Mammals

We seek to understand the distribution and abundance of mammals.  Several monitoring projects are underway. 

 

Ground Squirrels- Surveyors record Columbian Ground Squirrel observations during the spring bird point counts.  We hope their numbers increase and that they expand into areas that they do not currently occupy. 

 

Elk- Elk numbers fluctuate through the year with herds of several hundred animals moving onto the ranch in the fall and winter.  Fewer elk stay around to raise their calves in the spring and summer.  We track herd size, the habitat they use for feeding, and the amount of biomass available to them for forage.  We are curious about how elk habits will change in response to changes in vegetation communities as restoration activities proceed.  To see Teagan Hayes’ reports on elk monitoring and updates for more information (Click here).

 

Bears- The lower elevation draws and drainages at MPG were de-vegetated by herbicide applications and sheep and cattle browsing.  As of the summer 2012, we have planted more than 30,000 trees and shrubs in these drainages.  The plantings will provide cover for animals using the draw bottoms as travel corridors between the upland forests and the floodplain forests.  Many of the shrubs we have planted, such as hawthorns, choke cherries, and serviceberry, will provide food for bears.  Our bear monitoring efforts seek to document how many bears we have now and where they travel.  Alan Ramsey, of MPG, is working with researchers from Sinopah Wildlife Research to census the bear population using DNA analysis of hair samples gathered from places bear mark their territories by rubbing on trees and from non-invasive traps that pull hair of the bears when they are attracted to a scent lure.  To see the most recent update on this project please (Click here).

 

Mule Deer- We think that Mule deer abundance is closely tied to a shrub, bitterbrush, that is a mainstay of the mule deer diet.  Experiments, lead by Nathan Gordon, seek to determine the factors that control Bitterbrush recruitment and distribution. To see the latest update on Nathan’s work (Click here).

 

Click here for a link to a list of mammals we have seen and photos.

Click here for links to our best mammal footage.

We would like to do more small mammal research. Please contact us with ideas for collaboration.  (Click here to contact us.)

REPORT
MPG RANCH BEARS 2012 -

Alan Ramsey created a database with a record of each bear appearance during 2012 on Stealth Cams. In each record, videos and images are stored with fields for color, size class, height on four legs, height on two legs, sex, behavior, and other identifiable attributes such as rumples, throat patches, and snout characteristics. Included are explanations of identification in each record. Using the database, bears were searched across time and space and then compared side by side on two monitors for identification.

REPORT
BUCKEYE CAMERA CHARTS -

Alan Ramsey, and Tanner Banks, explore the possibility of turning Buckeye Camera images into data.

REPORT
BITTERBRUSH LEADER GROWTH OBSERVATIONS -

This document discusses bitterbrush growth differences based on growth form, site, and
competition.

RESEARCH UPDATE
01-07-13 ELK MONITORING UPDATE -

Teagan Hayes's elk and ungulate monitoring update describes elk bachelor groups, mule deer stotting, and whitetail deer.

RESEARCH UPDATE
ELK AND UNGULATE MONITORING -

Teagan Hayes shares an update on Elk and ungulate monitoring efforts during November 2012.

RESEARCH UPDATE
BLACK BEAR CENSUS UPDATE -

Dr. Michael Sawaya and Alan Ramsey share ongoing work on a black bear census on the MPG Ranch.

REPORT
HORSE HERD 2 PEDIGREE -

Alan Ramsey shares insights into a feral horse herd.

RESEARCH UPDATE
CRESTED WHEATGRASS CONTROL AND WILDLIFE CROP ACTIVITIES -

Dan Mummey details spring 2012 wildlife forage plantings and crested wheatgrass conrol efforts.

REPORT
BITTERBRUSH BROWSING SURVEY -

Nate Gordon presents an update on ungulate browsing pressure on bitterbrush.

RESEARCH UPDATE
03-23-12 UNGULATE RESEARCH UPDATE -

Teagan Hayes shares an update on her ungulate research.

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