Meeting Abstract

72.4  Sunday, Jan. 6  Physiological Effects of Road Proximity in Florida Scrub-Jays ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ) MORGAN, G.M.*; SCHOECH, S.J.; Univ. of Memphis gmmorgan@memphis.edu

Extended durations of stress can negatively affect the physiology of an organism by influencing the efficacy of several processes, including the stress response, energy allocation and immune function. Stress can also influence behavior on multiple levels. Disturbance associated with roads and human activity is a cause of stress in many avian species. This is especially important for threatened species such as the Florida Scrub-Jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ), whose specific habitat is limited due to development. We studied the effects of roads on the stress response in Florida Scrub-Jays by comparing jays living in natural and roadside habitats. We quantified baseline circulating levels of the stress hormone corticosterone as a short-term indication of stress. We collected feathers to measure nutritional uptake as an intermediate indication of stress. We also collected blood smears and calculated heterophil/lymphocyte ratios to measure immune system response as a long-term indication of stress. In 2006, roadside jays had higher levels of baseline corticosterone than interior jays. Feather quality and growth did not differ between roadside and interior jays, suggesting that there was no difference in energy allocation. There was also no difference in heterophil/lymphocyte ratios, suggesting that there is no effect of road proximity on immune function. These results suggest that, while living near roads may increase baseline stress levels in the scrub-jay, there is no chronic negative effect of roads on immune system response, nutrient processing, or condition in this species.