and bird activity. A quantitative survey was administered to groups most likely to disturb waterbirds and occurred in person, via push-to-web postcards, and email. Spatial and regression analysis evaluated relationships between potential disturbance sources and proximity to rookery islands, potential compliance and charisma, and potential compliance and self-governance. Spatial hotspot analysis combined participatory mapping and publicly available ArcGIS layers to establish reasonable estimates of the disturbance potential to rookery islands. Findings indicate hotspots of potential disturbances grouped around two metropolitan areas, Corpus Christi, and Galveston, with a cold spot cluster near the Upper Laguna Madre. Findings also revealed that recreationists’ potential to self-govern was high and underpinned by trust in other recreationists, which was positively related to the perceived stated compliance of others. Thus, this research suggests the need to stimulate self-governance among Texas coastal recreationists. Doing so will require activating and engaging social norms and group behavior to improve compliance. Finally, an analysis of how the non-charismatic nature of waterbirds influenced stated compliance demonstrated that birds’ likeability did not significantly impact recreationists’ intention to comply with management actions. The belief that there are enough regulations for waterbirds had a significant negative impact on indicated compliance. From this dissertation we draw least three major implications. One, bird conservation managers such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department can use findings from chapter one to prioritize areas where disturbance is more likely to occur. Second, self-governance findings provide a pathway to alterations of recreationist’s norms through peer networks. Lastly, the third chapter on charisma revealed the pathway for developing a connection to waterbirds. Overall, this dissertation seeks to provide managers insight into pathways for long-term grassroots waterbird conservation and ensure these birds are around for future generations.

Bio: Abigail is from Virginia and graduated with her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in Animal Science before getting her Master’s degree in Wildlife Science at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Her love of the outdoors coupled with her desire to work with wildlife, led her to focus on human dimensions of wildlife for her master’s and PhD. She is supported by her lab, friends, and family on this academic journey. Her goal is to continue working in conservation research and has been pursuing opportunities to achieve that goal.