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Oiled wildlife response
and rehabilitation continues to be a growing and fast changing
field. It is exciting and challenging at the same time. We
feel strongly that the people involved in any profession are
responsible for advancing their field. Therefore, research
devoted to improving this profession is consistent and remains
an important aspect of IBRRC.
See: Recent research
papers
IBRRC's research program primarily focuses on
improving the field of oiled wildlife care and response and
the general rehabilitation of aquatic birds through practical
application of new techniques, clinical trials and post release
studies. We also work with other wildlife experts and specialists
on many projects.
Current research projects include: revising and
developing new sea bird diets, developing protocol for the
control of airborne fungal disease in oiled birds, long term
alcid rehabilitation techniques, improved caging for difficult
species (loons and grebes) assisting avian specialists in
post release radio telemetry studies on rehabilitated oiled
birds and collecting blood normals for each species.
Much of our knowledge on oiled bird care is learned
during actual spill responses where many animals are presented
for our care. This type of research could be termed opportunistic
since we are given the immediate (How
oil effects birds) opportunity to apply new techniques
and gain information on managing large numbers of birds. Our
research is always passive in the sense that no bird is ever
sacrificed in the name of research. Our goal is to continually
improve the science of oiled wildlife rehabilitation.
Oil ingested by wildlife can damage internal organs
such as the liver and kidneys, as well as destroying tissue
in the digestive system. The development of medical treatments
that can reverse these effects are crucial to insure the survival
of the animal. This is an area where IBRRC focuses much of
its attention.
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