Fuller, Todd K.
Professor and Associate Department Head
413-545-4723
128 Holdsworth
Email: tkfuller tkfuller(at)eco.umass.edu
Primary interests
Dr. Fuller’s research efforts focus on identifying factors affecting variation in mammal density and distribution. Whether a species is recognized as endangered, a nuisance, or harvestable, knowledge of its natural history and population ecology is essential in order to predict or responsibly manage population change. In order to better understand the mechanisms of this change, Dr. Fuller and his students capture, mark, and monitor a variety of carnivores, ungulates, and smaller herbivores to document their movements, habitat use, food habits, survival, reproduction, social behavior, and density, then synthesize results from their own and other studies. They survey populations through direct and indirect means (e.g., scats, tracks, calls, cameras) to assess distribution and relative abundance, and also collaborate with colleagues to investigate roles of disease, genetics, nutrition, morphology, and human activities in population regulation and species conservation.
Graduate Student Opportunities
Current Students and Their Projects
Dennis Babaasa (Ph.D., ECo , co-advised with Charlie Schweik) – Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Buuvei Bayarbaatar (Ph.D., W&FCON) – Distribution and populaton dynamics of saiga antelope in western Mongolia
Patrick Boundja (Ph.D., ECo , co-advised with Curt Griffin) – Forest elephants in Congo
Eric LeFlore – (M.S./Ph.D., ECo, co-advised with John Organ and Steve DeStefano) – Bobcat movements and distribution in the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts
Malik Marjan (Ph.D., ECo) – Movements and conservation of migratory tiang and white-eared kob in southern Sudan
Jennifer McCarthy (Ph.D., W&FCON) – Ecology and Conservation of Four Sympatric Felids in Sumatra
Wulan Pusparini – (M.S., ECo, co-advised with Paul Sievert) – Ecology and conservation of the Sumatran rhinoceros in Sumatra
Nathaniel Rayl (Ph.D., W&FCON, co-advised with John Organ) – Black bear movements and predation in Newfoundland
Supagit Vinitpornsawan (Ph.D., W&FCON, co-advised w/Tim Randhir) – Tigers in Thailand
Grace Wong (Ph.D., W&FCON) Human utilization of wildlife resources in Costa Rica
Chris Zieminski (MS, W&FCON) – Trophic relationships of carnivores in Newfoundland
Post-Docs
Recent Publications
2005 – 2010 Publications
Courses Taught
NRC 211 – Animal Sampling & Identification (1 cr) – Spring
This course provides students with basic skills needed to identify terrestrial vertebrate wildlife and gives them hands on opportunities to utilize typical means of capturing, sampling, and studying such organisms in the field.
NRC 261 Wildlife Conservation (3 cr) – Spring
An introduction to wildlife conservation through lectures and assigned readings concerning ecological processes (including animal behavior, habitat interactions, and population dynamics), effects of humans on life around them, and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Case studies of various species are used to illustrate the complexities of most conservation and management situations, but also to identify the common themes encountered in wildlife conservation efforts. Emphases include understanding the integral link between wildlife and their environments, the impacts humans have on wildlife (both positive and negative), and the various methods by which wildlife populations are monitored, managed, and preserved.
NRC 391A – Curriculum Planning (1cr.) – Spring
Development of individualized curricula for the NRC Environmental Conservation Concentration’s elective credits. Discussion of University and program graduation requirements, minors, domestic and international exchange programs, internships, and job searches, career planning, etc.
NRC 564 Wildlife Habitat Management (4cr) – Fall
Wildlife-habitat relationships illustrated through basic field zoology and natural history, evolutionary biology, ecological theory, and quantitative tools used to explain ecological processes and their influence on wildlife and their environment. Explores the dynamics and management of various habitats in North America and elsewhere. Topics include wildlife ecology, habitat classification, resource utilization, effects of humans, and management techniques. Prerequisite: W&FCONSV 261.
Last updated March 11, 2013 by Roxann Cormier
