Micronucleus and Abnormality Nuclear in Birds of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests

We are interested in understanding how the degradation of the dry forest in the Tumbesian region is related to an increase in genotoxic damage in birds. Our research hypothesis posited that the degradation of the dry forest would be associated with a higher frequency of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in the birds inhabiting these areas.

To test our hypothesis, we conducted safe captures of birds in three different types of forests: natural forests, semi-natural forests, and shrub-dominated forests in the Tumbesian region. We collected blood samples from the captured birds and conducted tests for micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in the laboratory. These genotoxic markers are sensitive indicators of DNA damage and provide information about the genetic health of the birds. This dataset is the basis of our findings.