The Beasley Lab Welcome to the Beasley Wildlife Lab! We use a combination of field and laboratory-based approaches to develop science-based solutions to facilitate the management and conservation of various taxa across the globe. Much of the research in our lab focuses on the effects of anthropogenic activities on the ecology of wildlife, and we are particularly interested in addressing questions related to: Carnivore conservation and management Spatial ecology and population dynamics Invasive species management Human-wildlife interactions Scavenging ecology Ecotoxicology Personnel Dr. Jim Beasley Jim is the Terrell Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA. He joined the faculty at UGA in 2012, where his lab conducts applied research focused on understanding the impacts of human activities to facilitate the conservation and management of wildlife globally. He also teaches courses in wildlife ecology and management through Warnell. Students in his lab conduct research on a broad range of topics throughout the U.S. and globally, including carnivore conservation and management, ecology and management of wild pigs and other invasive species, human-wildlife conflicts, scavenging ecology, and ecotoxicology. Jim received an A.A.S. from Paul Smiths College, his B.S. from SUNY ESF, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue University. Graduate Students Sydney Brewer Sydney Brewer is a Master’s student in the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. She graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2021 with a B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife. As an undergraduate she researched spatial and temporal interactions between deer and cattle. After she graduated, she worked for the Georgia DNR as a sea turtle technician and then for the West Virginia DNR as a deer project technician. Her research interests include wildlife conservation and management, spatial ecology, human-wildlife interactions, and wildlife disease. Her MS research will be investigating fine-scale movement ecology of wild pigs and their response to different baits and lures. Madeline Melton Madeline Melton is a Master’s student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in 2016 with a B.S. in Animal Sciences and a minor in Spanish. She has worked on a variety of projects across the United States focusing on bobcat spatial ecology, elk calf and mule deer fawn survival, fisher monitoring and black-tailed deer migration. She lived in Africa for 3.5 years where she was a research manager working for an NGO studying carnivores in Malawi, specifically urban spotted hyenas, and a field manager for the Simien Mountains Gelada Research project researching the behavior, ecology, and endocrinology of gelada monkeys in the Ethiopian Highlands. Previously, she was a research technician with the Beasley Lab on a project focusing on the efficacy of lure choice in wild pigs in Texas and South Carolina, and is currently using the dataset to investigate carnivore lure selection in the same regions. Maddie is interested in wildlife urbanization, carnivore ecology, and human-wildlife coexistence. Her graduate research will focus on the effects of human settlements and livestock on carnivore movement and occupancy in the greater Etosha landscape in northern Namibia. Josef Toivo Ndjimba Josef Toivo Ndjimba is a Master’s student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology working in collaboration with the Ongava Research Centre, Etosha Ecological Institution, and the University of Georgia. He has a Bachelor of Honours degree in Natural Resources Management where he undertook a research project assessing woody vegetation dynamics along degradation gradients in communal areas of the Greater Waterberg Landscape Conservation Area, Central Namibia under the NamTip project. He has 10 years of conservation experience related to the sustainable utilization of natural resources, rangeland and fire management, environmental and community-based natural resource management, law enforcement and crime prevention, human-wildlife conflict management, tourism development, park management, and landscape and transboundary conservation. He is passionate about conducting research addressing current and growing environmental concerns faced by many Namibians. His Master's project, “Human-carnivore interactions along the northern periphery of Etosha National Park, North-western Namibia,” will examine factors that facilitate or inhibit coexistence between humans and carnivores in the northern multiple-use areas of the Greater Etosha Landscape. The overall aim of this research is to design a conservation strategy and implement necessary mitigation measures to enable human-carnivore coexistence within this critically important landscape and the surrounding multiple-use areas. Jessy Patterson Jessy Patterson is a PhD student in the Beasley Lab and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. She graduated from Georgia College with her B.S. and M.S. in Biological Sciences, primarily focusing on recreating the environment and habitat of the Chihuahuan Desert during the late Pleistocene based on the identification of lizard fossils. After graduation, she was teaching biology, anatomy and physiology, and ecology at the university level while conducting research and mentoring undergraduate students. Her research has focused on microhabitat abiotic variables and salamander distribution, ophidiomycosis in north Georgia snake populations, the effects of insecticide exposure on amphibian growth and development, groundhog ecology and burrow cohabitation, white tailed deer dietary ecology, and carnivore feeding ecology. Jessy is interested in conservation biology, species interactions, human-wildlife conflict, and the effects of anthropogenic activities on ecosystem health and wildlife behavior. Her doctoral research will focus primarily on the effects of tourism pressure on African mammal behavior, movement, and spatial ecology. She will also be investigating African carnivore diets to understand how predators may be interacting with livestock and the broader landscape in areas of high human-carnivore conflict. Brennan PetersonWood Brennan PetersonWood is a Master’s student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. He graduated with a B.A. in Biology, concentrating in Ecology and Evolution, in 2016 from Colorado College. During his undergrad, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service conducting a variety of wildlife surveys for threatened and endangered species. Since then, he has worked between East Africa and California for both NGOs and state agencies in the fields of human-wildlife conflict research and mitigation. Most recently with the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife on gray wolf management and conflict reduction. Prior to that, he managed applied research programs in Malawi studying bats and large carnivores with a focus on urban/peri-urban spotted hyena ecology and associated human-wildlife conflict, and human-elephant conflict in Southern Tanzania. His graduate research will investigate the drivers of human-carnivore conflict in Etosha National Park in Namibia, and various deterrence tools. Shinyeong Park Shinyeong Park is pursuing a PhD in the Integrative Conservation (ICON) - Forestry and Natural Resources program. Her research interests include social-ecological system, human-wildlife interactions, conservation policy, and environmental justice, and her research site is mainly the Korean Demilitarized and Civilian Control Zone. She is interested in examining conservation practices across disciplines including ecology, anthropology, and politics. Shinyeong received a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Seoul National University, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Korea University, South Korea. Katie Quinlin Katie Quinlin is a Master's student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. She graduated from the Ohio State University in 2020 with a B.S. in Environment and Natural Resources. While at OSU, she worked in an aquaculture lab where she focused on understanding the relationship between temperature and sex determination in yellow perch and the effect of diet on zebrafish reproduction. After graduating, she worked as a research technician at Purdue University investigating the toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and aqueous film forming foams to aquatic species. Her research interests include ecotoxicology, community ecology, conservation, and reproductive ecology. Katie's graduate research will focus on 137Cs and Hg and the efficacy of remedial actions at reducing their bioavailability to biota within a contaminated canal system on the Savannah River Site. Research Staff Patrick Helm Patrick Helm is a research technician for the Beasley Lab and is currently working to eradicate the wild pig population from Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Patrick earned an associate’s degree in Wildlife Management in 2009. He received a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation and Management from Western Carolina University in 2012. After graduating, Patrick spent 8 seasons as a wildlife technician with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He earned his M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Tennessee in 2019. His master’s research included assessing the efficacy and use of BAM in pigs, fitting them with GPS collars within GRSM, and tracing possible anthropological influences on pigs through stable isotope analyses. Patrick has worked for the federal, state, and private sectors trapping and managing multiple species from big game such as elk, black bear, pigs, and Mexican gray wolves to small herpetofauna such as moles, voles, shrews, and salamanders. His proficiency in ArcGIS mapping, radio telemetry and field necropsies has been a result of his wildlife management experience. Patrick’s passion lies on the management side of research, putting findings into practice. John Heydinger John Heydinger is a postdoctoral researcher for the Beasley Lab. A trained historian, geographer, and conservation biologist, John performs both community and lion focused research within communal lands in northwest Namibia. He is passionate about unifying locally-centered and evidence-based approaches for the conservation of lions, and committed to strengthening community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). John joins the Beasley Lab as a part of UGA's new Future Faculty for Inclusive Research Excellence (FFIRE) program. Caitlin Kupferman Caitlin Kupferman is the Research Coordinator for the Beasley Lab and provides management and support for the many ongoing projects within the lab. Caitlin earned her B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine and her M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho. For her master’s, she examined fisher occupancy and coexistence with native marten and ermine in Southeast Alaska. She has experience working with a variety of species, including red fox, mountain lion, bobcat, bat, bird, wild pig, raccoon, opossum, and small mammals. Her research interests include carnivore ecology, mammal conservation, and anthropogenic effects on wildlife. Research Technicians Rhys Medcalf Rhys Medcalfe is a research technician for the Beasley Lab. Rhys recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences where his thesis explored habitat selection of bats in Georgia. He has also worked for the Tuberville Lab at SREL, tracking released box turtles, dissecting snakes, and head-starting gopher tortoises and the USFWS in Louisiana, banding all sorts of birds, removing invasive plants and animals, doing prescribed burns, removing beaver damns and doing habitat improvements. He plans to pursue a master’s degree. His research interests include habitat and resource selection, animal behavior, anthropogenic effects on wildlife and predator prey interactions. Lab Alumni Ian Smith (technician, 2024) Briahnna Neily (technician, 2024) Kelly Holland (MS Student, 2022-2024) Vienna Canright (MS student, 2021-2023) Chuck Taylor (MS student, 2021-2023) Dipanjan Naha (postdoc, 2021-2023) Jordan Butler (technician, 2022-2023) Michael Disho (technician, 2023) Alyssa Gladney (technician, 2023) Cheyenne Voorhies (technician, 2023) Rie Saito (Post-doc, 2021-2023) Emily Masterton (technician, 2023) Megan Blanchard (technician, 2023) Abby Dwelle (technician, 2023) Rhys Medcalfe (undergraduate intern, 2023) Reed Tamplin (undergraduate intern, 2023) O’Malley McGee (technician, 2023) Helen Bontrager (technician, 2020; MS student, 2020-2023) Josephine Amwaalwa (technician, 2022) Taylor Aliferis (technician, 2022) Danielle Hill (visiting researcher, 2022) Joseph Treichler (MS student, 2019-2022) Chris Leaphart (undergraduate student, 2014; MS student 2015-2017; PhD student 2018-2022) Bri Roberson (undergraduate intern, 2022) Owen Navarre (research technician, 2022) Kaleigh Hoynes (undergraduate student, 2021-2022) Miranda Butler-Valverde (MS student, 2020-2022) Chelsea Titus (MS student, 2020-2021) Sarah Chinn (PhD student, 2017-2021) Griffith James (technician, 2021) Greg Detweiler (technician, 2021) Rachel Hardegree (undergraduate student, 2020-2021) Karissa McFadden (undergraduate student, 2020-2021) Lindsay Clontz (MS student, 2018-2021) Josh Benavidez (technician, 2020-2021) Alejandro Plascencia (technician, 2020-2021) Aubrey Schafer (technician, 2020-2021) Allie Stift (technician, 2020-2021) Brandon Maiersperger (technician, 2020-2021) Clara Dawson (technician, 2020-2021) Alexa Murray (technician, 2020) Blake Graber (technician, 2020) Kayla Goodman (technician, 2020) Sarah Webster (PhD student, 2014-2020; technician, 2012-2014) David Bernasconi (MS student, 2017-2020) Cody Tisdale (MS student, 2018-2020) Erik Neff (MS student, 2017-2020) Lexington Belyeu (technician, 2019) Chad Argabright (technician, 2019) Kaitlin Wilms (technician, 2019; REU, 2017) Sara Cheatham (technician, 2019) Amy Hilger (technician, 2018-2019) Allie Rakowski (research coordinator, 2018-2019) Hannah Gerke (MS student, 2017-2019) Chris Boyce (MS student, 2017-2019) Bradley Carter (technician, 2018-2019) Philip Lyons (MS student, 2016-2018) Heaven Tharp (REU student, 2018) Tristan Mills (technician, 2018) Jacob Ashe (technician, 2017-2018) Jacob Hill (visiting researcher, 2017-2018) EJ Borchert (MS student, 2016-2018; technician 2015) Peter Schlichting (post-doc, 2016-2017) Jena Nierman (technician, 2017) Josh Smith (postdoc, 2015-2017) Philipe Hernandez (visiting researcher, 2013-2017) Dave Keiter (MS student, 2014-2016) Ansley Silva (MS student, 2014-2016) Kevin Eckert (technician, 2016) Katie McManners (undergraduate student, 2016) Sarah Abercrombie (REU student, 2016) Lauren Laatsch (REU and undergraduate thesis student, 2015-2016) Ricki Oldenkamp (MS student, 2014-2016) Beckie Juarez (technician, 2015) Amanda Holland (MS student, 2013-2015) Kelsey Turner (MS student, 2013-2015) Mike Byrne (postdoc, 2014-2015) Ellen Bledsoe (technician, 2015) Zach Ross (technician, 2015) Jeff Peterson (undergraduate student, 2014) Lincoln Oliver (technician, 2014) Zak Smith (technician, 2012-2014) Courses WILD 4650/6650: Wildlife Techniques Field Camp This is a 4-hour undergraduate/graduate-level course offered during Maymester at the Savannah River Ecology Lab near Aiken, SC. The course exposes students to a variety of techniques used in contemporary wildlife research and management and provides opportunities for students to apply these techniques in a field setting. Topics vary from year to year but typically cover live-capture, handling, and chemical immobilization of wildlife, non-invasive sampling techniques, wild-pig capture and handling techniques, use of radio-telemetry to monitor animal movements, and use of drones in wildlife research. Course Goals and Learning Outcomes In this course students should gain practical hands-on experience applying contemporary field techniques commonly used in wildlife research and management. