DENVER — The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) reports it will fund 50 new and continuing wildlife health studies.

The studies are being conducted at veterinary colleges, zoological institutions and scientific research centers.

Examples of some of the studies being conducted include research at the University of Minnesota into the impacts of crude oil on reproduction of migratory birds. At the Smithsonian Institution, researchers are testing treatments that could increase fertility in captive elephants. A study at Boston University examines white-nose syndrome, which is a disease impacting bat populations. Other animals covered by the new studies include amphibians, birds, rhinos, sea lions and otters, primates and turtles, according to MAF.