MEDIA ALERT: DENVER/June 25, 2024 — Morris Animal Foundation announced funding for five significant wildlife studies to protect animals in sagebrush and grassland ecosystems.
“Sagebrush and grassland ecosystems are found worldwide and play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and ecological balance,” said Dr. Lara Croft, Veterinary Scientist at Morris Animal Foundation. “By funding these studies, we aim to better understand and protect the health of animals within these vital habitats."
This call for proposals encompassed two award types:
Established Investigator: designed for researchers with a track record of expertise demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
Pilot Study: designed to fund proof-of-concept studies within the realm of animal health research
Grant recipients and their topics are:
- Dr. Nicole Nemeth, University of Georgia — Researchers will collect data on avian influenza (bird flu) in birds of prey, including infection prevalence, survivability and immunological responses of these birds, to help better manage and combat future outbreaks.
- Dr. Laura Adamovicz, University of Illinois — Researchers are studying the health status and disease threats to wild ornate box turtles to help inform conservation efforts.
- Dr. Georgia Titcomb, Colorado State University — Researchers will implement a bird flu surveillance program for vultures in Africa in collaboration with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of the top vulture health and conservation leaders.
- Dr. Allison Sacerdote-Velat, Chicago Academy of Sciences — Researchers will assess threats from industrial heavy metals and emerging fungal disease in smooth green snakes to inform land management and grassland conservation efforts.
- Dr. Laura Brannelly, University of Melbourne, Australia — Researchers will identify what environmental factors are allowing the endangered growling grass frog to persist near quarries after severe declines in their natural habitats and waterbodies in hopes of saving the species.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $160 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Lindsey Washington