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: Describe and implement common invasive and non-invasive methods of capturing, handling, and sampling wildlife populations Demonstrate knowledge of wildlife capture and handling procedures, study design, and population monitoring techniques Demonstrate understanding of how non-invasive tools can used to address a variety of questions in wildlife ecology and conservation Duration: Ten days in May, dates vary by year. Faculty Instructors: Jim Beasley WILD 1100e: Wildlife in America This course is a 2-credit hour online course offered at the undergraduate level and is designed for anyone with an interest in the conservation and management of wildlife; non-wildlife majors are especially encouraged. The course provides an introduction to the history of wildlife management and conservation, with particular emphasis on wildlife populations in the U.S. The course is set up in a modular format, with each module covering a specific topic pertaining to the ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife. Course Goals and Learning Outcomes Students completing WILD1100e should develop a deeper understanding of the ecology and natural history of the various vertebrate groups, as well as the establishment and evolution of the fields of wildlife conservation and management, with particular emphasis on wildlife in the U.S. At the conclusion of this course students should be able to: Provide an overview of the history of wildlife ecology, conservation, and management in the US and describe the importance of these fields in modern society. Describe seminal laws and policies central to the management and conservation of wildlife. Distinguish among the various wildlife taxa and be able to describe important aspects of their life history and ecology. Explain the association between wildlife and habitat and the fundamental role wildlife play in ecosystems. Describe the impacts of human land use and other anthropogenic activities on wildlife. Duration: Currently offered during spring and summers annually. Faculty Instructors: Jim Beasley Research Projects Across the globe, wildlife and ecosystems are under increasing pressure due to human activities. The loss and fragmentation of habitats, spread of invasive species, climate change, pollution, disease, and a myriad of other factors are contributing to loss of biodiversity and population declines of numerous wildlife species. Furthermore, expanding human populations and diminishing natural habitats are resulting in increased interactions between humans and wildlife, resulting in conflicts that are contributing to the decline of many species of conservation concern. Within the Beasley Lab, our group studies the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife across the globe, with the ultimate goal of providing empirical based information to facilitate conservation and management decisions. Carnivore Conservation and Management Across the globe, populations of large carnivores have declined due to a multitude of human-related factors. In contrast, some smaller carnivores (e.g., raccoons, red fox, coyotes) have thrived in landscapes dominated by human activity and thus are often a significant source of human-wildlife conflict. As a result, carnivores are an important group of species of both conservation and management concern. We are interested in all aspects of carnivore ecology, with particular emphasis on spatial ecology, disease management, population dynamics, and human-wildlife interactions. We are particularly interested in understanding the effects of anthropogenic activities (e.g., habitat fragmentation, urbanization) on carnivores to better aid in the development of conservation and management programs. Carnivore research within our lab includes a diversity of projects, both in the U.S. and abroad, encompassing a breadth of species from mesocarnivores to apex predators. Examples of some recent and current carnivore research within our lab include: Ecology and conservation of african carnivores Human-wildlife conflicts at the interface of protected areas and farmlands are a common problem worldwide. Managing such conflicts represents a serious conservation challenge for managers. Within southern Africa, Etosha National Park (ENP) in Namibia is recognized as a stronghold for carnivore conservation. Etosha contains an intact guild of large carnivores including African lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as numerous small and mid-sized carnivores. However, ENP is surrounded by human-dominated land uses such as livestock farms, conservancies, tourism properties, agricultural areas, and villages. Although ENP is surrounded by a perimeter boundary fence, large carnivores venture out of the park and frequently kill livestock. Such incidents provoke retaliatory killings of large carnivores, resulting in the unsustainable loss of individuals. Resolving such problems often requires a detailed understanding of the issues surrounding human-large carnivore cooccurrence. We are currently collaborating with the Ongava Research Centre, the Etosha Ecological Institute, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, and other members of the Greater Etosha Carnivore Programme to conduct a broad suite of studies to quantify underlying aspects of carnivore, livestock, and prey movements and population dynamics within the Greater Etosha Landscape (GEL). The results from this research will help prioritize specific mitigation measures to reduce livestock losses, reduce retaliatory carnivore killings, and develop human-carnivore coexistence models within the GEL. Interactions between predators and livestock at the interface of protected areas and multi-use, shared landscapes There is an urgent need to address the problem of retaliatory killings of predators and reduce the knowledge gap regarding interactions between livestock, large carnivores, and humans along the periphery of protected areas. This project aims to understand spatial and temporal overlap in carnivore and livestock activity and habitat use at the interface of Etosha National Park (ENP) and the surrounding multi-use landscape, as well as landowner perceptions of carnivores and the underlying drivers of carnivore-human conflict hotspots. For our focal species we are targeting lions and spotted hyenas as they are the largest apex predators and most commonly involved in conflicts with humans in this region. We are collaring individuals from distinct prides and clans along the inner periphery of ENP, as well as tagging livestock from representative cattle posts/bomas along the periphery of the park with GPS ear tags. In addition, we are mapping conflict hotspots and conducting surveys to better understand the underlying drivers of carnivore conflicts and losses. The data from tagged individuals will aid in understanding interspecific differences in seasonal and temporal movements and space use along the peripheral areas of the park, as well as the identification of livestock grazing areas and how livestock grazing activity influences predator space use and activity. Ultimately, this work will provide us an opportunity to engage with livestock farmers in monitoring human-carnivore interactions, build local support, and find evidence-based solutions for human-wildlife coexistence within the Greater Etosha Landscape. Effects of artificial lighting and human presence on African mammal behavior at waterholes Waterholes are a vital resource for animals, especially those in arid environments. However, due to the concentration of wildlife around water resources such locations are often hotspots of tourist activity as well as important locations of animal point counts by researchers. The effects of such human activity at waterholes is relatively unknown, and thus research is needed to fully understand behavioral changes caused by anthropogenic effects during periods of waterhole access. Further, waterholes in some protected lands in Africa are often artificially lit with LED spotlights at night for tourism purposes, as many charismatic species are nocturnal, yet the effects of these lights on animal behavior are unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, we are using surveillance cameras to compare wildlife behaviors between artificially lit waterholes and dark waterholes to determine how artificial lighting is affecting mammal behavior. In addition, we are evaluating the effects of human observers conducting wildlife counts at waterholes on visitation patterns by wildlife to determine if human presence may create biases in wildlife counts at waterholes. Ultimately, our goal with this research is to develop optimized protocols for maximizing the tourism experience for wildlife viewing and for research monitoring wildlife populations at waterholes, while reducing human impacts on wildlife. Effects of tourism activity on African lion and Spotted Hyena movement and resource selection Wildlife-based tourism may influence patterns of animal movement resulting in diminished foraging activities, and mammals are known to increase their movements in response to human presence or disturbance. However, the extent to which movement and habitat use is affected by tourism is poorly understood. In protected areas in semi-arid environments where tourism is common, roads connecting waterholes are often utilized for tourist vehicles and thus can be sources of disturbance for wildlife attempting to access critical water resources. Additionally, some waterholes are located at camps that are frequented by tourists, but our understanding of how these human activities affect charismatic species that tourists seek out needs to be further developed. In this study, we are evaluating movements of lions and hyenas in response to changes in tourism pressure in Etosha National Park in Namibia. We are using data from GPS collars on carnivores to quantify the influence of tourism activities in Etosha on their movements through examining selection of roads and waterholes, and whether selection of these attributes differs among seasons, sex, or time of day. The knowledge gained from this study can be applied to conservation and management decisions, tourism practices, and public engagement in Etosha and other protected areas globally. Diet composition of African carnivores Understanding carnivore diets is important for conservation efforts and management decisions, providing insight into the roles predators play in an ecosystem, competition, prey management, and how animals are adapting to a rapidly changing world. Further, in landscapes where humans and carnivores coexist, large carnivores often prey on livestock, leading to conflicts with humans and in some cases retaliatory killings of carnivores. Given global declines of many large carnivores, more information on carnivore diets, particularly in areas where humans and carnivores coexist, is needed to aid in prey management and alleviate conflicts with local people. We are conducting dietary studies for a diverse suite of carnivores across northern Namibia to determine interspecific differences in prey composition as well as seasonal differences in diet among species. Ultimately these studies will further our understanding of spatiotemporal patterns of how predators may be interacting with livestock and wild prey, as well as the time periods where livestock may be most vulnerable to predation by carnivores. Effects of land use on fence crossings of wildlife at the interface of protected areas and human dominated landscapes Conservation fences are used around the world, and particularly in southern Africa where they are placed around protected areas to conserve and protect wildlife populations and decrease conflicts with people. However, the use of fences is highly debated due to the lack of knowledge regarding the broad-scale social, ecological, and economic impacts of fencing. In northern Namibia, Etosha National Park (ENP) is surrounded by an 820km long fence that separates ENP from the mosaic of differing land use types that encompass the Greater Etosha Landscape (GEL) including game reserves, conservancies, and private free-hold farms. For carnivores, crossing the fence poses a high risk of mortality in bordering areas from retaliatory killings after raiding livestock or game farms. There is a critical need to better understand the frequency at which various species cross between ENP and the surrounding shared-use landscape, as well as the underlying biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to fence crossings by these species. We are using remote cameras to investigate the effects of land use on the spatio-temporal fence crossing behavior of various mammal species at the interface of ENP and the surrounding human-dominated landscape. These data will be used to inform stakeholders on the permeability of the ENP fence, which can be used to determine how, when, and where to maintain the fence and what aspects are most important to target in future conservation and management plans. Mesocarnivore Ecology and Management Movement ecology of coyotes Although historically absent from the eastern United