Project:

Evaluating Bird Biodiversity in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and The Bronx through DNA Barcoding

Students:

Amiyah Louis, Zoha Javed, Haley Chaung

Institution:

New York City College of Technology, CUNY,

Mentors:

Olufemi Sodeinde

Abstract:

Birds are significant to ecosystems, helping in pest control, seed dispersal, and habitat maintenance while serving as indicators of environmental health. This study explores bird biodiversity across three New York City (NYC) boroughs, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx using DNA barcoding to identify species from feather samples collected in/from local parks. DNA will be extracted from the feather samples using protocols for animal sample extraction. The COI gene segments of the DNA extracts will be amplified by PCR using appropriate primers. Extracts with good bands will be sent for Sanger sequencing and DNA sequences will be analyzed with tools like BLAST and DNA Subway, we aim to confirm species identity and analyze phylogenetic relationships. We expect to identify common NYC-resident species such as Columba livia and Zenaida macroura, and other bird visitors to the city. By examining borough-specific differences in bird diversity, the research will contribute to our understanding

Poster:

Team samples: