Airport wildlife biologists play a critical role in understanding, monitoring, and mitigating interactions between aviation and wildlife. Having a laboratory equipped with the right tools help airport wildlife biologists to better understand what species are involved in aircraft strikes and consequently help to shape more informed and targeted mitigation measures in the airport vicinity.
1. Bird / Wildlife Identification Resources
Bird strikes pose a significant risk to aviation safety and airport wildlife biologist laboratories should be equipped with resources for bird identification. These include local bird and wildlife field guides, databases of bird anatomical information (open-access database such as AVONET is particularly useful), and even avian taxidermy specimens if possible. These resources aid in identifying and understanding local bird and wildlife populations.
2. Feather Library
A feather library is a valuable resource in an airport wildlife biologist laboratory. When bird carcasses or feathers are retrieved from a runway, this library can serve as a comprehensive archive of avian specimens, aiding in the identification of the species retrieved. The library allows wildlife biologists to compare and identify feathers found in the vicinity, helping in the assessment of local bird populations and potential risks associated with bird strikes. The feathers can be categorized by size, pattern, colour, and feather type and organized in a database. Feathers, being unique to each species, provide a wealth of information regarding the presence, diversity, and behaviour of birds. Having a laboratory equipped with the right tools help airport wildlife biologists to lessen bird strikes, manage wildlife habitats, and implement mitigation measures in the airport vicinity.
3. Climate-controlled Freezers
Freezers play a crucial role in an airport wildlife biologist laboratory due to the necessity of preserving biological specimens for research and analysis. Samples, whether it be animal carcasses involved in a strike or something as small as blood or tissue samples, can be collected and preserved in the freezer. Freezers serve as essential storage units, maintaining the integrity of these samples by preventing degradation and preserving their molecular structure. This preservation is vital for conducting accurate and meaningful analyses over time. By having the capability to store specimens, airport wildlife biologist laboratories can build up and ensure a complete airport wildlife database.
4. Microscopy Stations
A microscope station provides airport wildlife biologists with a look at small or microscopic organisms crucial for ecological studies. The station allows for detailed examination of samples collected from the environment, ranging from insect surveys to close looks at different feathers or other organic material. In order for an airport to reduce the numbers of insectivores birds, they may want to use insecticides to reduce the insect population in their airport. The microscopic analyses of insects in the airport can contribute to understanding the relationships between the airport environment and the small organisms inhabiting or interacting with these spaces.
5. Gut Analysis Samples
Gut analysis samples are preserved in ethanol and kept in containers in an airport wildlife biologist laboratory. These samples provide insights into the dietary habits, health, and ecological interactions of the birds or other wildlife in the airport. Gut analysis samples are extracted from the digestive tracts of animals, provide valuable information about the types of food consumed, potential bioaccumulation of contaminants, and overall nutritional patterns. While dissecting, it is crucial to take samples from the crop and gizzard of each species. Dissection scalpels, vernier calipers, and other various measuring tools are used during dissections and to collect data on bird measurements to compare against open access databases for species ID. Understanding the dietary preferences of wildlife is paramount for mitigating the risks associated with bird strikes and assessing the impact of airport environments on local fauna. By studying the contents of animal digestive tracts, airport wildlife biologists can make informed decisions regarding habitat management and the food sources of airport fauna.
Summary
The inside of an airport wildlife biologist laboratory consists of specialized tools and resources essential for the crucial role these biologists play in maintaining a balance between aviation and wildlife ecosystems. Together, these components form an infrastructure that allows airport wildlife biologists to make informed decisions, contributing to safer aviation practices around airport environments.
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