Research Studies

The Western Wildlife Institute designs and conducts original wildlife research. We can custom develop research to address a wide range of topics. The following are some of the types of research studies that we have experience with and can conduct:

• Baseline species surveys
• Area inventories to document diversity of species in an area
• Satellite or radio-telemetry movement and activity studies
• Camera trap or track plot surveys
• Mark and recapture studies
• Call broadcast surveys for birds or mammals (coyotes for example)
• Impact/Response studies
• Population estimates
• Spatial Use studies
• Nesting surveys
• Live capture surveys

Response of Predators to Recreation

"Utilization of Scent-Station Surveys to Determine Predator Abundance, Spatial Use, and Response to Recreation”

This research incorporates the proven method of scent stations to census a wide range of predators, ranging from cougar (mountain lion) and black bear to weasels. In an original twist this proven method is being applied for the first time to examine what response different predator species have to recreation. This study is funded by the Boulder County Parks & Open Space and takes place on their Caribou Ranch property. Two years of baseline (prior to public access to the property) research have been performed establishing predator abundance and spatial use. Following the full establishment of recreation surveys will continue to determine if there is a response for each predator species.

Rare Owls of the Black Hills, South Dakota

“Surveys for Rare Owl Species in the Black Hills”

The Black Hills of South Dakota are isolated islands of habitat that are similar to the Rocky Mountains, yet many of the owls known from the Rocky Mountains have never been documented in the Black Hills. This research effort focused on discovering owl species not known from the Black Hills and definitively establishing their occurrence. The study also focused on furthering the knowledge of the few known resident owl species.

Bill Given of the Western Wildlife Institute successfully discovered and identified the first verifiable flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) known to South Dakota. Subsequently the species has been added to the official South Dakota bird list.