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.
Bridget Amulike (Ph.D., ECo , co-advised with Curt Griffin) – Gray crowned crane ecology conservation in Tanzania
Carolina Sáenz Bolaños (PhD., ECo, co-advised with Eduardo Carrillo) – Factors affecting the distribution of jaguars and their prey in the humid northeast forests of Costa Rica
Juan Carlos Cruz Diaz (PhD., ECo, co-advised with Eduardo Carrillo) – Conservation of jaguars and their prey on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Eric LeFlore (Ph.D., ECo, co-advised with Andrew Stein) – Lion ecology and conservation in Botswana
Zalmai Moheb (PhD., ECo, co-advised with Peter Zahler) – Drivers of snow leopard-human conflict in the mountains of northeastern Afghanistan
Victor Montalvo G. (PhD., ECo, co-advised with Eduardo Carrillo) – Conservation of jaguars and their prey in the dry forests of northwestern Costa Rica
HONORS 391A – Honors Seminar (1 cr) – Fall and Spring
Hunter and Hunted: Relationships between Carnivores and People – Humans have mixed emotions concerning carnivores. We admire them as beautiful hunters, cosset them as pets, and use their pelts and other products in clothing, medicines and cosmetics. However, they are also responsible for killing us and our livestock, carry disease and compete with us for space and food. While some advocate the conservation of predators such as wolves and tigers, others see them as vermin and want them gone. In this course we will explore the fascinating story of carnivores and our intricate relationships with them. The readings will deal with the wild beauty of carnivores and their conservation, but also with furs and medicine, man-eaters and sheep-killers, explaining in simple terms what the role of carnivores is in nature, how this impacts on human lives, our art and literature, how we instinctively respond to them and why.Individual research projects related to the course material (especially large carnivores worldwide) will be developed and presented by semester’s end.
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.
ECO 758 Advanced Wildlife Management (3cr) – Fall (even years) A discussion course with varying current topics in wildlife management and conservation, potentially including topics such as population demography and ecology, habitat assessment and management, wildlife in a changing climate, reintroduction biology, conservation behavior, migratory bird management and conservation, or suburban wildlife ecology and management. Open to Graduate students only.
