My interdisciplinary research program links population dynamics and decision-theory to understand the factors limiting population growth and develop optimal management strategies for species of concern. To do so, we incorporate spatial and experimentally-derived demographic vital rates and movement into quantitative population network models that account for multiple perturbations to population viability under the effects of global change. Then, we integrate these dynamic population processes into formal cost-benefit decision analysis to determine the optimal strategy to reach societal objectives at local to global extents.
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Ecology of Canada Warblers
Canada warbler populations have declined over the past 40 years but the factors responsible for this decline are unknown. This occurs for two reasons. First, Canada warblers are long-distance migrants so diagnosing which portion of the annual cycle limits population abundance, and hence likely responsible for the decline, represents a significant challenge because it requires …
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Conservation & Ecology of Migratory Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies have experienced significant population declines over the past two decades and our research determined this decline is primarily the result of habitat loss on the breeding grounds. Ongoing research is focused on developing conservation strategies across the annual cycle.
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Population Ecology & Management of Cats in Urban Areas
Cats are an important part of our culture and important members of our families. However, free-roaming cats are abundant in urban areas and may impact on animal, human and environmental health. With limited data available, decision-makers must choose among several, often competing and emotionally-charged, interventions to address this challenge in our communities.
