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IntroductionThere has been a growing realization that a more inclusive approach to research can provide both ethical and practical benefits. Long-term avian monitoring programs, and indeed the academic and research community as a whole, are still learning how best to implement these methodologies effectively. MethodsThis paper provides information on a twenty-plus-year effort to conduct community-engaged avian monitoring in northwest Ecuador, with a focus on how this approach has impacted the quality and scope of the project’s science and broader societal impacts. We focus on three case studies that have been proceeding for varying lengths of time to highlight various stages of project development and maturity. ResultsA community-engaged approach has improved the quality of our scientific research by adding traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), technical capacity, and intellectual contributions to our monitoring efforts. Community-engaged research has also enhanced the breadth and quality of societal impacts, in terms of education, capacity building, and conservation, particularly in the formation of an ecological reserve that protects threatened species and habitat. We also discuss systemic and local challenges, and potential strategies to overcome these challenges DiscussionWe conclude that community-engaged research can improve the intellectual merit and broader societal impacts of long-term avian monitoring, and we advocate for continued investment, efforts, and careful reflection on best practices in this space.
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Characterizing the microbial metagenome of calcareous stromatolite formations in the San Felipe Creek in the Anza Borrego Desert
ABSTRACT We describe the metagenome composition, community functional annotation, and prokaryote diversity in calcareous stromatolites from a dry stream bed of the San Felipe Creek in the Anza Borrego Desert. Analyses show a community capable of nitrogen fixation, assimilatory nitrate reduction, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and potential thick-walled akinete formation for desiccation resistance.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1852189
- PAR ID:
- 10501392
- Editor(s):
- Stewart, Frank J.
- Publisher / Repository:
- ASM Microbial Resource Announcements
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Microbiology Resource Announcements
- Volume:
- 13
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 2576-098X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00881-23