States, coyotes have expanded their range across the continent and established populations in the southeastern U.S. since the early 1990s. Because of their generalist nature and variability in resource use, researchers have struggled to understand the fine scale ecological processes driving coyote resource selection and movement ecology in the southeastern U.S. Further, the direct or indirect impacts of coyote presence on smaller, native mesopredators such as gray fox are not well understood. We are collaborating with other UGA researchers to elucidate the impacts of territorial status (i.e., resident vs. transient animals), human persecution, and competition with native carnivores on coyote movement behavior and resource selection. In addition, we also are investigating the effects of coyotes on both gray and red fox. To accomplish this, along with our collaborators we have deployed dozens of GPS collars on coyotes across the southeastern U.S. to better understand the ecological processes driving coyote resource selection and movement ecology in a diverse landscape. Influence of lure choice and survey duration on scent stations for carnivore surveys Non-invasive, camera-based, scent station surveys have become a common approach to estimate population parameters for mammalian carnivores. Carnivores are particularly sensitive to olfactory cues, and as such the quality and quantity of odor attractant used during surveys can impact the accuracy of the survey. Additionally, survey length is also an important consideration as many mammalian predators are highly mobile and elusive in nature. However, despite the widespread use of scent station surveys, there is considerable variation in methodology used among studies due to uncertainty regarding the most appropriate study design for conducting multi-species surveys. We are currently conducting a series of studies to test the effects of various lures and survey durations on visitation rates, visitation probability, and latency to visitation of multiple predator species across multiple sites in the U.S. From these surveys, we hope to determine optimal attractants and study designs to aid in the standardization of scent station surveys across the U.S. Spatial ecology and population dynamics of Virginia opossums and raccoons To contain and eradicate the rabies virus variant that infects raccoons in the eastern United States, the USDA and several other state and federal agencies are utilizing aerial deployment of oral rabies vaccination baits (ORV) in a swath that stretches from Alabama to Maine. The efficacy of the vaccination program critically depends on the proportion of deployed baits consumed by target (i.e., raccoons) vs. non-target species, which ultimately is influenced by spatio-temporal patterns of movements and population dynamics of bait consumers. We are collaborating with USDA-APHIS to quantify variance in Virginia opossum and raccoon population densities and movements among four major habitat types in the Southeastern US. Using a combination of extensive mark-recapture experiments as well as GPS collars deployed on dozens of raccoons and opossums, our goal in this research is to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to spatial and temporal variation in home range size, resource selection, and density for these species. The results of this project will provide important data on the spatial ecology and population dynamics of raccoons and opossums, information needed to optimize rabies elimination plans for the southeastern U.S. Ecological factors affecting the success of rabies vaccine programs Rabies and other zoonotic diseases pose significant risks to humans and domestic animals, often resulting in substantial economic and public health burdens. Remote vaccination programs have shown promise for controlling rabies among free-ranging mesopredator populations. However, seroconversion rates following vaccine bait distributions often are insufficient to break the transmission cycle of the disease, particularly in raccoons and skunks, suggesting improvements in bait distribution methodology, or deficiencies in the vaccine and/or bait may be needed to improve seroconversion rates in free-ranging populations. In particular, the Virginia opossum, a species refractory to infection with raccoon rabies, is a non-target species identified as the dominant competitor for vaccine baits in the Midwest. However, the importance of Virginia opossums as a bait competitor, and thus their impact on rabies vaccination program outcomes in the Southeastern US remains unclear. We are collaborating with researchers at the USDA-APHIS National Wildlife Research Center to evaluate and improve uptake of rabies vaccine baits in mesopredators through experimental studies. Using biomarkers in combination with live capture and remote camera surveys, we are investigating uptake rates of baits by target and non-target species, and how local habitat attributes influence bait competition and raccoon population demography. Collectively, these data will be used to inform rabies management programs and improve vaccination rates in free-ranging mesopredator populations. Chernobyl And Fukushima Wildlife Research It is widely recognized that acute exposure to high levels of radiation causes morbidity and mortality in wildlife. However, there are significant data gaps regarding the effects of chronic low-dose exposure to wildlife and thus no consensus on the potential environmental impacts of nuclear energy and/or accidents. Of the sites impacted by radiation contamination, the human exclusion zones surrounding the Chernobyl and Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant accidents provide a model system for examining impacts of radiation on wildlife. Studies in these landscapes have primarily focused on individual, and occasionally population-level effects to invertebrates, birds, and in some cases small mammals. Surprisingly, few studies have been conducted on large mammals, which often exhibit some of the highest levels of radionuclide burdens within their tissues. Along with a group of international collaborators, our prior research in Chernobyl has shown that populations of large mammals have increased since the evacuation of humans from the exclusion zone, despite the presence of high levels of radiation. Our current research seeks to build upon these studies to further our understanding of the ecology, population dynamics, and health of wildlife inhabiting contaminated areas in Chernobyl and Fukushima. Chernobyl Research Spatial ecology and sub-lethal effects of chronic radiation exposure in gray wolves and raccoon dogs in Chernobyl We are working with researchers from the Belarus National Academy of Sciences and biologists at the Polyese State Radioecological Reserve to study individual and population level effects of radiation on gray wolves, raccoon dogs, and other large mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ). In collaboration with the French Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety, we have developed a new scientific tool that collects an animal’s location and short-term integrated dose and attached these units to gray wolves within the CEZ. These collars have allowed us to quantify the spatial and temporal variation in radiation levels that wild, free-ranging animals experience in areas surrounding nuclear accidents. In addition, using these data and data collected from collars placed on other species in the CEZ, we are currently studying the spatial ecology of carnivores in the CEZ. Using samples collected from captured individuals we also are conducting various health assessments to quantify the sub-lethal effects of chronic radiation exposure in apex predators living in habitats surrounding Chernobyl. Abundance and distribution of large mammals within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Since the evacuation of humans from the landscape surrounding Chernobyl in 1986, wildlife populations have persisted throughout the exclusion zone, including some of the most severely contaminated areas. Yet, information on the distribution and abundance of large mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), particularly in relation to the distribution of radiation contamination, is limited. Such information is greatly needed to develop appropriate safeguards for wildlife within the CEZ and other areas contaminated with radiation. Our lab has been conducting research within the CEZ over the last several years to investigate the impacts of chronic radiation exposure on the occurrence, distribution, and abundance of several wildlife species within the CEZ. Specifically, we are using a combination of scent stations, scat surveys, and unbaited motion activated cameras to survey populations of gray wolves, raccoon dogs, Eurasian lynx, European brown bear, European badger, pine marten, red fox, wild boar, Przwalski’s horses, and other mammalian species within the CEZ. In addition, we have used remote cameras to elucidate the composition of vertebrate scavenger communities within the CEZ. Data collected from the surveys has revealed that many species of large mammals are now abundant and widely distributed throughout the CEZ, including species absent or highly limited in number prior to the accident. Thus, the CEZ appears to be serving as a de facto nature reserve for wildlife despite the high levels of radiation that persist throughout the landscape. Evaluating the diet composition of gray wolves in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986, many wildlife species experienced population increases within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) following the reduction in anthropogenic activity, including wolves. However, the ecology and behavior of wolves that have repopulated the CEZ are poorly understood, including the extent to which individuals within the CEZ interact with the surrounding human-dominated landscape. Using DNA metaboarcoding analysis of wolf fecal samples, our objectives in this study are to (1) quantify the composition of species wolves use as food resources within the CEZ, and (2) whether wolves within peripheral areas of the CEZ consume livestock from the surrounding area. This research ultimately will provide the most comprehensive assessment to date regarding the dietary habits of large predators within the CEZ. These results will aid in the protection and management of wolves and provide insight into the ecology and behavior of wildlife in the CEZ. Fukushima Research Effects of human habitation on the abundance and spatial ecology of wildlife in Fukushima, Japan Following the Chernobyl nuclear accident, many large mammal species increased in abundance, likely due to the removal of humans from the landscape. However, many questions remain regarding how quickly populations increased and the extent to which chronic radiation exposure may be impacting wildlife in areas impacted by nuclear accidents. We are conducting numerous studies within the Fukushima Exclusion Zone to better understand the extent to which radiation exposure, and the evacuation of humans from the landscape, are influencing the community composition, population dynamics, movements, and health of wildlife. Through the use of remote cameras and GPS collars, these studies aim to determine the distribution and relative abundance of wildlife in and around the Fukushima exclusion zone. These data will provide unique insights into the response of wildlife populations to the evacuation of humans from the landscape, data that will serve as baseline assessments for future monitoring efforts, as well as important data from which radiation-effects studies can be based. We also are attaching GPS collars to civets, raccoons, wild boar, and other wildlife species to determine the resource selection, activity, and movement patterns of these species within the human evacuation zone. For some species, like wild boar, we are also attaching GPS-dosimetry collars and using radiological measurements recorded by these collars along with varying resolutions of environmental contamination data and animal space use metrics. These results will be used to develop guidance on conducting ecological risk assessments and dose-effects studies. Effects of anthropogenic activity on vertebrate scavenging communities in Fukushima, Japan The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident in 2011 resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from affected areas in Fukushima, Japan. The drastic decrease in human activity on the landscape may have repercussions for ecosystem functions, which has become an active area of scientific research. Previous studies by our lab in both Chernobyl and Fukushima have revealed that many native scavengers like wild boar have increased in abundance in abandoned areas where there is limited human activity. Such differences in wildlife community composition among areas of varying human presence could have important implications for scavenging efficiency and energy distribution within the food web. By studying how anthropogenic activities influence food web dynamics, we can understand the extent to which human presence results in cascading effects on ecosystem services like carcass removal and nutrient cycling. In collaboration with Fukushima University, we are conducting studies using remote game cameras placed at carcasses in different habitats to record scavenging activity inside the Exclusion Zone as well as the surrounding landscape to 1) quantify the effects of carcass size and habitat on the detection rates and composition of scavenger communities, and 2) determine if scavenger community composition and scavenging activity patterns vary between areas of high and low human activity, and how this impacts the efficiency of carcass removal. Radiocesium accumulation and spatial ecology of snakes in Fukushima, Japan Snakes are an important part of the food web in many ecosystems, but are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of contaminants due to their small home ranges and relatively long lives. Although snakes in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone (FEZ) are likely chronically exposed to elevated radiation levels due to their trophic position and close contact with contaminated soil, they remain understudied. This study is the first to quantify radionuclide burdens in snakes inhabiting the FEZ and surrounding areas and will reveal the efficacy of using OSL dosimeters with GPS transmitters to track radiation accumulation and resource selection patterns in snakes. Reproductive health of wild boar in Fukushima, Japan