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Cooperative Research Units

Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and to provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. We support 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities. Our Program Office is in Reston, VA.

News

A new study predicts grizzly bear habitat use in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of Montana and Idaho

A new study predicts grizzly bear habitat use in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of Montana and Idaho

Study finds salamanders are surprisingly abundant in northeastern forests

Study finds salamanders are surprisingly abundant in northeastern forests

Fridays Findings - June 14, 2024

Fridays Findings - June 14, 2024

Publications

Wildlife health capacity enhancement in Thailand through the World Organisation for Animal Health Twinning Program

There is an increasing need for robust wildlife health programs that provide surveillance and management for diseases in wildlife and wild aquatic populations to manage associated risks. This paper illustrates the value of a systematic method to enhancing wildlife health programs. The U.S. Geological Survey and Mahidol University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Thailand National Wildlife Health Ce
Authors
Sarin Suwanpakdee, Nareerat Sangkachai, Anuwat Wiratsudakul, Witthawat Wiriyarat, Walasinee Sakcamduang, Peerawat Wongluechai, Choenkwan Pabutta, Ladawan Sariya, Waruja Korkijthamkul, David S. Blehert, C. LeAnn White, Daniel P. Walsh, Craig Stephen, Parntep Ratanakorn, Jonathan M. Sleeman

Population genetic structure and demographic history reconstruction of introduced flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in two US Mid-Atlantic rivers

Population genetic analysis of invasive populations can provide valuable insights into the source of introductions, pathways for expansion, and their demographic histories. Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are a prolific invasive species with high fecundity, long-distance dispersal, and piscivorous feeding habits that can lead to declines in native fish populations. In this study, we analyse
Authors
Justin Waraniak, Michael S. Eackles, Jason Keagy, Geoffrey D. Smith, Megan Schall, Sydney Stark, Shannon L. White, David C. Kazyak, Tyler Wagner

Common-garden experiment reveals outbreeding depression and region-of-origin effects on reproductive success in a frequently translocated tortoise

Human-mediated animal movement can expose wildlife populations to novel environments. Phenotypic plasticity can buffer against the challenges presented by novel environments, while adaptation to local ecosystems may limit resilience in novel ecosystems. Outbreeding depression during the mixing of disparate gene pools can also reduce reproductive success after long-distance movement. Here, we use a
Authors
Kevin J. Loope, J. Nicole DeSha, Matthew J. Aresco, Kevin T. Shoemaker, Elizabeth Ann Hunter

Science

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa ).
link

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa ).
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USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research questions and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has used information from telemetry devices on wildlife species to determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on...
link

USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research questions and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has used information from telemetry devices on wildlife species to determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on...
Learn More

2022 Year in Review

This has been another outstanding year for the CRU Program, and I am pleased to provide you with our 2022 Year in Review report. Highlights of this past year include the creation of our 42nd unit at Michigan State University and the completion of hiring activities for 37 new unit scientists in 31 States. In this report, you will learn more about the spectacular accomplishments of our students...
link

2022 Year in Review

This has been another outstanding year for the CRU Program, and I am pleased to provide you with our 2022 Year in Review report. Highlights of this past year include the creation of our 42nd unit at Michigan State University and the completion of hiring activities for 37 new unit scientists in 31 States. In this report, you will learn more about the spectacular accomplishments of our students...
Learn More

Multimedia

men and women standing on a dock on a sunny day near boats
USGS Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Scientists and CRU Deputy pose for a picture on the dock in Rockport, Texas
USGS Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Scientists and CRU Deputy pose for a picture on the dock in Rockport, Texas
white tailed deer with black eyes, black nose, white ears and tail, and brown fur, standing in snow near the woods
White-tailed deer
White-tailed deer
mallard duck with yellow bill, green head, and grey black feathers, on water
Mallard
Mallard
green leaves on trees in michigan
Oak forest in Waterloo State Recreation area in southern Michigan
Oak forest in Waterloo State Recreation area in southern Michigan
brown and white deer with dark eyes and small antlers
White-tailed deer
White-tailed deer
yellow, tan red fish with black spots in water
Yellowstone cutthroat trout
Yellowstone cutthroat trout
coral reef with fish and blue water
Pacific Island Coral Reef and Fish
Pacific Island Coral Reef and Fish
scientist smiling with blond curly hair, glasses, wearing an orange jacket and yellow vest, near water , mountains and a rainbow
Christina Murphy
Christina Murphy
scientist smiling, with short blond/red hair, wearing a blue shirt
Kevin Pope
Kevin Pope
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