A5050184453- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Marine animal studies overview
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and ecology
- Satellite Image Processing and Photogrammetry
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Environmental Science and Water Management
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Underwater Acoustics Research
- Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals
Oklahoma State University
2020-2025
United States Geological Survey
2021-2025
South Dakota State University
2018-2024
Oklahoma Biological Survey
2024
University of Idaho
2014-2019
University of Montana
2019
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
2019
National Wildlife Research Center
2019
Life Services (United States)
2019
Utah State University
2019
Abstract With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories status and distribution wildlife for ecological inferences conservation planning. To address this challenge, launched SNAPSHOT USA project, a collaborative survey terrestrial populations using camera traps across United States. For our first annual survey, compiled data all 50 states during 14‐week period (17 August–24 November 2019). We sampled at 1,509 trap sites from 110 arrays covering...
Abstract Loss of genetic diversity has serious conservation consequences (e.g., loss adaptive potential, reduced population viability), but is difficult to evaluate without developing long‐term, multigenerational datasets. Alternatively, historical samples can provide insights into changes in and effective size ( N e ). Kit foxes Vulpes macrotis ) are a species concern across much their range. In western Utah, kit fox abundance declined precipitously from levels, causing about persistence....
Abstract SNAPSHOT USA is a multicontributor, long‐term camera trap survey designed to mammals across the United States. Participants are recruited through community networks and directly website application ( https://www.snapshot-usa.org/ ). The growing Snapshot dataset useful, for example, tracking wildlife population responses land use, cover, climate changes spatial temporal scales. Here we present 2021 dataset, third national US. Data were collected 109 arrays included 1711 sites. total...
Managing wildlife populations in the face of global change requires regular data on abundance and distribution wild animals, but acquiring these over appropriate spatial scales a sustainable way has proven challenging. Here we present from Snapshot USA 2020, second annual national mammal survey USA. This project involved 152 scientists setting camera traps standardized protocol at 1485 locations across 103 arrays 43 states for total 52,710 trap-nights effort. Most (58) were also sampled...
Abstract Close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) is a method analogous to traditional but without requiring recapture of individuals. Instead, multilocus genotypes (genetic marks) are used identify related individuals in one or more sampling occasions, which enables the opportunistic use samples from harvested wildlife. To apply accurately, it important build appropriate CKMR models that do not violate assumptions linked species’ and population's biology methods. In this study, we evaluated...
Abstract Close‐kin mark–recapture (CKMR) methods use information on genetic relatedness among individuals to estimate demographic parameters. An individual's genotype can be considered a ‘recapture’ of each its parent's genotype, and the frequency kin‐pair matches detected in population sample directly inform estimates abundance. CKMR inference procedures require analysts define kinship probabilities functional forms, which inevitably involve simplifying assumptions. Among others, structure...
Noninvasive genetic sampling, or noninvasive DNA sampling (NDS), can be an effective monitoring approach for elusive, wide-ranging species at low densities. However, few studies have attempted to maximize efficiency. We present a model combining sample accumulation and degradation identify the most efficient (i.e. minimal cost per successful sample) NDS temporal design capture-recapture analyses. use scat faecal rates two sympatric carnivores, kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) coyote (Canis latrans)...
Abstract Intraguild predation (IGP) by a dominant predator can drive the spatial dynamics of subordinate and may explain space‐use patterns that deviate from theoretical predictions species will use areas maximize availability limited resources (resource hypothesis). suppress distribution abundance mesopredators, but resource partitioning facilitate coexistence, with carnivore utilizing suboptimal habitats. In arid systems, free‐standing water was historically scarce, limiting larger‐bodied...
Anthropogenic factors are accelerating species extinction, with small mammalian carnivores among the most affected. These play vital ecological roles, yet their conservation needs often overlooked. Our study focused on plains spotted skunk ( Spilogale interrupta (Rafinesque, 1820)), a carnivore that has experienced population declines. We hypothesized resource selection was influenced by expected to influence prey availability, protection from predators, and human activity. tracked 14 skunks...
Abstract Understanding habitat selection is critical in prioritization for species of conservation and management concern. Information on particularly important grassland bird whose populations have suffered steep declines over the last few decades. We assessed ring‐necked pheasants' ( Phasianus colchicus ) a dynamic agricultural landscape. The population dynamics pheasants are partially related to nest survival, which may be influenced by quality nesting habitat. Consequently, knowledge...
