Dr. Raoul K. Boughton; Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Bachelor Applied Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

Research Interests:

Avian biology; Ecoimmunology; Disease Ecology; Energetics; Endocrinology; Life History

I am interest in the physiological systems that allow organisms to survive and reproduce in their ever changing environments. I focus on birds as a study organism and am particularly interested in the consequences of disease and associated immune response on reproductive effort, and survival. It has long been hypothesized that a trade-off exists between reproduction and survival; however, the mechanisms that mediate reproductive effort and subsequent survival have been elusive. The immune system may act as a physiological link of the trade-off between reproduction and survival. The key point being while immune system activation during reproduction will likely increase survival, it uses energetic resources that could be directed toward increasing reproductive output. This assumes that immune defense is costly and individuals that optimally regulate this defense balance fecundity and survival, and in turn maximize fitness. Thus, the link between immune function, reproductive success and survival is an important area of study if we are to understand variations in fitness.

I conduct most of my work on a wild bird; the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (FSJ, Aphelocoma coerulscens). The FSJ is a cooperative species where 50% of breeding pairs have at least one helper, co-existing in a permanent territory, which does not breed at all. The cooperative system has allowed me to investigate immune responses in adults that breed compared to those that don’t. I also investigate seasonal variation in immune response, development of immune response with age, and variation of immune response between habitats.

The evolution of immune system to combat disease and infection is of critical importance in many populations. Unfortunately disease in wild populations is understudied and this is also true of Florida Scrub-Jays. As scientist we have little knowledge of current or historic exposures to disease. I have been collecting information on parasites and disease afflicting Florida Scrub-jays. This led to the discovery of an introduced flea that causes anemia in adult FSJs, and that FSJs are commonly infected with a microfilaria of a heart worm (Cardifilaria inornata). Sadly but exciting for a disease ecologist is that the FSJ population recently had a probable arbovirus outbreak. We are undertaking a study to isolate the virus and vector, to try and understand epizootic events in this population. Follow the Current Projects link for more information on all my research.