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Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

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By Cooperative Research Units February 19, 2026

The Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (est. 1948) is a partnership among the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Media
A loggerhead shrike next to a desert tortoise burrow
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

The Cooperative Units Program of the Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey has been an integral part of Oklahoma State University since 1948. With direction from our Coordinating Committee, our research has been conducted on a wide variety of fisheries and wildlife topics in cooperation with federal agencies, the University, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and various private concerns. Most of our research projects are problem-oriented and designed to provide cooperators with useful information on resource issues. The majority of the research through the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is conducted by M.S. and Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Over 450 theses and dissertations have resulted from their efforts. Unit students are currently conducting research on fisheries management in reservoirs and rivers; stream ecology; endangered, threatened, and species-at-risk including the interior least tern, mountain plover, speckled chub, leopard darter, Arkansas darter, and Ouachita dusky salamander; toxicology; management of white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, and wild turkey; and fisheries economics. As we enter our 8th decade, future projects will continue to emphasize applied research on the biological resources of Oklahoma and the nation.

Survival data for pronghorn fawns over the first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023 Survival data for pronghorn fawns over the first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023

This dataset includes a single file with (i) daily survival histories for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fawns monitored over their first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023, and (ii) covariate data associated with each fawn. Covariates included environmental conditions within the space-use area of each fawn's mother during the 30 days before parturition and daily...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Substrate classifications of three rivers in eastern Oklahoma Substrate classifications of three rivers in eastern Oklahoma

Suitable spawning substrates, such as bedrock, boulder/cobble, and gravel, for Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) that were were mapped in tributaries of Lake Eufaula (Deep Fork River and Brushy Creek) and Hugo Lake (Kiamichi River) via Humminbird Helix 10 sidescan sonar. These datasets show the mosaicked image files and locations of four different substrate types (bedrock, boulder/cobble...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Nine-banded armadillo and coyote detection data and site-specific data from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023 Nine-banded armadillo and coyote detection data and site-specific data from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023

This dataset includes (i) camera-based detection data for nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) and (ii) covariates characterizing the environmental conditions at each of 100 sites sampled in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023.
By
Cooperative Research Units

Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018 Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018

Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub were estimated from counts of rings in lapilli otoliths. Lapilli were mounted to glass slides with thermoplastic cement and sanded to the core with 2000 grit sandpaper to expose daily rings. To improve clarity, sanded otoliths were polished with 0.3 μm alumina powder and a polishing cloth prior to viewing. To estimate daily age, counts of rings in...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Co-occurance Simulation Modeling Co-occurance Simulation Modeling

R-based script used to simulate patterns of co-occurrence among two hypothetical species under patterns of avoidance, aggregation, and independence when the closure assumption is met or not, analyze simulated patterns with two-species occupancy models, and summarize the results.
By
Cooperative Research Units

Landscape associations and population genetics of a generalist carnivore at a range limit Landscape associations and population genetics of a generalist carnivore at a range limit

American black bear (Ursus americanus) sightings have increased in the Oklahoma Panhandle, an area outside of the species’ historical range, prompting an assessment of bears in the region. We used camera traps and an occupancy modeling framework to identify factors influencing bear detection and space-use patterns. We used noninvasive genetic sampling techniques to evaluate genetic...
Authors
Bailey A. Kleeberg, Robert Charles Lonsinger, Jennifer R. Adams, Lisette P. Waits, W. Sue Fairbanks
By
Cooperative Research Units

Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States

Daily ring counts in young-of-the-year fishes are important for estimating important vital rates, such as growth, mortality, and timing of hatch. To accurately estimate some of these rates, the timing of the first daily ring must be estimated accurately. Variation in the timing of the first daily ring can be attributed to many factors, including biology of the species and experience of...
Authors
James M. Long, Richard A. Snow
By
Cooperative Research Units

Control of a dominant predator influences the occurrence of a mesocarnivore of conservation concern Control of a dominant predator influences the occurrence of a mesocarnivore of conservation concern

