There are concern for the well-being and survival of many species due to human-induced environmental changes which have negatively affected most biological systems. These effects cut-across local adaptation of populations, genotoxicity, and decreased reproductive parameters and other impairments that directly reduce survival and fitness of species. Adaptations and differential responses of local populations of species to various environmental challenges (factors or stressors) can reflect population genetic structure. Also, among environmental stressors, environmental pollutants derived from disposal of hazardous wastes or persistent use of pesticides in agricultural activities are of deleterious consequences, due to the inadvertent introduction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)(organochlorine, pyrethroid), heavy metals, antibiotic or antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the ecosystem. The bioaccumulation of these compounds in living organisms are implicated in high mortality and reproductive failure. Also, sperm is a good trait to study in order to document the effect of environmental changes on fertility and health status of animals. This research project adopts the Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus as model for environmental assessment and monitoring as well as address questions in ecology, population genetic structure, pollutants distribution, microbial diversity and sperm attributes

[Principal Investigator: Dr. Taiwo Crossby, EU & APLORI]
[Collaborating organisation: SERG-NHM, IVB-CAS, AfricaBP]
[Funder: Fund seeking]