Alicia Anderson
Abstract
Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) are a critically endangered species. In this study, we will test stable isotope levels of D/H, 18O/16O, and 34S/32S that are assimilated in sun bear hair, feces, and urine to determine if consumption of mealworms, the larval stage of Tenebrio molitor, or house crickets, Achetus domesticus, can be differentiated isotopically by measuring sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopes in the bear’s substrates. We started by collecting food and hair samples from the different bears in the study in order to establish a baseline isotope ratio that we can compare with our future studies. In order to acquire the isotope ratios, hair and food samples were ground or cut into small sections that will be run through a mass spectrometer to analyze the isotopic ratios. We hope to be able to use the information we find in future conservation efforts with sun bears in the wild to determine specific insectivory to help delineate what they consume and the adequacy of their diet.
Results
Because we are still running the insect feeding trials, we don’t currently have any results. The baseline samples that we have are still in the process of being weighed and prepared for the mass-spectrometer. The machine was not working for a few weeks and now that it is, there is somewhat of a back-up in the samples that need to be run. We continue to prep the samples so that they can be run as soon as possible.
When we do have results, we plan to compare the isotopic ratios in the baseline samples to those obtained during the insect feeding trials. This will help us to determine if insects material can be detected in the bear hair, breath, feces, and urine. This can provide important background information for future studies with sun bears in the wild.
Summary
I really enjoyed the opportunity I had to work on this research project. It was interesting to see the behind the scenes and really feel a part of the research process. Because I was the lead for a large part of the project, it was a change to be able to be in charge of the other students that were working with me on this project. I was grateful for the responsibility I had to take a lead role on this research project because it forced me to be strong so that I could help my fellow classmates. This was an especially good thing for me because I tend to sit back and let other, more outspoken people to take the lead.
I think we could have been a little more organized in this project and improved our communication between students. This was sometimes a problem when it came to knowing the status of the research. This is something that I could have done better on myself, as well as most of the people involved.
I am grateful that I got to work on a project that will benefit the conservation of an endangered species. Conserving our ecosystem is something that I feel very strongly about and this was my way of changing the world a little step at a time. Because I was able to participate in this project, I now know what kind of work goes into conservation and am looking forward to being able to do more of it in the future. I hope that my research will be used in future conservation efforts with the sun bears and other endangered species.