Context Interspecific interactions shape ecological communities, influence community dynamics, and drive co-evolution. Despite their ecological significance, predation and competition remain understudied in plains spotted skunks (Spilogale interrupta), a species of conservation concern. Clarifying how predator management influences their occurrence is crucial for effective conservation...
Authors
Kara M. White, Amanda E. Cheeseman, Joshua D. Stafford, Robert Charles Lonsinger
By
Cooperative Research Units

Factors influencing spatial and temporal patterns of Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) occupancy at a grassland-sagebrush ecotone Factors influencing spatial and temporal patterns of Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) occupancy at a grassland-sagebrush ecotone

Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) is a predatory songbird that has experienced a severe population decline throughout its range since the 1940s, likely driven by a combination of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation. Occupying larger territories compared to many other passerines, L. ludovicianus requires open habitat with interspersed trees and shrubs for nesting and...
Authors
Holly M. Todaro, Scott R. Loss, Robert Charles Lonsinger, Courtney J. Duchardt
By
Cooperative Research Units

The effect of turbidity on foraging by prerostrum juvenile Paddlefish The effect of turbidity on foraging by prerostrum juvenile Paddlefish

Objective A previous study evaluating restoration success of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula suggested that excessive turbidity in lakes and rivers may inhibit foraging by juveniles prior to the development of the rostrum. Although a Paddlefish's rostrum, which contains electroreceptors, helps the fish to locate zooplankton prey, the prerostrum stage lacks many of these electroreceptors...
Authors
Ethan Hood, James M. Long, Daniel E. Shoup, Casey A. Pennock, Andrew R. Dzialowski, Jason D. Schooley
By
Cooperative Research Units

Co-occurance Simulation Modeling Co-occurance Simulation Modeling

R-based script used to simulate patterns of co-occurrence among two hypothetical species under patterns of avoidance, aggregation, and independence when the closure assumption is met or not, analyze simulated patterns with two-species occupancy models, and summarize the results.
By
Cooperative Research Units

The Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (est. 1948) is a partnership among the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Media
A loggerhead shrike next to a desert tortoise burrow
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

The Cooperative Units Program of the Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey has been an integral part of Oklahoma State University since 1948. With direction from our Coordinating Committee, our research has been conducted on a wide variety of fisheries and wildlife topics in cooperation with federal agencies, the University, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and various private concerns. Most of our research projects are problem-oriented and designed to provide cooperators with useful information on resource issues. The majority of the research through the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is conducted by M.S. and Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Over 450 theses and dissertations have resulted from their efforts. Unit students are currently conducting research on fisheries management in reservoirs and rivers; stream ecology; endangered, threatened, and species-at-risk including the interior least tern, mountain plover, speckled chub, leopard darter, Arkansas darter, and Ouachita dusky salamander; toxicology; management of white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, and wild turkey; and fisheries economics. As we enter our 8th decade, future projects will continue to emphasize applied research on the biological resources of Oklahoma and the nation.

Survival data for pronghorn fawns over the first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023 Survival data for pronghorn fawns over the first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023

This dataset includes a single file with (i) daily survival histories for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fawns monitored over their first 15 days of life in western Oklahoma during 2022 and 2023, and (ii) covariate data associated with each fawn. Covariates included environmental conditions within the space-use area of each fawn's mother during the 30 days before parturition and daily...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Substrate classifications of three rivers in eastern Oklahoma Substrate classifications of three rivers in eastern Oklahoma

Suitable spawning substrates, such as bedrock, boulder/cobble, and gravel, for Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) that were were mapped in tributaries of Lake Eufaula (Deep Fork River and Brushy Creek) and Hugo Lake (Kiamichi River) via Humminbird Helix 10 sidescan sonar. These datasets show the mosaicked image files and locations of four different substrate types (bedrock, boulder/cobble...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Nine-banded armadillo and coyote detection data and site-specific data from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023 Nine-banded armadillo and coyote detection data and site-specific data from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023

