INSTITUTIONS
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
NAU has a history of research of conservation and biodiversity and has pioneered the proposed methods for minimally-invasively monitoring movements and physiology of wildlife. NAU will be the lead institution focused on field deployment of devices, laboratory analysis of feathers, and recruitment of underrepresented minorities.
Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA)
PMCA is at the forefront of both research and outreach, conserving Purple Martins across their range. From citizen science projects, to cutting edge biologging technology and public outreach, the PMCA bridges the gap between research and conservation.
Tucson Audubon Society (TA)
TAS studies bird conservation, especially of secondary cavity nesting species and organizes community science bird surveys and studies. Using biomimicry, they have created nestboxes for Lucy's Warblers and have engaged students and the public in nestbox construction. They are a leader in protection of the Sonoran Desert against spread of invasive grasses. TAS will lead in the local outreach, monitoring of nests, and organization of the nestbox design competition.
Instituto Butantan (IBu)
IBu is a research institution focused on research and outreach activities related to conservation. It has been involved in Purple Martin research and conservation efforts since 2019 and will lead in the development and subsequent translation of the Virtual Display and will assist in field work.
PARTNERS
University of Arizona (UA)
UA studies cavity-nesting birds and has a multi-year Undergraduate Research Experience partnership with TA where ornithology students get research experience working on conservation-driven projects.
Arizona Game & Fish
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is a state agency of Arizona. The agency is tasked with conserving, enhancing, and restoring Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through protection and management programs.
University of Montana
The Good Laboratory at the University of Montana has been actively collaborating with students from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in their genomic research on Purple Martins. Through this partnership, students from NAU have had the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and gain valuable insights into the intricacies of avian genomics, specifically in understanding the genetic variations and adaptations within the Purple Martin subspecies.
Forest Service
The United States Forest Service (USFS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands covering 193 million acres (780,000 km2) of land.
FUNDING
Disney Conservation Fund
The Disney Conservation Fund is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired by protecting the magic of nature. Since 1995, Disney Conservation has invested more than $120 million and applied the expertise of its staff to help organizations that work with people to save wildlife, encourage action and protect the planet.