Mammal and Wildlife Ecology Laboratory Overview
Wildlife plays a significant role in maintaining ecosystem health, ecosystems services and plant community stability and succession. NRRI’s mammal and wildlife ecology research program is an applied research program that has been studying the direct impacts of environmental change on wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystem function for almost 20 years. Our research gathers critical data on threatened, endangered and rare species as well as game and non-game species of ecological and economic significance in Minnesota and throughout the western Great Lakes region. We seek to understand species behavior and ecology, how changes in habitat affect wildlife populations and the development of management strategies and how changes in wildlife populations can inform us about changes in the quality and quantity of habitat.
Laboratory Goal
The goal of the Mammal and Wildlife Ecology Laboratory is to advance knowledge about the biology and management of mammals in Minnesota. Environmentally sound economic development requires that we understand and predict the impact of resource management decisions on wildlife species.
Laboratory Objectives
The objectives of the Mammal and Wildlife Ecology Laboratory are to (1) provide knowledge and information to government agencies, the private sector, and individuals that will enable environmentally sound economic development and (2) identify and obtain funding for current resource management problems as identified by our clients and partners.
Research Projects
The Minnesota Fisher Den Box Project is focused on evaluating an emerging habitat management tool to address the declining MN fisher population.
A website of the state's carnivore species -- from the tiny least weasel to the black bear.
Media Coverage
- – Canada lynx population appears steady in Minnesota – Duluth News Tribune
- – Where squirrels collide: Are Minnesota’s southern flying squirrels overtaking their northern cousins? – Star Tribune
- – Talking deer collisions with U of M – Grand Rapids Herald Review
- – Risk of hitting a deer increases in Minnesota with time change Sunday – WJON radio - St. Cloud
- – Study: fishers migrating, adapting to southeast – Outdoor News Minnesota
- – Minnesota drivers hit thousands of deer a year. Here's where it happens most. – Star Tribune
- – How our extreme weather is impacting fish and wildlife in our region – WDIO
- – Identifying Deer-Vehicle Collisions in Minnesota – Center for Transportation Studies
- – Canada Lynx research in northeastern Minnesota continues, plans to expand – WTIP
- – Fisher research at NRRI – WDIO
- – Minnesota DNR: Don't veer during peak deer, moose season – WCCO News
- – Minnesota researchers explore how road design can reduce deer collisions – KSTP-TV
- – Talking deer collisions with U of M – University of Minnesota News
- – Weiss: Old friends return — fisher, bobcat sightings on the rise – Rochester Post Bulletin
- – Fisher population continues to decline across Superior National Forest – WTIP
- – Minnesota researchers aim to reduce deer-vehicle collisions along Highway 61, other roadways – WTIP
- – Minnesota drivers may hit 20 times the deer reported to state – Duluth News Tribune