Contact Information
Seward Marine CenterP.O. Box 757220
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220
b.litz@sfos.uaf.edu
Beate Litz
Marine Biology
Affiliations
- Alaska SeaLife Center
Research Overview
Few data exist for the reproductive endocrinology of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). The lack of data is largely due to the inherent challenges of collecting serial samples from large free-ranging mammals. The use of feces in monitoring reproductive endocrinology has been proven useful for many terrestrial species for several decades; however, its application to marine mammals is relatively recent. My project is investigating the feasibility of fecal sex steroid monitoring for use with Steller sea lions, using the resident animals at the Alaska SeaLife Center as models.
Current Research Projects
- reproductive endocrinology of Steller sea lions