A new approach to objectively assess killer whale population health
OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
Obj. 1. Validate the analytical profile for killer whales
- Optimisation of extraction protocols.
- Reduction of the sample size required to analyse biopsies.
- Validation of the analytical methodology (ELISA).
Obj. 2. Establish reference intervals
- Skin biopsies from clinically healthy killer whales.
- Analysis of the previously validated analytical profile.
- Calculation of reference intervals.
Obj. 3.Assess the Iberian killer whale subpopulation
- Skin biopsies from free-ranging killer whales.
- Analysis of the previously validated analytical profile.
- Assessment of variability associated with environmental context.
- Proposal of reference intervals for killer whale populations.
Obj. 4. Knowledge transfer
- Multidisciplinary workshop on health monitoring of cetacean populations.
This project is carried out in collaboration with:
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