Recipient Organization
STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK
(N/A)
SYRACUSE,NY 13210
Performing Department
Environmental & Forest Biology
Non Technical Summary
My research projects seek to understand the mechanisms driving the distribution and abundance of wildlife species including coyotes, small mammals, songbirds, amphibians, and even invertebrates. Depending on the species and question, the research involves genetic, environmental, biological, and climatological drivers of animal movements, survival, and abundance to better understand how to manage species persistence. My co-PIs and graduate students apply state-of-the-art technologies (such as Global Positioning system collars) and evidentiary-based scientific approaches to ensure reliabe knowledge. We also work closely with state and federal agencies to ensure that management actions are scientifically based and soundly evaluated.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Grant 1: "Population status and foraging ecology of eastern coyotes in NY State." Goals are to evaluate the relative abundance of coyotes throughout the state and their impacts on deer populations. Objectives are to quantify coyote diets, deer kill rates, and an index to coyote abundance in focal areas around the state and to develop models of their predation impacts on deer. Outputs include student training at undergraduate, M.S., and Ph.D. level in applied wildlife projects, manuscripts detailing the status of coyote populations and their impacts on deer, and public outreach/education on coyotes in the state. Funded by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. Grant 2: "Conservation research on the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail." Goals are to evaluate the status of this endangered species and make management recommendations. Ojectives are to conduct mark-recapture population surveys, habitat use assessments, and experiments on competitive effects of an invasive snail. Outputs include training at the the undergrad, grad, and post-doctoral level, manuscripts detailing the threats and management options for this species, and public education on this globally endemic species. Funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Grant 3: "Determination of factors affecting hellbender status in the Susquehanna River Watershed." Goals are to assess the status of hellbenders and make management recommendations for their persistence. Objectives include surveying historically used sites, modeling habitat associations for hellbenders, and assessing genetic stocks for possible translocations. Outputs include student training, manuscripts, and public outreach. Funded by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. Grant 4: "Sustainable Reuse Remedy Demonstration." Goals are to assess biodiversity value of fast-growing willow raised as an energy crop. Objectives include surveying small mammal and bird use of willow plantations, and conducting experiments to determine fitness implications of using these plantations. Outputs include student training, manuscripts, and management recommendations. Funded by Honewell.
Project Methods
In each of these grants we are surveying the distribution and abundance of wildife populations using a variety of field techniques. Where possible we combine field surveys with in situ experiments to help clarify the mechansims underlying species persistence or causing their decline in an area. Statistical and simulation modeling also plays a large role in our research to assess how sensitive populations are to different drivers and help increase the scope of inference from our research. In all cases, rigorous statistical protocols are followed and careful validation of models and findings are undertaken. We also work closely with our state and federal agency personnel to interpret our results into useful management recommendations and follow-up with monitoring to determine whether management action leads to the desired outcome.