Cody Edwards, Associate Professor, Biology; Associate Provost, received funding for the study: "Assessing genomic consequences of invasive black rat colonization and eradication on an endemic insular rodent."
Edwards has four objectives for this research.
First, he aims to quantify functional and neutral genetic diversity of Channel Island deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus subspp.) on Anacapa Island, San Miguel Island, and Santa Rosa Island at time points from 1892 to 2004.
Second, he intends to evaluate whether the 2004 Anacapa Island P. maniculatus population, collected after the Channel Islands National Park Services eradicated the black rat (Rattus rattus) on the island, is less genetically diverse compared to historic levels pre-eradication (1940, 1978).
Third, he aims to evaluate whether the 1939 San Miguel Island P. maniculatus population, collected after the 1900s introduction of the black rat, is less genetically diverse compared with pre-introduction levels (1892).
Finally, he hopes to determine whether rat eradication with a native rodent present is a viable conservation strategy by comparing genomic consequences of eradication on Anacapa Island, colonization on San Miguel Island, and baseline P. maniculatus diversity levels on Santa Rosa Island, which has no historical or current black rat presence, as a control group.
Edwards received $2,450 from the American Wildlife Conservation Foundation for this project. Funding began in March 2022 and will end in late July 2023.
###
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu .
The College of Science at George Mason University
Mason’s College of Science is a leader in scientific discovery and a creator of innovative solutions for the rapidly-changing needs of today’s world. The college prides itself in being home to a diverse population of students and researchers serving as a magnet for all scientific minds. With new discoveries, our scientists continue to grow Mason’s portfolio of patents, licenses, partnerships, and spin off companies.
The college blends traditional science education with sought-after programs at all levels to challenge and engage in disciplines including personalized medicine, infectious diseases, drug discovery, climate dynamics, environmental justice and conservation, materials science, astronomy, forensic science, computational science, and applied mathematics. Mason’s College of Science offers enhanced undergraduate and graduate academic and research opportunities, including innovative minors, certificates, and graduate degrees, that allow professionals to upskill or change careers. Learn more at science.gmu.edu .