Research
Landscape Connectivity
Linking movement to the landscape
The ability of plants and animals to move across landscapes is essential for survival. Our work aims to advance connectivity concepts, methods, and applications across the world.
Preventing Extinction
Science to recover endangered species
We provide science-based evidence to reduce extinction risk for several imperiled species. One major project involves delivering much needed information on the dynamics and trends of the endangered snail kite, a spatially structured population.
Land-use Change and Biodiversity
Tradeoffs in land use
We work on a variety of issues regarding land-use for agriculture and other natural resource needs. One effort has focused on bioenergy, which is a carbon neutral alternative energy source that is increasing throughout the world. We evaluate bioenergy alternatives for biodiversity, with an eye toward mitigating energy-diversity tradeoffs.
Quantitative
Science
Advancing methods for applied conservation
Throughout all of our research, we apply and advance quantitative methods for ecology and conservation. This work focuses on identifying new ways to rigorously answer pressing questions in spatial ecology and conservation.
Animal Behavior and Environmental Change
Causes and consequences of decision-making
Individual behavior can drive many patterns of biodiversity across landscapes. We work on several key behaviors, such as habitat selection and movement, that have emergent consequences, focusing on how rapid environmental changes can alter decision-making.
Habitat Loss, Fragmentation and the Matrix
Understanding mechanisms for biodiversity loss
Habitat loss is a primary threat to biodiversity. Yet the relative roles of habitat fragmentation, habitat quality, and the 'matrix' remain unclear. We use landscape-scale experiments in model systems to provide answers to these persistent questions.
Defaunation of Nature
Understanding the impacts of vertebrate loss
Large vertebrates have declined and been extirpated throughout many parts of the world. This 'defaunation' has major effects on ecosystems. We are working on this issue using large-scale experiments with megaherbivores in southern Africa.
Avian Ecology and Conservation
Understanding and conserving birds
Birds are excellent barometers for interpreting human impacts and their biology has fascinated scientists for centuries. We work on bird behavior, population biology, and community ecology throughout the world to better understand the beauty of birds and conserve avian biodiversity.