Wildlife Ecology

WHAT IS WILDLIFE ECOLOGY?

Wildlife ecology is a study of the factors that explain the distribution and abundance of wildlife.

WE IDENTIFY, GATHER, AND DEVELOP

The Wildlife Ecology Program staff works with the Northern Region Forests and Grasslands to identify emerging issues, gather information, and develop guidance to help address these issues.

Examples are linked on this page under Broad Scale Assessments, Forest Planning, and Inventory and Monitoring. This information is largely technical and is intended provide a scientific framework for resource stewardship on National Forest System lands.

Wildlife ecologists at national and regional levels develop or distribute much of the technical information used by the Forest Service for managing wildlife distribution and abundance within our National Forest System lands.

We also provide support to the land and resource management plans which guide resource stewardship on our National Forests and Grasslands. You will find links on this page to planning information at it relates to wildlife ecology and National Forest and Grasslands.

WE WORK COOPERATIVELY

In the Northern Region, much of the work is accomplished cooperatively with States, other agencies, or non-governmental organizations. We use collective information to manage lands that belong to the public.

Examples include work with the Montana Natural Heritage Program and Idaho Conservation Data Center to survey for rare species. Support is also provided through the Regional Office to National Forests through our work with organizations such as Bat Conservation International; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Idaho Fish and Game; universities; and industry.

Wildlife Ecology is part of the Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air, and Rare Plants Regional Office staff of the Northern Region.