Extensive anthropogenic inputs of radionuclides have occurred through nuclear weapons testing, maintenance of nuclear power plants, and nuclear accidents such as those in Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima Daiichi (2011). The ecological impacts of these anthropogenic inputs are an important area of research, with considerable uncertainty remaining regarding dose-effects thresholds for many health endpoints. Reproduction is thought to be the among the most sensitive ecological endpoints to radiation exposure, with potential consequences to the abundance and fecundity of exposed wildlife populations. Indeed, biomedical studies on humans have shown that exposure to radiation may affect reproduction of both sexes. Exposure to radiation may also increase the rate of deleterious mutations across subsequent generations and may increase disease susceptibility, thus decreasing survival and reproductive success of individuals and across populations. However, chronic exposure to radiation is not well understood and no studies to date have assessed the reproductive health of large, wild mammals in areas impacted by nuclear accidents. To address this research gap, we are collecting reproductive tissue samples from male and female wild boar within the Fukushima Exclusion Zone and surrounding area to assess the reproductive health of wild boar chronically exposed to radiation. Results from this research will yield critical new insights into the reproductive health of wildlife inhabiting landscapes impacted by radiological contamination. Alteration of the cesium-137 soil profile by wild boar rooting after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident Large amounts of Cesium-137 (137Cs) were released into the environment from the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in Japan. Initially, contaminants from the accident were deposited on the surface soil layers in terrestrial ecosystems, but over time vertical migration of 137Cs has occurred, with most 137Cs now distributed a few centimeters below the soil surface. Wild boar rooting likely alters the distribution of contaminants in soil profiles by increasing erosion and bioavailability to plants and other biota. Such impacts may be particularly pronounced in areas contaminated from the FDNPP accident, given the increase in abundance of wild boar in these areas. Our objective for this study was to determine whether rooting by wild boar alters the distribution of 137Cs contamination within soil profiles through collection of soil cores from control sites and both recent and old rooting sites within the difficult-to-return zone surrounding the FDNPP. Our results from this study have revealed that soil disturbance from wild boar rooting can directly influence the distribution of contaminants within soil profiles, but that the extent to which deep layers of soil are affected depends on the unique characteristics (i.e., depth of rooting) of each rooting disturbance. Ecology And Management of Invasive Wild Pigs Wild pigs are a highly invasive species that are rapidly expanding in number and distribution throughout the U.S. It is estimated that wild pig populations now exceed 6 million animals in the U.S. alone, causing billions of dollars in ecological and agricultural damages annually. In addition, vehicle collisions with wild pigs represent a growing threat to human safety. Despite the significant ecological and economic impact of expanding wild pig populations, few tools are available to effectively control the rapid spread of this invasive species. Moreover, although estimates of abundance are a central component of any species management program, reliable estimators for free-ranging pig populations are limited due to a number of ecological and economic factors. Our lab is one of the leading academic research programs studying invasive wild pigs in the U.S. and more broadly across the globe. We work closely with various state and federal partners to better understand the ecology and impacts of wild pigs, as well as assess and optimize the efficacy of management programs for controlling this destructive invasive species. Wild pig social ecology Describing the genetic and demographic composition of social groupings is important in the conservation and management of species, particularly in modelling disease transmission dynamics. However, social organization can vary across a taxa’s range, and data on wild pig social groups is primarily limited to observational studies. Invasive wild pig social organization is assumed to be composed of two general social units: matriarchal groups (sounders) and solitary males. Sounders have long been believed to be groups of close female kin with their dependent offspring. Males are assumed to always be solitary after dispersing from their natal range, except when courting potential mates, although some groups of young males have also been observed. We are using a large, long term genomic dataset collected from the Savannah River site and South-central Oklahoma to describe patterns in wild pig social group demography and relatedness. Results of this research thus far has revealed that sounders are the most common social unit for wild pigs, but that pseudo-solitary females and male dominated bachelor groups were observed more frequently than previously reported. Also, although primarily composed of close female kin, some sounders also include unrelated females, suggesting not all sounders are intact family units. These data represent one of the most comprehensive genomic assessments of wild pig social organization to date, information that will be used to better inform the management of this species in their invasive range. Spatial ecology, contact structure, and disease dynamics in wild pigs We are working with researchers at the USDA-APHIS-WS-National Wildlife Research Center and several collaborators on numerous studies to better understand the movement ecology of wild pigs to better understand how movement behavior may influence disease transmission dynamics. Using a combination of movement data from GPS collared wild pigs, genetic data, and disease data our goal is to elucidate the spatial, genetic, and disease associations of local pig populations, both within and among sounders. By using modern trapping techniques that facilitate sampling of entire sounders, we are able to assess the fine-scale structure and disease dynamics within pig populations at the level of individual sounders. These data coupled with information on the movement behavior of each sampled sounder will be used to develop and refine analytical models to predict the spread of pig populations as well as the dissemination of infectious diseases of concern to human or livestock health. We also are using an extensive network of GPS collars deployed on wild pigs to better understand both inter- and intra-group movement behavior, as well as well as how landscape attributes and wild pig behavioral states influence resource selection patterns. To date we have deployed several dozen GPS collars on wild pigs as well as contact loggers that record inter- and intra-group interactions, representing one of the largest spatial datasets of wild pig movement behavior in the U.S. Results from this research will aid in evaluating and refining the efficacy of control methods to facilitate management of wild pigs in the U.S. and other regions where this species is invasive. Evaluation of baits and lures in attracting wild pigs for population management There is a great need to improve the efficiency and efficacy of methods for controlling rapidly expanding populations of invasive wild pigs. Baits such as corn and peanuts are frequently used as attractants for wild pigs when conducting population control. However, examining the efficacy of a broader scope of attractants will lead to more efficient and cost-effective management of wild pigs. Working with the USDA-APHIS-WS-National Wildlife Research Center and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, we are studying the efficacy of an extensive range of attractants (from food-based to pheromones) in SC and TX to determine the most effective lures in attracting wild pigs through time, space, and across seasons. Building on the results from this research, we are also collaring wild pigs to examine their fine-scale movements in response to different combinations of lures and food baits. The results of this research ultimately will provide important information on the potential utility of alternative baits and lures and their optimal application in the control of wild pig populations. Evaluation of changes in wild pig populations as well as agricultural and environmental damage in response to implementation of population control Wild pigs are a substantial threat to agricultural production throughout their invasive range. As the population and range of wild pigs continues to grow across North America, managers are faced with the mounting challenge of maximizing the efficiency of control and monitoring efforts with limited resources. However, there are currently few published data on the spatial and temporal characteristics of wild pig damage to both native and agricultural systems as well as wild pig responses to management. We are conducting a series of studies to better understand patterns of wild pig damage to resources, as well as the influence of removal efforts on wild pig population size and extent of damages to both agriculture and native ecosystems. In addition, we are quantifying the effectiveness of different trapping techniques as well as changes in wild pig populations, environmental damage, and agricultural damage in conjunction with wild pig control efforts on private lands in SC. This research will ultimately improve management strategies to help reduce the impacts of wild pigs on our native ecosystems, livestock, crops, and human health. Evaluation of wild pig impacts to native species through dietary studies Biological invasions are one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss, second only to habitat loss and deforestation. Invasive wild pigs are one of the most widely distributed invasive vertebrates and pose a threat to numerous taxa and ecosystems globally due to their high reproductive rates, adaptability, destructive rooting habits, and generalist, omnivorous diets. In particular, dietary analyses have revealed wild pigs consume diverse plant and animal taxa, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. With rapidly increasing wild pig populations worldwide and an ever-expanding range, there is rising concern regarding the impacts of wild pigs to sensitive taxa such as ground-nesting birds and reptiles (e.g., sea turtles). Most wild pig diets studies to date have utilized manual observation methods, which have the potential to underrepresent the consumption of soft-bodied animals due to rapid digestion rates. Recent dietary research using molecular methods suggests that in addition to ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and small mammals, amphibians are particularly vulnerable to depredation by wild pigs. We are conducting a series of studies across a range of physiographic regions in the southeastern U.S. to assess the consumption of vertebrates by wild pigs during periods of potential peak vulnerability to predation by wild pigs. The results of this research will produce some of the most substantial assessments of wild pig diets to date using molecular approaches, information that can be applied to inform focused management of wild pigs to better reduce impacts to sensitive wildlife species. Reproductive ecology of wild pigs in the southeastern U.S. Wild pigs throughout most of North America are genetic hybrids of feral domestic pigs and wild boar and have the highest reproductive potential of any wild ungulate. Although reproduction in domestic pigs is well-studied, the phenology of reproduction, extent of multiple reproductive events per year, how individual and extrinsic factors contribute to variability in productivity, and impact of genetic lineage on these parameters is not well understood in wild pigs. We are conducting a series of studies to better understand the reproductive ecology of wild pigs through direct counts of fetuses in pregnant sows, ovarian analyses, measurements of fetuses, hormone analyses, and tracking the movements of pregnant sows. We are using data collected from these studies to determine the age at sexual maturity for wild pigs as well as the underlying biotic and abiotic factors influencing reproductive rates, litter sizes, and sex ratios. In addition, we are investigating how sow movements change between pre-parturition, parturition, and post-parturition by fitting pregnant sows with GPS collars and vaginal implant transmitters that signal the exact timing of the birth event as well as the location and composition of the farrowing nest. Collectively, these data will be used to better understand the farrowing ecology of this species as well as the underlying factors most influential in driving reproductive output in wild pigs. Estimation of wild piglet survival rates In addition to reproduction, survival is an important driver of population models. Survival can fluctuate with age, size, season, landscape characteristics, resource availability, and genetics. While adult survival is relatively high and constant, juvenile survival may be more sensitive to density dependence. Although recent studies have emphasized the importance of juvenile recruitment in wild pigs to population growth, little research has been performed to estimate piglet survival in their introduced range: vital information for modeling pig population dynamics. We are conducting the first radio-telemetry studies of wild piglet survival in the introduced range of this species, investigating survival as a function of multiple demographic and environmental factors. Increased knowledge of piglet survival rates will aid in the development of more informed population projection models, and therefore help inform management programs to reduce the growth of destructive wild pig populations. Evaluation of methods to estimate wild pig abundance and improve capture rates of wild pig social groups Currently, wild pig population sizes are most often estimated through the use of harvest indices, which are frequently biased but often assumed to be the most practical method for surveying populations across broad geographic extents. Improved methods of estimating abundance of this elusive species are necessary to aid researchers and managers in evaluating efficacy of control