 Archbold
Biological Station and Cornell University are currently studying
genetic variation, or the amount of genetic difference, between
Florida scrub-jay populations.
Qualified biologists capture scrub-jays to color band them for
individual identification, take body measurements, and collect blood
samples.
They
draw the blood samples from a vein under the jay’s
wing, and send two samples to Cornell University: one to test for
exposure to the West Nile Virus (a threat to birds living in areas
with large mosquito populations), and another to test for DNA
variation.
 Unlike
most birds, scrub-jays tend not to move very far during their
lifetimes.
This increases the chances of a group of scrub-jays becoming
isolated from other groups.
Measuring genetic differences between populations can then tell
us how natural gaps in the habitat (such as major rivers and inlets),
as well as more recent habitat fragmentation caused by human activity
(such as development), have effected scrub-jay populations.
The
information gathered from this study should give a
more accurate measurement of jay dispersal capabilities (i.e., how far
they can move in search of a different habitat), the degree of
isolation between scrub-jay populations, and the effects human
development has on the genetics of scrub-jay populations.
 This
study will also update the current known distribution of scrub-jays
statewide, which has not been updated since 1992.
Volusia County has participated in this project since early
2004, and to date 86 scrub-jays have been sampled in the County.
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