WILDLIFE ECOLOGY INSTITUTE

Programs

1. Muskrat populations have been experiencing large-scale populationdeclines across at least the eastern half of the u.s., but we currentlydo not understand the mechanisms associated with these declines. Thisspecies has a positive influence on wetland ecosystems, and can beconsidered an indicator species of wetland health. We have transitionedinto phase ii of our research in the great lakes basin, which is builtupon the foundation of our work during phase I, but also recentresearch of others. Phase ii is a focused field-based investigation toevaluate muskrat demographics and health across multiple study sitesthat were selected across a gradient of habitat and hydrologyconditions.

   $137,775 spent
   42% of program spending

2. Gray foxes are a valuable and understudied furbearer across its entire range. Several indices suggest range contractions in indiana, but also other midwest states. The factor(s) causing these distributional changes is unknown, but may be linked to habitat loss and fragmentation, changing mesocarnivore (e.g., coyote) community structure, disease, and other factors, and likely is a complex relationship among these factors. We are assessing gray fox populations at two study sites in indiana through a 4-year comprehensive study designed to directly assess causes of population changes of gray foxes, and to provide recommendations for management of this species that can be applied in indiana, but also other midwest states.

   $126,418 spent
   38% of program spending

3. The kit fox is a canid species that is sensitive to effects of perturbations in their semi-arid environment. The distribution of kit foxes at their northern periphery in oregon is poorly defined. During 2024, we initiated a targeted inventory via camera-based survey for kit foxes based on locations in unsurveyed areas to fill in knowledge gaps; use data collected from our proposed survey, and previous surveys and other data, to construct a species distribution map (I.e., habitat suitability) for kit foxes; and develop recommendations for wildlife and land management using a landscape-scale approach that includes multiple land uses, considers other wildlife species of conservation interest(e.g., greater sage-grouse, and potentially identifies conservation hotspots based on overlapping areas of conservation concern.

   $39,739 spent
   12% of program spending

4. Black-footed ferrets were once thought to be extinct, but after discovering a single remnant population, a successful captive-breeding and reintroduction program was developed and implemented. However,despite the achievements of captive-breeding and reintroduction efforts, conservation of this rare mustelid currently faces substantial challenges. Our ongoing work includes collaborations with state, tribal, and federal agencies, and other ngos, to develop effective and efficient techniques for managing the substantial impacts of sylvatic plague on populations of ferrets and prairie dogs, to assess field techniques (traditional spotlighting, infrared cameras, scent-detection dogs) to improve monitoring of ferret populations, and other conservation effort for this federally endangered species.

   $16,445 spent
   5% of program spending

5. Decisions related to management of furbearers encompass a complex array of management objectives across diverse taxa. These complex decisions often involve increased scrutiny and opposition through external and internal sources, causing threats to the integrity of furbearer management at the state, national, and international levels. Science-based management is critical for state agencies to make informed and defensible regulatory decisions; however, there currently is no comprehensive and contemporary science-based reference available to guide and improve furbearer management. The 1987 book, Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America (Novak et al. 1987), was a critical resource that filled that role for many years. However, this resource lacks critical accomplishments and advancements achieved through furbearer management during the past three decades. Our project will produce a comprehensive and contemporary science-based book to help proactively guide current and future efforts of furbearer management programs, including through education and training of wildlife professionals, hunters, and trappers; identification of current knowledge gaps and applied research…

   $8,258 spent
   3% of program spending

The 5 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $328,635.