Cloacal and rectal samples collected from Adelie penguins, south polar skuas and Weddell seals in the Ross Sea region

Feather samples were also collected from birds that were swabbed and water and soil samples were collected from the breeding grounds. Bacteria from these samples will be identified from sequences (PCR) for 16S. The information was used to establish an inventory of gastro intestinal bacteria that occur and to investigate micro-organism transfer between the environment, humans and other species.

We also measured the extent of genetic intraspecific variation in the bacteria collected from different hosts to determine the extent of connections between bacteria parasitizing host species and host populations. Sites visited for samples include Cape Hallett, Cape Adare, Cape Wheatstone, Cotter Cliffs, Cape Royds, Cape Bird, Cape Crozier, Hutton Cliffs, Turtle Rock, Strand Moraines, Marble Point, the Sea ice of McMurdo Sound, Little Razorback Island, Turks Head, White Island and Tent Island.