techniques, predicting potential impacts on ecosystems, and modeling disease risks. Similarly, numerous trap styles and trapping approaches are used across the U.S. to capture wild pig sounders, yet few studies have evaluated performance of these various trap styles in real-world scenarios. In collaboration with the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services, we are evaluating a broad suite of methods for estimating population size as well as multiple commonly used trap types for capturing wild pigs. These population estimation methods range from capture-based removal models to more labor-intensive genetic capture-mark-recapture and camera-based spatially explicit capture recapture approaches. The results of these studies will have direct implications for the development of robust wild pig population control programs, as well as optimized methodologies for monitoring changes in wild pig populations in response to implementation of control programs. Movement ecology of translocated wild pigs Wild pig populations have been increasing in their introduced range as a result of intentional, and often illegal, translocation efforts by pig-hunting enthusiasts. These translocations are particularly harmful because of the ability of pigs to establish new populations in areas to which they are introduced. There has been practically no research, however, on the behavior of wild pigs following translocation. This is a critical data gap as the movement ecology of translocated wild pigs will have substantive implications for their ability to establish new populations and spread diseases to local wildlife, livestock, and humans. We are performing experimental translocations of GPS-collared pigs within the bounds of the Savannah River site to fill this data gap by investigating how the translocation process affects the spatial ecology and survival of wild pigs. This information will be used to model disease transmission risks and a number of other potential impacts of translocated pigs, informing management in areas where a translocation is suspected to have taken place recently, and provide insights into broader processes of invasion ecology. Population control and impacts of wild pigs on coastal islands Coastal islands provide critical nesting and stopover habitat for many species of conservation concern, particularly sea turtles and beach nesting shorebirds. However, islands are among the most sensitive ecosystems and thus highly vulnerable to impacts from wild pigs, with wild pigs playing a substantial role in the extinction or extirpation of numerous species from islands. Within the Southeastern U.S. wild pigs are abundant and widely distributed on many coastal islands, where they negatively impact threatened and endangered species directly through predation and indirectly by contributing to beach erosion, spread of invasive plants, and habitat destruction. Despite their extensive distribution and impacts on coastal islands in the Southeastern U.S., management efforts are often insufficient to eliminate populations. Thus, there is an urgent need for proactive and extensive control to eliminate the threat to sensitive habitats and wildlife of conservation concern We are collaborating with the USFWS to develop an adaptive management program for invasive wild pigs that is optimized for coastal island ecosystems. This project involves intensive monitoring of wild pig populations, their movement behavior, and impacts in conjunction with varied population control techniques. Ultimately, this research will yield critical insights into the development of eradication and population control programs that can be optimized for island ecosystems in the southeast. Scavenging Ecology Carrion is a valuable nutrient resource in the environment that is used by a diversity of organisms encompassing all biological kingdoms. Due to the low cost of energy derived from carrion, most vertebrate species are facultative scavengers, and thus provide a critical ecosystem service for humans and other organisms by removing decaying animal matter from the environment. In fact, a surprising array of animals will forage on carrion, including eagles, white-tailed deer, and many species of snakes and lizards. However, despite the importance of scavenging for ecosystem health, many knowledge gaps still exist regarding the diversity and function of scavenger communities. In addition, while it is accepted that carcass size and location can influence the diversity and composition of scavenging communities, there is little research to support this assertion. In particular, scavenging research in human-disturbed landscapes is lacking as most studies have been conducted in relatively pristine environments with intact scavenger communities. Thus, there is a critical need to study scavengers in ecosystems that have been dramatically altered by anthropogenic land use. Effects of urbanization on the efficiency and composition of vertebrate scavengers As human populations continue to expand, urbanization will increase and impact ecosystem processes, contribute to habitat fragmentation, and alter community composition of species. While some species can adapt to the rapidly changing environment, urbanization can favor generalist species and reshape food webs, which may result in ecological instability. Determining how wildlife respond to urbanization is necessary for management and city planning purposes in order to create suburban areas where humans and wildlife can coexist. One area that needs more focus is the effects of suburbanization on scavenging species, and how land development can alter scavenging dynamics and the redistribution of carrion-derived nutrients within food webs. To address this knowledge gap, we are using motion activated cameras to monitor experimentally placed fish carcasses in riparian zones of suburban and rural areas in northeast Georgia, USA. Our results thus far suggest fish carrion within riparian areas is readily consumed by terrestrial scavengers. However, carcasses are scavenged by vertebrates less often and persist longer in rural landscapes. These differences between landscapes appear to reflect the abundance of mesocarnivores (especially Virginia opossums), which are highly efficient scavengers, in suburban areas. Interestingly, our data also suggest nutrients from aquatic carcasses near water sources can readily move into terrestrial environments through scavenging, a finding we also reported in our research at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Chernobyl. Effects of carcass size, type (predator vs. herbivore), and habitat on scavenging dynamics It is generally accepted that carcass size and location influence scavenging communities, yet there is little research supporting this notion. To date, most scavenging research has focused on a single carcass size or type and almost exclusively using lower trophic level carrion (i.e., herbivore), resulting in an oversimplified understanding of scavenging dynamics. Similarly, despite the fact that species composition often is greatly influenced by habitat and anthropogenic land use, few studies have taken a multi-habitat approach or incorporated human-impacted landscapes in scavenging studies. We are conducting a series of studies to fill these critical gaps by examining the influence of a large gradient in carcass size, carcass type (herbivore vs. carnivore), and a diversity of habitat types on the composition and efficiency of scavenging communities. Our findings thus far have revealed that all carrion is not created equal and that carcass size, type (herbivore vs. Carnivore), and habitat all interact to influence the species composition and efficiency of carrion use by vertebrates. This research continues to lead to new and interesting questions, and ultimately is helping to broaden our understanding of scavenging community dynamics and the flow of nutrients within food webs. Effects of predator exclusion on the efficiency of scavenging communities Intact scavenging communities provide numerous ecosystem services as they play a critical role in disease dynamics, nutrient cycling and redistribution, and carcass removal. However, the addition (e.g., invasive species) or removal (e.g., extirpation) of scavengers from ecosystems can disrupt the efficiency and composition of scavenging communities. This imbalance not only interrupts the flow of energy in an ecosystem, but also may lead to increased health risks for people, livestock, and other wildlife (e.g., disease). For instance, the recent dramatic decline of vultures in Asia has led to increases in feral dog and rat populations, resulting in a significant increase in human rabies cases from dog bites, as well as diminished efficiency of carcass removal by the scavenging community as a whole. We are conducting a series of studies to test the effects of the exclusion of entire guilds of predator communities on scavenging community dynamics, both through the experimental control of predators (via exclusion) and through investigation of scavenging dynamics in island ecosystems with highly disturbed vertebrate communities (Hawaii and Guam). These studies have revealed that scavenging communities are resilient to disruptions to the composition of species present within a system in terms of efficiency of carrion removal. However, invasive species are often highly efficient members of the scavenging community and thus in ecosystems where invasive species are present scavenging may provide important pathways for nutrient acquisition that further propagate the expansion of the numbers and distribution of these species. Vulture spatial ecology and niche partitioning Black and turkey vultures are scavengers commonly associated with areas of human development. Because vultures utilize anthropogenic resources frequently, they often face many hazards associated with human landscapes, such as collisions with airplanes, vehicles, wind turbines, and other structures (bird-strikes). The economic costs associated with bird-strikes are substantial and the problem is intensified with the fact populations of these species have been increasing in recent decades. However, the spatial ecology of many vulture species remains understudied. Further, despite high levels of dietary overlap and that black and turkey vultures often coexist in large numbers, the mechanisms that allow for the sympatric occurrence of these obligate scavengers are poorly understood. Using GPS/GSM transmitters, our lab studies the movement behavior and resource selection of black and turkey vultures, as well as the underlying habitat attributes that contribute to niche partitioning between these species. Ecotoxicology Anthropogenic contaminants are widespread throughout many ecosystems and represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity world-wide. Recognition of this threat has prompted extensive investigation into the accumulation and effects of contaminants in a variety of taxa. Given their reliance on aquatic ecosystems and unique life history, much of this focus has been centered on understanding effects in amphibians. However, some contaminants may biomagnify within food webs and thus investigation into the fate and effects of contaminants among various levels of trophic organization is of critical importance. In particular, investigation into accumulation of contaminants within consumable tissues of game species is of acute importance to human health, yet few data are available for many commonly harvested species. Such research is particularly important for migratory species or those capable of long-distance movements (e.g., waterfowl) where potential exposure risks to hunters may be unknown. Our lab conducts research on both the accumulation of contaminants in a diversity of wildlife as well as the effects of contaminant exposure in ecosystems across the globe. Contaminants in game species and potential risks to human consumers Over the last several years we have been sampling common game species in the southeastern U.S. to quantify concentrations of radiocesium, mercury, and a suite of other metals/metalloids in consumable animal tissues. In addition, for some species we are collecting endoparasites and other biological samples to assess the sub-lethal effects of contaminant exposure to wildlife. These studies are being conducted in habitats on the Savannah River Site where the distribution and extent of environmental contaminants has been extensively mapped, as well as other locations in the southeast with no known contaminant inputs. Our focus currently is on resident species such as wild pigs, raccoons, beavers, gray squirrels, wild turkeys, otters, as well as various migratory waterfowl species. To assess contaminant accumulation rates, we also are conducting studies on waterfowl inhabiting contaminated waterbodies to develop contaminant accumulation models as well as inform risk assessments for human consumption of waterfowl. From this research we will be able to determine the extent to which these species accumulate contaminants of concern within their body tissues and be able to assess whether consumption of animals inhabiting contaminated habitats poses any potential risks to human health. Effects of methylmercury exposure on waterfowl exposed during embryonic development Methylmercury (MeHg) is a pervasive heavy metal toxicant that is known for its detrimental effects on wildlife in diverse ecosystems across the globe. In aquatic, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, MeHg can bioaccumulate in wildlife via dietary exposure, and undergoes biomagnification with each increasing trophic position in food webs. For birds, some species of waterfowl, waterbirds, and raptors are at the upmost risk of MeHg accumulation given their intermediate to high trophic position and associated diet within wetland environments, as well as their species-specific sensitivity to MeHg. Birds exposed to MeHg have been shown to experience adverse health and reproductive effects, and even death. MeHg is also maternally transferred to eggs laid by contaminated females, exposing embryos during sensitive stages of development. Although studies have previously examined the teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of waterfowl exposed to MeHg in ovo, few have examined its effects on offspring post-hatch. Therefore, the objective of this study is to further investigate MeHg accumulation in waterfowl embryos exposed during embryonic development, and to assess its effects on newly hatched duckling health, behavior, condition, and survival. Not only will this research further