Morris Animal Foundation announced July 11 that it has funded 11 studies to advance the health of wildlife species around the world.

The grants total $775,866. The wildlife studies funded for 2017 are as follows:

Saving Ridgway's hawks from extinction, The Peregrine Fund.

Developing a vaccine strategy for a lethal disease in young elephants, Baylor College of Medicine, Waco, Texas.

Investigating lead exposure and health impact in urban birds, Tulane University, New Orleans.

Controlling mange epidemics in endangered San Joaquin kit foxes, California State University-Stanislaus.

Managing tuberculosis in wildlife, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Investigating risk of heart disease in southern sea otters, University of California-Davis.

Ensuring long-term survival of endangered cranes, Smithsonian Institution.

Saving Mongolian wildlife from goat plague, Wildlife Conservation Society.

Assessing chronic stress in porpoises, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Understanding stingray reproductive disease, South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation.

Identifying an early pregnancy test for conservation of multiple wild mammal species, North Dakota State University.

"Animals around the world are facing not only established health challenges, such as tuberculosis, but new and emerging diseases and environmental conditions that pose serious threats to their health," said Dr. Barbara Wolfe, chief scientific officer at Morris Animal Foundation, in an announcement about the grants.

"Wildlife researchers endure difficult conditions and increasing challenges to make a difference for the health of these spectacular species. These dedicated scientists are among the most talented in the world, and we are honored to support their important work."

The foundation's Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board reviewed 168 grant applications for scientific merit and impact to select the studies with the greatest potential to save lives and species, preserve health, and advance veterinary care.