ABSTRACT Analyzing predator scats for the presence of prey is a common noninvasive approach to understanding trophic interactions. Morphological analysis remains has been prevailing method diet analysis, but molecular methods are becoming more widely used. Previous analyses suggest detect target species frequently than morphological methods. We compared these by analyzing coyote ( Canis latrans ) scats—collected in Tooele County, Utah, USA, winter 2014—for leporids, taxonomic group which...
ABSTRACT Scat surveys are commonly used to monitor carnivore populations. Scats of sympatric carnivores can be difficult differentiate and field‐based identification misleading. We evaluated the success species for scats 2 carnivores—coyotes ( Canis latrans ) kit foxes Vulpes macrotis ). conducted scat in Great Basin desert Utah, USA, during winter summer 2013, we detected 1,680 scats. classified based on field identification, recorded morphometric measurements, collected fecal DNA samples...
Development and evaluation of noninvasive methods for monitoring species distribution abundance is a growing area ecological research. While have the advantage reduced risk negative factors associated with capture, comparisons to using more traditional invasive sampling lacking. Historically kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) occupied desert semi-arid regions southwestern North America. Once most abundant carnivore in Great Basin Desert Utah, now considered rare. In recent decades, attempts been...
Abstract Remote cameras have become a widespread data‐collection tool for terrestrial mammals, but classifying images can be labor intensive and limit the usefulness of broad‐scale population monitoring. Machine learning algorithms automated image classification expedite data processing, misclassifications may influence inferences. Here, we used camera three sympatric species with disparate body sizes life histories – black‐tailed jackrabbits ( Lepus californicus ), kit foxes Vulpes macrotis...
Range expansions by generalists can alter communities and introduce competitive pressures on native species. In the Great Basin Desert, USA, coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823) have colonized are now sympatric with kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis Merriam, 1888). Since both species similar diets, dietary partitioning may facilitate coexistence. We analyzed coyote fox then compared our results to an earlier study. Because populations dynamic, we expected that decreases in prey or increases predator...
Scat surveys are commonly used to monitor wildlife populations. For carnivores, typically conducted along roads and trails. Scats available for detection may not reflect scats deposited variation in disappearance bias results. Previous research has investigated natural decay deterioration, but or trails likely influenced a greater degree by anthropogenic disturbance some systems. We experimental plots evaluate scat removal two model coyote Canis latrans kit fox Vulpes macrotis , the Great...
Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis Merriam, 1888) populations in the Great Basin Desert have declined and are of increasing concern for managers. Increasing coyote (Canis latrans Say, 1823) abundance subsequent intraguild interactions may be one cause this decline. Concurrent monitoring carnivores is challenging therefore rarely conducted. One possible solution elusive using noninvasive genetic sampling. We used sampling to collect fecal DNA from kit foxes coyotes estimate their densities 2013–2014...
ABSTRACT Carnivore diet‐selection studies based on scat analyses are frequently used to elucidate predator ecology, predict potential effects prey populations, and inform management decisions. However, accuracy of results the following inference contingent multiple sources sampling error including missed detections pseudoreplication in statistical comparisons that assume independence within samples. We compared a repeated‐sampling occupancy framework intended estimate detection occurrence...
We tested the possibility and feasibility of assembling Arduino GPS trackers without previous engineering experience modified them for upland game birds under extreme environmental conditions. Low-cost were assembled deployed on ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus in conjunction with an ongoing winter survival study. To assess receiver accuracy, we a static test. The test fix rate was 1.0, median error 2.5 m mean 13.3 (SD = 39.5). During mobile test, wild captured using walk-in funnel...
Abstract Delineating wildlife population boundaries is important for effective monitoring and management. The bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) a highly mobile generalist carnivore that ecologically economically important. We sampled 1225 bobcats harvested in South Dakota, USA (2014–2019), of which 878 were retained to assess genetic diversity infer structure using 17 microsatellite loci. assigned individuals clusters K spatial nonspatial Bayesian clustering algorithms quantified differentiation F ST...
Abstract Aim The assembly of species into communities and ecoregions is the result interacting factors that affect plant animal distribution abundance at biogeographic scales. Here, we empirically derive for mammals to test whether human disturbance has become more important than climate habitat resources in structuring communities. Location Conterminous United States. Time Period 2010–2021. Major Taxa Studied Twenty‐five mammals. Methods We analysed data from 25 mammal recorded by camera...