examine the negative effects associated with anthropogenic pollution in wildlife, but it will also further demonstrate how sub-optimal conditions during embryonic development can have potential life-long effects. Environmental contaminants and blood parasite loads in Black and Turkey Vultures Recent links between catastrophic vulture declines and anthropogenic hazards have drawn international attention to the vulnerability of scavengers to environmental contamination. Vultures rely on carrion resources, have relatively long lifespans, and are thus particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation of metals and other anthropogenic contaminants. Further, many vulture species may be exposed to anthropogenic contaminants on a regular basis due to frequent foraging at hunter-killed carcasses (which may contain lead fragments), landfills, and other contaminated sites. Despite their potential exposure to contaminants, comparisons of metal and metalloid contamination in sympatric black and turkey vultures are lacking, particularly in the southeastern United States. Thus, understanding levels and sources of contamination to which vultures are exposed is an important area of research to guide future management and conservation efforts. To address this knowledge gap, we are collecting samples from black and turkey vultures in the southeastern U.S. to quantify metal/metalloid burdens and elucidate the relationship between contamination levels and blood parasite loads in vulture populations. Results from this study will provide information on the extent to which avian scavengers are exposed to contaminants and the potential effects of contaminants on the health of scavenging communities in the southeastern United States. Effects of coal combustion residual exposure on community structure of terrestrial vertebrates Coal combustion residuals (CCR) are anthropogenic pollutants associated with coal-fired energy production throughout the world and contain potentially toxic trace elements such as arsenic, selenium, and mercury. Historically underregulated methods of CCR disposal have facilitated environmental exposure. Negative effects of CCR exposure on survival, growth, reproduction, and recruitment have been well-studied across a variety of taxa, but community-level effects require additional attention. Our research aims to describe the current community structure of small terrestrial vertebrates within a site on the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS), that received CCR effluents during the mid-1900s but has since undergone natural attenuation. Our objectives are to 1) characterize herpetofauna and small mammal communities through mark-recapture and camera trap surveys, 2) compare community composition across a gradient of CCR exposure, and 3) quantify body burden of CCR contaminant within our surveyed species. We will be comparing measures of species richness, diversity, contaminant exposure, and similarity of herpetofauna and small mammals occurring within the core of a CCR contamination area, an intermediate site (the interface of uncontaminated and contaminated area), and reference sites. Results of this study will help guide remediation decisions on SRS and in similar sites with CCR contamination. Uptake and depuration of 137Cs in aquatic species inhabiting a contaminated canal on the Savannah River Site Radionuclide contamination can be found across the globe as a result of nuclear weapons testing, nuclear power plants, and nuclear accidents. Of the radionuclides released by anthropogenic sources 137Cs is among the most prevalent and concerning due to its slow decay time and high bioavailability. In aquatic systems, 137Cs sorbs readily to the sediment leaving low concentrations of its labile species suspended in the water column. Thus, benthic organisms and rooted macrophytes may be at an increased risk to accumulate this radionuclide and transfer it into the food web. Numerous studies have reported concentrations of 137Cs in exposed biota, but few have assessed detailed toxicokinetics such as the accumulation and elimination over time, and even fewer have allowed exposed organisms to reach maximum concentrations during uptake. The objective of our study is to quantify the uptake and depuration of 137Cs in taxa from multiple aquatic trophic levels and assess the impact of contaminated sediment removal on 137Cs bioavailability. Using plant, invertebrate and multiple vertebrate species as model organisms, in this study we are quantifying accumulation of 137Cs from initial exposure until equilibrium is reached. Similarly, we are quantifying depuration rates over a similar timeframe. These studies are being conducted in parallel with other experiments to monitor accumulation of contaminants in these same biota both before and after remedial actions of a contaminated canal. These findings will further our knowledge of the transport and fate of radionuclide contaminants in aquatic ecosystems and provide insight into the efficacy of remedial actions on sediment-bound contaminants. Effects of anthropogenic contaminants on invertebrate communities Trophic food webs directly influence ecosystem functions, such as energy flow and nutrient cycling, and decomposers play a major role in these processes because they feed at every level of the food web. Decomposing vertebrates represent a resource pulse that creates mass heterotrophic activity in a localized area. Some invertebrates are specialized in decomposition and their role in this process is important to food-web architecture: perhaps increasingly important due to trophic downgrading and the disappearance of top predators. Despite the importance of invertebrate scavengers to food webs, little is known about how specific disturbances —e.g., contamination by radioactive pollution and metals—affect their assemblages. Further, due to their trophic position as apex consumers within food webs, invertebrate decomposers may be useful bioindicators of contaminants within ecosystems. We are conducting studies to monitor insect assemblages linked to nutrient cycling and the decomposition of carrion at both contaminated and uncontaminated sites on the Savannah River Site, as well as to quantify contaminant burdens in select species. Since environmental disturbances can alter community dynamics, we also are investigating whether soils contaminated with metals and radionuclides lead to shifts in scavenging insect community composition and structure, with a focus on coleopteran species. Results of these studies will be used to further our understanding of the effects of anthropogenic contaminants on invertebrate communities. Publications 2024 Saito, R., Y. Nemoto, N. Ito Kondo, K. Kanda, T. Takeda, J.C. Beasley, and M. Tamaoki. In Press. Study on the relationship between the of dispersal of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and the associated variability of Cesium-137 concentrations in its muscle post-Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Science of the Total Environment. Read article Hoynes, K, A.E. Holland, A.L. Bryan, C.A. Kupferman, and J.C. Beasley. In Press. Trace elements and heavy metals in black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in the southeastern United States. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Read article 2023 Canright, V.R., A.J. Piaggio, S.M. Chinn, R.M. Giglio, J.M. Craine, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. DNA metabarcoding reveals consumption of diverse community of amphibians by invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the southeastern United States. Scientific Reports 13:20889. Read article Hill, J.E., D.A. Bernasconi, R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and G. Dharmarajan. 2023. Home range and resource selection of Virginia opossums in the rural Southeastern United States. Mammal Research doi.org/10.1007/s13364-023-00733-y. Read article Hill, J.E., D.A. Bernasconi, Miller, M., J. Helton, R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, G. Dharmarajan, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2023. Raccoon spatial ecology in the Southeastern United States. Plos One e0293133. Read article Patterson, J.R., N. Szabo, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Effects of urbanization on the efficiency and composition of vertebrate scavengers. Food Webs37:e00317. Read article Hill, J.E., J. Helton, D.A. Bernasconi, W. Dixon, M.T. Hamilton, R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, G. Dharmarajan, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2023. Raccoon densities across four rural habitats in the Southeastern United States. Journal of Wildlife Management 87:e22480. Read article Silva, A.E., R.J. Speakman, B.F. Barnes, D.R. Coyle, J.C. Leaphart, E.F. Abernethy, K.L. Turner, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., J.C. Beasley, and K.J. Gandhi. 2023. Bioaccumulation of contaminants in Scarabaeidae and Silphidae beetles at sites polluted by coal combustion residuals and radiocesium. Science of the Total Environment 904:166821. Read article. Kudrenko, S., J. Vollering, A. Zedrosser, N. Selva, K. Ostapowicz, V. Fenchuk, J.C. Beasley, M. Heurich. 2023. Walking on the dark side: anthropogenic factors limit suitable habitat for gray wolf (Canis lupus) in a large natural area covering Belarus and Ukraine. Global Ecology and Conservation 46:e02586. Read article Treichler, J.W., K.C. VerCauteren, C.R. Taylor, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Changes in wild pig (Sus scrofa) population size, crop damage, and environmental impacts in response to management. Pest Management Science 79:4765-4773. Read article Hill, J.E., J. Helton, R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, G. Dharmarajan, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2023. Spatial ecology of translocated raccoons and implications for rabies virus transmission. Scientific Reports 13:10447. Read article Saito, R., Y. Wakiyama, H. Bontrager, K. Namba, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Alteration of the Cesium 137 soil profile by wild boar rooting after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Environmental Challenges 12:100728. Read article Baek, E., T.G. Hinton, L. Skuterud, J.C. Beasley, B. Salbu, V.C. Baranwal, and O.C. Lind. 2023. Empirical evidence that mean soil contaminant concentration does not provide a conservative indicator of external exposure to wildlife. Ecological Indicators 152:110359. Read article Clontz, L.M., A. Yang, S.M. Chinn, K.M. Pepin, K.C. VerCauteren, G. Wittemyer, R.S. Miller, and J.C. Beasley. Jr. In Press. Role of social structure in establishment of an invasive large mammal after translocation. Pest Management Science. Read article Naha, D., S. Périquet, J.W. Kilian, C. Kupferman, T. Hoth-Hanssen, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Fencing affects movement patterns of two large carnivores in Southern Africa. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11:1031321. Read article Chinn, S.M., T.J. Smyser, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Variance in offspring sex ratio and maternal allocation in a highly invasive mammal. Ecology and Evolution 13:e10136. Read article Dixon, W.C., R.B. Chipman, A.J. Davis, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, J.E. Hill, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and G. Dharmarajan. 2023. Interspecific oral rabies vaccine bait competition in the Southeast United States. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 261:105897. Read article Hill, J.E., K.L. Turner, J.B. Smith, T.L. DeVault, W.C. Pitt, J.C. Beasley, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2023. Scavenging dynamics on Guam and implications for invasive species management. Biological Invasions 25:1845-1858. Read article Smith, J.B., D.A. Keiter, S.J. Sweeney, R.S. Miller, P.E. Schlichting, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Habitat quality influences trade-offs in animal movement along the exploration-exploitation continuum. Scientific Reports 13:4814. Read article Yang, A., M. Wilber, K. Manlove, R.S. Miller, R. Boughton, J.C. Beasley, J. Northrup, K.C. VerCauteren, G. Wittemyer, and K. Pepin. 2023. Deriving spatially explicit direct and indirect interaction networks from animal movement data. Ecology and Evolution 13:e9774. Read article Helton, J., J. Hill, D.A. Bernasconi, W. Dixon, R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, J.C. Beasley, G. Dharmarajan, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2023. Assessment of habitat-specific competition for Oral rabies vaccine baits between raccoons and opossums. Journal of Wildlife Management 87:e22398. Read article Chinn, S.M., J. Hepinstall-Cymerman, and J.C. Beasley. 2023. Reproduction drives changes in space use and habitat selection in a highly adaptable invasive mammal. Journal of Mammalogy 104:479-495. Read article 2022 Butler-Valverde, M.J., TL. DeVault, O.E. Rhodes Jr., and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Carcass appearance does not influence scavenger avoidance of carnivore carrion. Scientific Reports 12:18842. Read article Pepin, K.M., V.R. Brown, A. Yang, J.C. Beasley, R. Boughton, K.C. VerCauteren, R.S. Miller, and S.N. Bevins. 2022. Optimizing response to an introduction of African swine fever in wild pigs. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 69(5):e3111-e3127. Read article Chinn, S.M., P.E. Schlichting, T.J. Smyser, C. F. Pierce, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Factors influencing pregnancy, litter size, and reproductive parameters of invasive wild pigs. Journal of Wildlife Management 86:e22304. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22304. Read article Snow, N.P, C.A. Kupferman, M.J. Lavelle, K.M. Pepin, M.H. Melton, W. Gann, K.C. VerCauteren, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. No panacea attractant for wild pigs, but season and location matter. Applied Animal Behavior 254:105705. Read article Leaphart, J.C., S.A. Abercrombie, E.J. Borchert, A.L. Bryan, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Bioaccumulation of mercury and radiocesium in waterfowl introduced to a site with legacy contamination. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 41(10):2479-2487. doi:10.1002/etc.5444. