Other projects

Invasive emergent wetland grasses have root systems capable of altering hydrology and structural stability of soils, modifying ecosystem functions, and changing community dynamics and species richness. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify ecological alterations and the efficacy of management following the invasion of Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis, two common and pervasive invaders in coastal wetlands. Evidence from our analyses indicates that management practices may not adequately promote recovery from invasion, but more data are needed to fully assess management efficacy.

Wails, C. N., K. Baker, R. Blackburn, A. Del Valle, J. Heise, H. Herakovich, W. A. Holthuijzen, M. P. Nissenbaum, L. Rankin, K. Savage, J. P. Vanek, and H. P. Jones. 2021. Assessing changes to ecosystem structure and function following invasion by Spartina and Phragmites: A meta-analysis. Biological Invasions. doi: 10.1007/s10530-021-02540-5

Plumage color of Northern Saw-whet Owls Aegolius acadicus was strongly associated with body condition and may be used to distinguish the highest quality individuals. Relationships between eye colour and body condition were more complex and deserve further study.

Wails, C. N., S. A. Oswald, J. M. Arnold, and S. Weidensaul. 2019. The best dressed are less stressed: Associations between colouration and body condition in a North American owl. Bird Study 65(4):505-515. doi: 10.1080/00063657.2018.1560392