This dataset includes (i) camera-based detection data for nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) and (ii) covariates characterizing the environmental conditions at each of 100 sites sampled in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during summer 2023.
By
Cooperative Research Units

Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018 Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018

Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub were estimated from counts of rings in lapilli otoliths. Lapilli were mounted to glass slides with thermoplastic cement and sanded to the core with 2000 grit sandpaper to expose daily rings. To improve clarity, sanded otoliths were polished with 0.3 μm alumina powder and a polishing cloth prior to viewing. To estimate daily age, counts of rings in...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Co-occurance Simulation Modeling Co-occurance Simulation Modeling

R-based script used to simulate patterns of co-occurrence among two hypothetical species under patterns of avoidance, aggregation, and independence when the closure assumption is met or not, analyze simulated patterns with two-species occupancy models, and summarize the results.
By
Cooperative Research Units

Landscape associations and population genetics of a generalist carnivore at a range limit Landscape associations and population genetics of a generalist carnivore at a range limit

American black bear (Ursus americanus) sightings have increased in the Oklahoma Panhandle, an area outside of the species’ historical range, prompting an assessment of bears in the region. We used camera traps and an occupancy modeling framework to identify factors influencing bear detection and space-use patterns. We used noninvasive genetic sampling techniques to evaluate genetic...
Authors
Bailey A. Kleeberg, Robert Charles Lonsinger, Jennifer R. Adams, Lisette P. Waits, W. Sue Fairbanks
By
Cooperative Research Units

Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States Summary of first daily ring formation in otoliths of freshwater fishes in the continental United States

Daily ring counts in young-of-the-year fishes are important for estimating important vital rates, such as growth, mortality, and timing of hatch. To accurately estimate some of these rates, the timing of the first daily ring must be estimated accurately. Variation in the timing of the first daily ring can be attributed to many factors, including biology of the species and experience of...
Authors
James M. Long, Richard A. Snow
By
Cooperative Research Units

Control of a dominant predator influences the occurrence of a mesocarnivore of conservation concern Control of a dominant predator influences the occurrence of a mesocarnivore of conservation concern

Context Interspecific interactions shape ecological communities, influence community dynamics, and drive co-evolution. Despite their ecological significance, predation and competition remain understudied in plains spotted skunks (Spilogale interrupta), a species of conservation concern. Clarifying how predator management influences their occurrence is crucial for effective conservation...
Authors
Kara M. White, Amanda E. Cheeseman, Joshua D. Stafford, Robert Charles Lonsinger
By
Cooperative Research Units

Factors influencing spatial and temporal patterns of Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) occupancy at a grassland-sagebrush ecotone Factors influencing spatial and temporal patterns of Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) occupancy at a grassland-sagebrush ecotone

Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) is a predatory songbird that has experienced a severe population decline throughout its range since the 1940s, likely driven by a combination of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation. Occupying larger territories compared to many other passerines, L. ludovicianus requires open habitat with interspersed trees and shrubs for nesting and...
Authors
Holly M. Todaro, Scott R. Loss, Robert Charles Lonsinger, Courtney J. Duchardt
By
Cooperative Research Units

The effect of turbidity on foraging by prerostrum juvenile Paddlefish The effect of turbidity on foraging by prerostrum juvenile Paddlefish

Objective A previous study evaluating restoration success of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula suggested that excessive turbidity in lakes and rivers may inhibit foraging by juveniles prior to the development of the rostrum. Although a Paddlefish's rostrum, which contains electroreceptors, helps the fish to locate zooplankton prey, the prerostrum stage lacks many of these electroreceptors...
Authors
Ethan Hood, James M. Long, Daniel E. Shoup, Casey A. Pennock, Andrew R. Dzialowski, Jason D. Schooley
By
Cooperative Research Units

Co-occurance Simulation Modeling Co-occurance Simulation Modeling

R-based script used to simulate patterns of co-occurrence among two hypothetical species under patterns of avoidance, aggregation, and independence when the closure assumption is met or not, analyze simulated patterns with two-species occupancy models, and summarize the results.
By
Cooperative Research Units
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