Geological Survey

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Science Center (ASC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research characterizing the physiological stress response of polar bears to a changing environment. Specifically, the objectives are to 1) identify the needs and analytical abilities required to measure cortisol levels in different sample types obtained from southern Beaufort Sea polar bears and 2) develop cortisol profiles for the various sample types. The southern Beaufort and subpopulation of polar bears has experienced sea ice loss during summer and a decline in some population vital rates. An eventual analysis of potential habitat-mediated stress effects can reveal the degree of plasticity present in polar bears in the southern Beaufort subpopulation and elucidate the potential for their long-term persistence. However, in order to reach that eventuality, important foundational work is needed to characterize the presence of stress hormones in various sample types

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Faith Graves, 703-648-7356<br/>fgraves@usgs.gov<br/>
fgraves@usgs.gov