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5444. Read article Patterson, J.R., T.L. DeVault, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Integrating scavenging ecology into contemporary wildlife conservation and management. Ecology and Evolution 12:e9122. Read article Kays, R. M.V. Cove, A. Maximilian, J. Diaz, K. Todd, C. Bresnan, M. Snider, T.E. Lee, Jr., J.G. Jasper, B. Douglas, A.P. Crupi, K.C.B. Weiss, H. Rowe, T. Sprague, J. Schipper, C.A. Lepczyk, J.E. Fantle-Lepczyk, J. Davenport, M. Zimova, Z. Farris, J. Williamson, M.C Fisher-Reid, D. Rezendes, D. King., P. Chrysafis, A.J. Jensen, D.S. Jachowski, K.C. King, D.J. Herrera, S. Moore, M. van der Merwe, J.V. Lombardi, M. Sergeyev, M. Tewes, R.V. Horan III, M.S. Rentz, A. Driver, L.S.E. Brandt, C. Nagy, P. Alexander, S.P. Maher, A.K. Darracq, E.G. Barr, G. Hess, S.L. Webb, M.D. Proctor, J.P. Vanek, D.J.R. Lafferty, T. Hubbard, J. Jimenez, C. McCain, J. Favreau, J. Fogarty, J. Hill, S. Hammerich, M. Halbur, M. Gray, C.C. Rega- Brodsky, C. Durbin, E.A. Flaherty, J. Brooke, S.S. Coster, R.G. Lathrop, K. Russell, D.A. Bogan, H. Shamon, B. Rooney, A. Rockhill, R.C. Lonsinger, M.T. O'Mara, J.A. Compton, E.L. Barthelmess, J.L. Belant, N. Wehr, D.E. Beyer, Jr., D.G. Scognamillo, C. Schalk, K. Day, C.N. Ellison, B. Nunley, S. Fritts, C.A. Whittier, S.A. Neiswenter, R. Pelletier, B.A. DeGregorio, M.L. Davis, C. Baruzzi, B. McDonald, L.S. Whipple, J.H. Sperry, E. Alexander, P. Wolff, R.H. Hagen, A. Mortelliti, A. Bolinjcar, A.M. Wilson, S. Van Norman, C. Powell, H. Coletto, M. Schauss, H. Bontrager¥, J.C. Beasley, S.N. Ellis-Felege, S.R. Wehr, S. Giery, C.E. Pekins, S.H. LaRose, R.S. Revord, C.P. Hansen, J.J. Millspaugh, A. Zorn, B.D. Gerber, K. Rezendes, J. Adley, J. Sevin, A.M. Green, Ç.H. Şekercioğlu, M.E. Pendergast, K. Mullen, T. Bird, A.J. Edelman, A. Romero, B.J. O'Neill, N. Schmitz, R.A Vandermus, J. M. Alston, K.M. Kuhn, S.C. Hasstedt, D.B. Lesmeister, C.L. Appel, C. Rota, J.L. Stenglein, C. Anhalt-Depies, C. Nelson, R.A. Long, K.R. Remine, M.J. Jordan, M. Elbroch, D. Bergman, S. Cendejas-Zarelli, K. Sager-Fradkin, M. Conner, G. Morris, E. Parsons, C. Ruthven, E. Kuprewicz, M.A. Lashley, D. Mason, D. Risch, H. Hernández-Yáñez, W.J. McShea, and K. Andy. 2022. SNAPSHOT USA 2020: A second coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ecology e3775. Read article Bernasconi, D.A., R.B. Chipman, A.T. Gilbert, M. T. Hamilton, J.C. Beasley, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and G. Dharmarajan. 2022. Influence of landscape attributes on Virginia opossum density. Journal of Wildlife Management 86:e22280. Read article Meehan, T.D., S.P. Saunders, W.V. DeLuca, N.L. Michel, J. Grand, J.L. Deppe, M.F. Jimenez, E. Knight, N. Seavy, M. Smith, L. Taylor, C. Witko, M.E. Akresh, D.R. Barber, E.M. Bayne, J.C. Beasley, J.L. Belant, R.O. Bierregaard, T.J. Boves, J.N. Brzorad, S.P. Campbell, A. Celis-Murillo, H.A. Cooke, R. Domenech, L. Goodrich, E. Gow, A. Haines, M.T. Hallworth, J.M. Hill, A.E. Holland, S. Jennings, R. Kays, D.T. King, K.P. MacFarland, S.A. Mackenzie, P.P. Marra, R.A. McCabe, M.J. McGrady, R. Melcer Jr., D.R. Norris, R.E. Norvell, O.E. Rhodes Jr., C.C. Rimmer, A.L. Scarpignato, J.L. Watson, and C.B. Wilsey. 2022. Integrating data types to estimate spatial patterns of avian migration across the Western Hemisphere. Ecological Applications e2679. Read article Gerke, H.C., T.G. Hinton, K. Okuda, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Increased abundance of acommon scavenger affects allocation of carrion but not efficiency of carcass removal in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. Scientific Reports 12:8903. Read article De Marco, A, P. Sicard, Z. Feng, E. Agathokleous, R. Alonso, V. Araminiene, A. Augustaitis, O. Badea, J.C. Beasley, C. Branquinho, V. Bruckman, R. David-Schwartz, M. Domingos, E. Du, H.G. Gomez, S. Hashimoto, Y. Hoshika, T. Jakovljevic, S. McNulty, E. Oksanen, Y.O. Khaniabadi, A.K. Prescher, C.J. Saitanis, H. Sase, A. Schmitz, G. Voigt, M. Wantanabe, M.D. Wood, M.V. Kozlov, A. Collalti, and E. Paoletti. 2022. Strategic roadmap to assess forest vulnerability under air pollution and climate change. Global Change Biology 28:5062-5085. Read article Sawyer, J.J., M.D. Eubanks, J.C. Beasley, B.T. Barton, R.T. Puckett, J.M. Tomeček, and J.K. Tomberlin. 2022. Vertebrate and invertebrate competition for carrion in human-impacted environments depends on abiotic factors. Ecosphere 13:e4151. Read article Titus, C.L., C.F. Bowden, T.J. Smyser, S.L. Webb, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Genomic tools reveal complex social organization of an invasive large mammal (Sus scrofa). Biological Invasions 24:3199-3216. Read article Anderson, D, S. Kaneko, A. Harshman, K. Okuda, T. Toshito, S.M. Chinn, J.C. Beasley, K. Namba, H. Ishiniwa, and T.G. Hinton. 2022. Radiocesium accumulation and germline mutations in chronically exposed wild boar from Fukushima, with radiation doses to human consumers of contaminated meat. Environmental Pollution 306:119359. Read article Butler-Valverde, M.J., T.L. DeVault, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Trophic interactions at avian carcasses: do scavengers feed on vulture carrion? Food Webs 31:e00230 doi.org/10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00230. Read article Webster, S.C., J.C. Beasley, J.W. Hinton, and M.J. Chamberlain. 2022. Resident and transient coyotes exhibit differential movement patterns and habitat selection in the southeastern United States. Ecology and Evolution 12:e8725. Read article Garrett, K., A. Halseth, M.G. Ruder, J.C. Beasley, B. Shock, A.J. Birkenheuer, M. Gabriel, C. Fiorello, M.M. Haire, C. Olfenbuttel, M.K. Keel, and M.J. Yabsley. 2022. Prevalence and genetic characterization of a Babesia microti-like species in the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 29:100696 doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100696. Read article Clontz, L.M., K.M. Pepin, K.C. VerCauteren, and J.C. Beasley. 2022. Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on home range size and shape of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Pest Management Science 78:914-928. Read article 2021 Turner, K.L., L.M. Conner, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Effects of red imported fire an (Solenopsis invicta) control on carrion use by vertebrate scavengers. Food Webs 29:e00212 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fooweb.2021.e00212. Read article Kilgo, J.C., J.E. Garabedian, M. Vukovich, P.E. Schlichting, M.E. Byrne, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Food resources affect territoriality of wild pig sounders with implications for control. Scientific Reports 11:18821. Read article Thomas, J.C., T.J. Kieran, J.W. Finger, Jr., N. Bayona-Vasquez, A. Oladeinde, J.C. Beasley, J.C. Seaman, J.V. McArthur, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and T.C. Glenn. 2021. Unveiling the gut microbiota and resistome of wild cotton-mice, Peromyscus gossypinus, from heavy metal and radionuclide-contaminated sites in the Southeastern US. Microbiology Spectrum 9:e00097-21. Read article Street, G.M., J.R. Potts, L. Börger, J.C. Beasley, S. Demarais, J.M. Fryxell, P.D. McLoughlin, E.H. Merrill, K.L. Monteith, C.M. Prokopenko, M.C. Ribeiro, A.R. Rodgers, B.K. Strickland, F.M. van Beest, D.A. Bernasconi, L.T. Beumer, G. Dharmarajan, S.P. Dwinnell, M.L.S.P. Jorge, D.A. Keiter, A. Keuroghlian, L.J. Newediuk, J.E.F. Oshima, O.E. Rhodes Jr., P.E. Schlichting, N.M. Schmidt, and E. Vander Wal. 2021. Solving the sample size problem for species distribution models. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 12:2421-2431. Read article Yang, A., R.K. Boughton, R.S. Miller, B. Wight, W.M. Anderson, J.C. Beasley, K.C. VerCauteren, K.M. Pepin, and G. Wittemyer. 2021. Spatial variation in direct and indirect contact rates at the wildlife-livestock interface for informing disease management. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 194:105423 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105423. Read article Sebastián-González, E., Z. Morales-Reyes, F. Botella, L. Naves-Alegre, J.M. Pérez-García, P. Mateo-Tomás, P.P. Olea, M. Moleón, J.M. Barbosa, F. Hiraldo, E. Arrondo, J.A. Donázar, A. Cortés-Avizanda, N. Selva, S.A. Lambertucci, A. Bhattacharjee, A. Brewer, E. Abernethy, K. Turner¥, J.C. Beasley, T.L. DeVault, H. Gerke¥, O.E. Rhodes Jr, A. Ordiz, C. Wikenros, B. Zimmermann, P. Wabakken, C.C. Wilmers, J.A. Smith, C.J. Kendall, D. Ogada, E. Frehner, M.L. Allen, S. Dirksen-Adlai, H.U. Wittmer, J.R.A. Butler, J.T. du Toit, A. Margalida, P. Olivia-Vidal, D. Wilson, K. Jerina, M. Krofel, R. Kostecke, R. Inger, E. Per, Y. Ayhan, M. Sanci, Ü. Yilmazer, A. Inagaki, S. Koike, A. Samson, P.L. Perrig, E. Spencer, T.M. Newsome, M. Heurich, J.D. Anadón, E.R. Beuchley, C. Gutiérrez-Cánovas, M.L. Elbroch, and J.A. Sánchez-Zapata. 2021. Functional traits driving species role in the structure of terrestrial vertebrate scavenger networks. Ecology 102(12):e03519. Read article Chinn, S.M., J.C. Kilgo, M. Vukovich, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal. Scientific Reports 11:11033 Read article Cunningham, K., T.G. Hinton, J.J. Luxton, A. Bordman, K. Okuda, L.E. Taylor, J. Hayes, H.C. Gerke, S.M. Chinn, D. Anderson, M.L. Laudenslager, T. Takase, Y. Nemoto, H. Ishiniwa, J.C. Beasley, and S.M. Bailey. 2021. Evaluation of DNA damage and stress in wildlife chronically exposed to low dose, low dose rate radiation from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. Environment International 155:106675. Read article Clontz, L.M., K.M. Pepin, K.C. VerCauteren, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Connecting the dots: behavioral state resource selection in wild pigs in the southeast United States. Scientific Reports 11:6924. Read article Beasley, J.C., L.M. Clontz, A. Rakowski, N. Snow, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2021. Evaluation of a warfarin bait for controlling invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Pest Management Science 77:3057-3067. Read article Tisdale, C.A., J.A. Martin, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Lead contamination differences in the muscle of wild turkeys harvested with lead and copper-plated lead shot. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 12:250-256. Read article Naha, D., S.K. Dash, C. Kupferman, J.C. Beasley, and S. Sathyakumar. 2021. Movement behavior of a solitary large carnivore within a hotspot of human-wildlife conflicts in India. Scientific Reports 11:3862. Read article Gerke, H.C., T.G. Hinton, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Movement behavior and habitat selection of snakes (Elaphe spp.) in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. Ichthyology and Herpetology 109:549-556. Read article Webster, S.C.¥, M.J. Chamberlain, J.W. Hinton, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Isotope analysis reveals dietary overlap among sympatric canids. Journal of Mammalogy 102(5):1222-1234. Editors Choice Article. Read article Yang, A., P. Schlichting, B. Wight, W.M. Anderson, S.M. Chinn, M.Q. Wilber, J.C. Beasley, R.K. Boughton, K.C. VerCauteren, G. Wittemyer, and K.M. Pepin. 2021. Effects of social structure and management on risk of disease establishment in wild pigs. Journal of Animal Ecology 90:820-833. Read article Tisdale, C.A., J.A. Martin, and J.C. Beasley. 2021. Accumulation of contaminants by wild turkeys and potential for consumer exposure. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 40:1222-1231. Read article 2020 Kheidorova, E.E., K.V. Homel, M.E. Nikiforov, A.V. Shpak, V. Dombrovski, M.S. Shkvyrya, P.E. Schlichting, J.C. Beasley, D.A. Vishnevsky, and Y.B. Yakovlev. 2020. Genetic diversity of the free-living population of Przewalski's horses in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Theriologia Ukrainica 20:58–66. Read article Tabak, M.A., M.S. Norouzzadeh, D.W. Wolfson, E.J. Newton, R.K. Boughton, J.S. Ivan, E.A. Odell, E.S. Newkirk, R.Y. Conrey, J.L. Stenglein, F. Iannarilli, J. Erb, R.K. Brook, A.J. Davis, J.S. Lewis, D.P. Walsh, J.C. Beasley, K.C. VerCauteren, J. Clune, and R.S. Miller. 2020. Improving the accessibility and transferability of machine learning algorithms for identification of animals in camera trap images: MLWIC2. Ecology and Evolution 10:10374–10383. DOI:10.1002/ece3.6692. Read article Boyce, C.M., K.C. VerCauteren, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Timing and extent of crop damage by wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to corn and peanut fields. Crop Protection 133:105131 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2020.105131. Read article Lyons, P.C., K. Okuda, M. Hamilton, T.G. Hinton, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Rewilding of Fukushima’s human evacuation zone in the presence of radioactive stressors. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 18(3):127-134. Read article Silva, A.E., B.F. Barnes, D.R. Coyle, E.F. Abernethy, K.L. Turner, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., J.C. Beasley, and J.K. Gandhi. 2020. Effects of industrial disturbances on biodiversity of carrion-associated beetles. Science of the Total Environment 709:135158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135158. Read article Davis, A.J., D.A. Keiter, E. Kierepka, C. Slootmaker, A.J. Piaggio, J.C. Beasley, and K.M. Pepin. 2020. A comparison of cost quality of three methods for estimating density for wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Scientific Reports 10:2047. Read article McRae, J., P. Schlichting, N.P. Snow, A.J. Davis, K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, D.A. Keiter, J.C. Kilgo, and K.M. Pepin. 2020. Factors affecting visitation by wild pigs to bait sites: The area of influence of baits. Wildlife Society Bulletin 44(2)362-371. Read article Schlichting, P.E., J.C. Beasley, R.K. Boughton, A.J. Davis, K.M. Pepin, M.P. Glow, R.S. Miller, K.C. VerCauteren, and J.E. Lewis. 2020. A rapid population assessment method for wild pigs using baited camera sites. Wildlife Society Bulletin 44(2)372-382. Read article VerCauteren, K.C., J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland. Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. 2020. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. TWS Publication Award (edited book) 2020. Read book Beasley, J.C., M.J. Lavelle, D.A. Keiter, K.M. Pepin, A.J. Piaggio, J.C. Kilgo, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2020. Research Methods for Wild Pigs. Pages 199-227 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Mayer, J.J., J.C. Beasley, R. K. Boughton, and S.S. Ditchkoff. 2020. Wild Pigs in the Southeast. Pages 369-402 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Snow, N., J.C. Beasley, R. Miller, and K. Pepin. 