Possible Lice Eggs?

[scibionerd]

Hi folks,

I'm a grad student who studies Western gray squirrels in Southern California. Can anyone confirm that this hair sample contains lice eggs?

Thanks,
Chris

[nchls_school]

I found this picture on a site. it's is lice eggs-nit.

[island rehabber]

yes, believe so. Usually on an animal who comes into rehab, without magnification, they look like tiny grains of white sand or rice.

[redwuff]

Hi Chris,

Welcome!!!

Tell us more about what you are studying with the western grey.

Trysh

[scibionerd]

Thanks for the responses! At least it's not mange mites. I also sent the pic to a wildlife vet just for another opinion- waiting to hear back.

Trysh- I'm doing a population genetics study on the Western gray squirrel (WGS) population Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Because Griffith Park seems completely isolated from the rest of the Santa Monica Mtns, there is concern that this local population of WGSs could be at risk of extinction. I do field surveys to see where in Griffith Park the WGSs are in relation to the Eastern fox squirrels and map their distribution. Then I put out "hairtubes" which are plastic tubes with a piece of sticky tape on either end, in the upper entrance of the tubes. I bait the tube with walnuts and when the squirrels go inside, they rub against the tape, leaving some hair behind. This sample I showed you had significantly more hair than I usually get! So, I wonder if the lice are making the hair come out more easily. I identify WGS hair and then extract the DNA from it. I sequence part of their DNA and also have it genotyped (determine genetic makeup of that individual based on several locations in their genome). By comparing the genetic diversity I can get a picture of how viable is the population.

Thanks,
Chris

[redwuff]

Thanks for that information. How did you choose this population to study. Will you continue to study WGS in the future or is this get to finish grad school?

Is there a concern that the Fox squirrel is chasing the WGS out? Please keep us informed of your study. We love learning anything about squirrels.

Trysh

[scibionerd]

Trysh,

I chose my grad advisor because I wanted to study squirrels. In doing research, I discovered how WGSs are on the decline and wanted to do a local conservation based project on them. I developed a population genetics focus because conservation efforts these days rely heavily on genetics. For future projects, it depends on what opportunities there are. Yes, there is definite concern that competition between Eastern fox squirrels could be a factor in WGS decline, although the few studies in Washington and Oregon couldn't prove it quantitatively. Some think that they are moving up to higher elevations or trying to disperse, if they can. It's a mixed bag.

I'll keep you informed of any news!

Chris

[redwuff]

Chris,

I have subscribed to your thread and will be notified when you post. I will look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your interest in WGS.

Trysh