Gauging Health Impact of Artificial Rearing in Whooping Cranes

Many threatened and endangered species are captive bred to help improve species recovery efforts. The rearing of whooping crane chicks by humans is an example of this practice. Studies show human-raised chicks exhibit higher rates of respiratory infections and altered diversity of gut bacteria compared to parent-raised chicks. Researchers will compare immune function and gut microbiome communities in artificially and parent-reared birds. The team also will investigate if artificially reared birds would benefit from microbial transplants from adult birds to improve their overall health.