Ungulate Habitat Use
Mule Deer Movement and Habitat Use
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations have declined throughout some areas of the West since the latter third of the 20th century. One of the primary reasons for this decline is habitat loss and degradation. If unchecked, habitat fragmentation can compromise the functionality of an ecosystem. Wildlife depend on intact landscapes, functioning systems, and quality habitat. Wyoming’s rich tradition of abundant wildlife, large ungulate herds and diverse species assemblages require an understanding of how wildlife interact with suburbanizing landscapes.
In 2002, the Conservation Research Center of Teton Science Schools continued a mule deer winter ecology study done from 1981-1992 by Biota Research and Consulting, Inc. We systematically document mule deer herd locations along an observation route in southern Jackson Hole. The route focuses on crucial mule deer winter range. Our research provides insight into mule deer presence, relative abundance and habitat use during the winter months in Teton County, Wyoming.
In summer 2010, the Conservation Research Center began a study that examines mule deer habitat use and movement patterns relative to roadways in Teton County, Wyoming. Over the next two years, Conservation Research Center staff will fit 30 mule deer with GPS collars that facilitate accurate measures of mule deer movement corridors and road crossing points. Results of our project will support proper siting of habitat enhancement projects, land acquisition efforts and wildlife-mortality mitigation work. The data can also be used in concert with traffic management to reduce animal-vehicle collisions. Our project will ensure that conservation planning efforts and infrastructure development Teton County, and other growing Wyoming communities, are informed by science and are placed in areas that have the greatest likelihood of conserving the resource.
In 1999 the Conservation Research Center of Teton Science Schools partnered with National Elk Refuge to quantify landscape characteristics of elk (Cervus elaphus) migration corridors through human-dominated landscapes. Our work described the relationship between land use and elk movements from summer-fall habitat west of the Snake River to winter range on the National Elk Refuge. We also delineated migratory corridors through private lands to the National Elk Refuge.
- Community Foundation of Jackson Hole
- Jackson Hole community members
- National Elk Refuge
- Wyoming Department of Transportation
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Wyoming Wildlife Federation
- Wyoming Wildlife Heritage Foundation
Publications and Presentations
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