2020. Population Dynamics. Pages 57-82 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Gray, S.M., G.J. Roloff, R.A. Montgomery, J.C. Beasley, and K.M. Pepin. 2020. Spatial Ecology and Behaviors. Pages 33-56 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book VerCauteren, K.C., J.J. Mayer, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, G. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland. 2020. Introduction. Pages 1-5 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Ditchkoff, S.S., J.C. Beasley, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, B.K. Strickland, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2020. The Future of Wild Pigs in North America. Pages 465-469 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Schlichting, P.E., J.C. Beasley, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2020. The Naturalized Niche of Wild Pigs in North America. Pages 127-141 In: Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. K.C. VerCauteren, J.C. Beasley, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G.J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. 479 pp. Read book Wilber, M.Q., S.M. Chinn, J.C. Beasley, R.K. Boughton, R.K. Brook, S.S. Ditchkoff, J.W. Fischer, S.B. Hartley, L.K. Holmstrom, J.C. Kilgo, J.S. Lewis, R.S. Miller, N.P. Snow, K.C. VerCauteren, S.M. Wisely, C.T. Webb, and K.M. Pepin. 2020. Predicting functional responses in agro-ecosystems from animal movement data to improve management of invasive pests. Ecological Applications 30(1): e02015. Read article Schlichting, P.E., V. Dombrovski, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Use of abandoned buildings by Przewalski’s wild horses and other wildlife in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Mammal Research 65:161-165. Turner, K.L., L.M. Conner, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Effect of mammalian mesopredator exclusion on vertebrate scavenging communities. Scientific Reports 10:2644. Read article Pederson, S.L., M.C. Li Puma, J.M. Hayes, K. Okuda, C.M. Reilly, J.C. Beasley, L.C. Li Puma, T.G. Hinton, T.E. Johnson, and K.S. Freeman. 2020. Effects of chronic low-dose radiation on cataract prevalence and characterization in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Fukushima, Japan. Scientific Reports 10:4055. Read article Leaphart, J.C., R.E. Oldenkamp, A.L. Bryan, R.A. Kennamer, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Patterns of trace element accumulation in waterfowl restricted to impoundments holding coal combustion waste. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 39(5)1052-1059. Read article Thomas, J.C., A. Oladeinde, T.J. Kieran, J.W. Finger, Jr., N. Bayona-Vasquez, J.C. Cartee, J.C. Beasley, J.C. Seaman, J.V. McArthur, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and T.C. Glenn. 2020. Co-occurrence of antibiotic, biocide, and heavy metal resistance genes on bacteria from metal and radionuclide contaminated soils at the Savannah River Site. Microbial Biotechnology 13(4)1179-1200. Read article Sebastián-González, E., Z. Morales-Reyes, F. Botella, L. Naves-Alegre, J.M. Pérez-García, P. Mateo-Tomás, P.P. Olea, M. Moleón, J.M. Barbosa, F. Hiraldo, E. Arrondo, J.A. Donázar, A. Cortés-Avizanda, N. Selva, S.A. Lambertucci, A. Bhattacharjee, A. Brewer, E. Abernethy, K. Turner, J.C. Beasley, T.L. DeVault, H. Gerke, O.E. Rhodes Jr, A. Ordiz, C. Wikenros, B. Zimmermann, P. Wabakken, C.C. Wilmers, J.A. Smith, C.J. Kendall, D. Ogada, E. Frehner, M.L. Allen, H.U. Wittmer, J.R.A. Butler, J.T. du Toit, A. Margalida, P. Olivia-Vidal, D. Wilson, K. Jerina, M. Krofel, R. Kostecke, R. Inger, E. Per, Y. Ayhan, H. Ulusoy, D. Vural, A. Inagaki, S. Koike, A. Samson, P.L. Perrig, E. Spencer, T.M. Newsome, M. Heurich, J.D. Anadón, E.R. Beuchley, and J.A. Sánchez-Zapata. 2020. Network structure of vertebrate scavenger assemblages at the global scale: drivers of ecosystem functioning implications. Ecography 43:1-13. doi:10.1111/ecog.05083. Read article Gerke, H.C., T.G. Hinton, T. Takase, D. Anderson, K. Nanba, and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Radiocesium concentrations and GPS-coupled dosimetry in Fukushima snakes. Science of the Total Environment 734:139389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139389. Read article Leaphart, J.C., A.M. Korotasz, A.L. Bryan Jr., and J.C. Beasley. 2020. Environmental fate of radiocesium in biota inhabiting a contaminated ecosystem on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 222:106321 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106321. Read article Rhodes Jr., O.E., F. Bréchignac, C. Bradshaw, T.G. Hinton, C. Mothersill, J.A. Arnone III, D.P. Aubrey, L.W. Barnthouse, J.C. Beasley, A. Bonisoli Alquati, L.R. Boring, A.L. Bryan, K.A. Capps, B. Clément, A. Coleman, C. Condon, F. Coutelot, T. DeVol, G. Dharmarajan, D. Fletcher, W. Flynn, G. Gladfelder, T. Glenn, S. Hendricks, E. Hobbie, K. Ishida, T. Jannik, L. Kapustka, U. Kautsky, R. Kennamer, W. Kuhne, S. Lance, G. Laptyev, C. Love, L. Manglass, N. Martinez, T. Mathews, A. McKee, W. McShea, S. Mihok, G. Mills, B. Parrott, B. Powell, E. Pryakhin, A. Rypstra, D. Scott, J. Seaman, C. Seymour, M. Shkvyria, A. Towns, A. Ward, D. White, M. Wood, and J. Zimmerman. 2020. Integration of Ecosystem Science into Radioecology: A Consensus Perspective. Science of the Total Environment 740:140031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140031. Read article 2019 Webster, S.C., and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Influence of lure choice and survey duration on efficacy of scent stations for multi-species carnivore surveys. Wildlife Society Bulletin 43(4):661-668. Read article Benbow, E.M., P. Barton, M. Ulyshen, J.C. Beasley, T.L. DeVault, M. Strickland, J. Tomberlin, J. Pechal. 2019. The Necrobiome: A unifying framework for understanding decomposer community structure and function. Ecological Monographs 89: e01331, pp. 1-29. Read article Schlichting, P.E., C.N. Love, S.C. Webster, and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Efficiency and composition of vertebrate scavengers at the land-water interface in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Food Webs 18:e00107 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fooweb.2018.e00107. Read article Tabak, M.A., M.S. Norouzzadeh, D.W. Wolfson, S.J. Sweeney K.C. VerCauteren, N.P. Snow, J.B. Halseth, P.A. Di Salvo, J.S. Lewis, M.D. White, B. Teton, J.C. Beasley, P.E. Schlichting, R.K. Boughton, B. Wight, E.S. Newkirk, J.S. Ivan, E.A. Odell, R.K. Brook, P.M. Lukacs, A.N. Moeller, E.G. Mandeville, J. Clune, and R.S. Miller. 2019. Machine learning to classify wildlife in camera trap images: applications in ecology. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 10:585-590. Read article Fulghum, C.M., E.R. DiBona, J.C. Leaphart, A.M. Korotasz, J.C. Beasley, and A.L. Bryan. 2019. Radiocesium (137Cs) accumulation by fish within a legacy reactor cooling canal system on the Savannah River Site. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 126:216-221 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.02.039. Read article Eckert, K.D., D.A. Keiter, and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Animal visitation to wallows and implications for disease transmission. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 55(2):488-493. Read article Byrne, M.E., A.E. Holland, K.L. Turner, A.L. Bryan, and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Using multiple data sources to investigate foraging niche partitioning in sympatric obligate avian scavengers. Ecosphere 10:e02548. Read article Webster, S.C., Z.H. Olson, and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Occupancy and abundance of free-roaming cats in a fragmented agricultural ecosystem. Wildlife Research 46(4):277-284. Read article Leaphart, J.C., K.C. Wilms, A.L. Bryan, Jr., and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Bioaccumulation of 137Cs in anuran larvae utilizing a contaminated effluent canal on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 203:25-29 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.02.012. Read article Borchert, E.J., J.C. Leaphart, A.L. Bryan, Jr., and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Ecotoxicoparasitology of mercury and trace elements in semi-aquatic mammals and their endoparasite communities. Science of the Total Environment 679:307-316 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.326. Read article Kierepka, E.M., R. Juarez, K. Turner, J. Smith, M. Hamilton, P. Lyons, M.A. Hall, J.C. Beasley, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2019. Population Genetics of invasive brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam, USA. Herpetologica 75(3):208-217. Read article Sebastián-González, E., J.M. Barbosa, J.M. Pérez-García, Z. Morales-Reyes, F. Botella, P.P. Olea, P. Mateo-Tomás, M. Moleón, F. Hiraldo, E. Arrondo, J.A. Donázar, A. Cortés-Avizanda, N. Selva, S.A. Lambertucci, A. Bhattacharjee, A. Brewer, J.D. Anadón, E. Abernethy, O.E. Rhodes Jr, K. Turner, J.C. Beasley, T.L. DeVault, A. Ordiz, C. Wikenros, B. Zimmermann, P. Wabakken, C.C. Wilmers, J.A. Smith, C.J. Kendall, D. Ogada, E.R. Buechley, E. Frehner, M.L. Allen, H.U. Wittmer, J.R.A. Butler, J.T. du Toit, J. Read, D. Wilson, K. Jerina, M. Krofel, R. Kostecke, R. Inger, A. Samson, J.A. Sánchez-Zapata. 2019. Scavenging in the Anthropocene: human impact drives vertebrate scavenger species richness at a global scale. Global Change Biology 25(9):3005-3017. Read article Garrett, K.B., S.M. Hernandez, G. Balsamo, H. Barron, J.C. Beasley, J.D. Brown, H. Farid, M. Gabriel, B. Groves, S. Hamer, J. Hill, Kjemtrup, A., M. Lewis, K. McManners, N. Nemeth, P. Oesterle, J. Sebastian Ortiz, L. Peshock, R. Schnellbacher, R. Schott, and M.J. Yabsley. 2019. Prevalence, distribution, and diversity of cryptic piroplasm infections in raccoons from selected areas of the United States and Canada. International Journal for Parasitology 9:224-233. Read article Hinton, T.G., M.E. Byrne, S.C. Webster, C.N. Love, D. Broggio, F. Trompier, D. Shamovich, S. Horloogin, S.L. Lance, J. Brown, M. Dowdall, and J.C. Beasley. 2019. GPS-coupled contaminant monitors on free-ranging Chernobyl wolves challenge a fundamental assumption in exposure assessments. Environment International 133:105152 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.105152. Read article Holland, A.E., M.E. Byrne, J. Hepinstall-Cymerman, A.L. Bryan, T.L. DeVault, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and J.C. Beasley. 2019. Evidence of niche differentiation for two sympatric vulture species in the southeastern United States. Movement Ecology 7:31. Read article Beasley, J.C., Z.H. Olson, N. Selva, and T.L. DeVault. 2019. Ecological functions of vertebrate scavenging. In: Carrion Ecology and Management. P.P. Olea, P. Mateo-Tomas, and J. Sanchez-Zapata. Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16501-7_6. Read chapter 2018 Smith, J.B., T.D. Tuberville, and J.C. Beasley. 2018. Hunting and consumption patterns of southeastern USA hunters and anglers. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9(1):1-9, e1944-687X. doi:10.3996/032017-JFWM-028. Read article Hill, J.E., T.L. DeVault, J.C. Beasley, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and J.L. Belant. 2018. Effects of vulture exclusion on carrion consumption by facultative scavengers. Ecology and Evolution 8(5): 2518-2526. Read article Yabsley, M.J., R.E. Vanstreels, E.S. Martinsen, A.G. Wickson, A.E. Holland, S.M. Hernandez, A.T. Thompson, S.L. Perkins, C.J. West, A.L. Bryan, C.A. Cleveland, E. Jolly, J.D. Brown, D. McRuer, S. Behmke, and J.C. Beasley. 2018. Molecular characterization of Haemoproteus catharti from New World vultures (Cathartidae) reveals a novel clade of Haemosporida. Malaria Journal 17:12 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-017-2165-5. Read article Beasley, J.C., S.S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, M.D. Smith, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2018. Research priorities for managing invasive wild pigs in North America. Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4): 674-681. Read article Nigenda, S.F., Y. Hu, J.C. Beasley, H. Ruiz-Pina, D. Valenzuela-Galvan, and R.K. Wayne. 2018. Transcriptomics of skin pigmentation variation in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Molecular Ecology 27:2680-2697. Read article Byrne, M.E., S.C. Webster, S.L. Lance, C.N. Love, T.G. Hinton, D. Shamovich, and J.C. Beasley. 2018. Evidence of long-distance dispersal of a gray wolf from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. European Journal of Wildlife Research 64:39.1-5. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-018-1201-2. Read article Dombrovsky V.C., P. Schlichting, and J.C. Beasley. 2018. The relative abundance and daily activity of large and medium sized species of mammals of the Polesie State Radiation Ecological Reserve (Belarus) as revealed by camera traps. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Modern Problems and perspectives of territories affected by the Chernobyl disaster", July 26-27, 2018 – Khoiniki, Belarus, p.30-34. Read article Hill, J.E., T.L. DeVault, J.C. Beasley, O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and J.L. Belant. 2018. Roads do not increase carrion use by a vertebrate scavenging community. Scientific Reports 8:16331. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34224-x. Read article Pitt, W.C., J.C. Beasley, and G.W. Witmer. 2018. Ecology and Management of Terrestrial Invasive Species in the United States. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. Read book Research Gate Witmer, G.W., J.C. Beasley, and W.C. Pitt. 2018. Conclusions, Challenges, and Research Needs. In: Ecology and Management of Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasive Species in the United States. W.C. Pitt, J.C. Beasley, and G.W. Witmer, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. Read chapter Research Gate Witmer, G.W., J.C. Beasley, and W.C. Pitt. 2018. Introduction. In: Ecology and Management of Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasive Species in the United States. W.C. Pitt, J.C. Beasley, and G.W. Witmer, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. Read book Research Gate Mayer, J.J., and J.C. Beasley. 2018. Wild Pigs. In: Ecology and Management of Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasive Species in the United States. W.C. Pitt, J.C. Beasley, and G.W. Witmer, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA. Read book Research Gate Read more about The Beasley Lab
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