Research
Overview:
My scientific research primarily examines the relationship between wildlife (mainly birds and mammals) and the chemistry of their environments, generally in the context of anthropogenic change. However, I have a broad interest in ecology, wildlife, biogeochemistry, human-wildlife interactions, and conservation.
Animals in earth’s elemental cycles
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How do animals shape ecosystems via their impacts on nutrient cycling?
The capacity for animals to store, recycle, and disperse nutrients (such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium) within and between ecosystems is increasingly recognized as critical to biosphere functioning. However, predicting these roles at varying scales remains challenging. My current research aims to improve the way we quantify and understand animal contributions to biogeochemical cycling and its implications for terrestrial ecosystems.
Relevant publications:
• Abraham, A.J, Doughty, C., Plummer, K., and Duvall. E.S. 2024. Supplementary bird feeding as an overlooked contribution to local phosphorus cycles. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2793
• Abraham, A., Duvall, E.S., Ferraro, K., Webster, A., Doughty, C., le Roux, E., and D. Ellis-Soto. (2022). Understanding anthropogenic impacts on zoogeochemistry is essential for ecological restoration. Restoration Ecology https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13778
Wildlife nutrient deficiency and supplementation
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How does nutrient limitation effect wild animals and their roles in ecosystems?
Animals face many challenges for survival in the wild, including the acquisition of essential nutrients needed to grow, survive, and reproduce. My research examines the causes and consequences of nutrient deficiency in mammals and birds. I am particularly fascinated by how herbivorous animals adapt to sodium deficiency, and how such adaptations influence animal roles in ecosystem processes. I am also interested in how birds cope with high calcium requirements needed to lay eggs and grow remarkably fast in the wild. I combine field and modeling approaches to estimate animal nutrition, deficiency, and subsequent responses.
Relevant publications:
• Duvall, E., Griffiths, B., Clauss, M., and A. Abraham (2023). Allometry of sodium requirements and mineral lick use among herbivorous mammals. Oikos https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.10058
• Abraham A., Duvall, E., le Roux, E., Ganswindt, A., Clauss, M., Doughty, C., and A. Webster (2023) Anthropogenic supply of nutrients in a wildlife reserve may compromise conservation success. Biological Conservation https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110149
• Duvall, E. Hoeneisen, N., Suárez, E., and A. Flecker (2024) Geophagy by a large herbivore (capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) driven by a human sodium supply. Biotropica https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.13314
Animal responses to changing resource availability
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How do wildlife communities respond to changing resource availability?
Humans have altered ecosystems at every corner of our planet. Wildlife populations must now adapt to dynamic changes in the relative abundance, accessability, and quality of food resources. My research examines how animals respond to anthropogenic changes in resource availability (e.g., food, nutrients) and anthropogenic resource subsidies.
Relevant publications:
• Abraham A., Duvall, E., le Roux, E., Ganswindt, A., Clauss, M., Doughty, C., and A. Webster (2023) Anthropogenic supply of nutrients in a wildlife reserve may compromise conservation success. Biological Conservation https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110149
• Duvall, E. (2022). Spatiotemporal responses of bald eagles to changes in salmon carcass availability in the Pacific Northwest. Northwest Science Vol 95. https://doi.org/10.3955/046.095.0306
Human-wildlife interactions and animal conservation
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How can humans and wildlife co-exist sustainably?
In order to find solutions to biodiversity decline, we must find ways in which humans and wildlife can co-exist. I am increasingly interested in understanding social barriers to animal restoration (rewilding) and working directly with people on the front lines of wildlife conservation.
Relevant publications:
• Duvall, E., Schwabe, E., and K. Steensma (2023). A win-win between farmers and an apex-predator: investigating the relationship between bald eagles and dairy farms. Ecosphere https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4456
