Cooperative Research Units
The Cooperative Research Units program was established in 1935—and codified by Congress in 1960— with a tripartite mission to enhance graduate education in fisheries and wildlife sciences, facilitate applied research for fish and wildlife resources, and transfer technical knowledge to natural resource agencies.
Today, there are 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities, with a national program office located at the U.S. Geological Survey headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
Publications
American kestrel population trends and vital rates at the continental scale American kestrel population trends and vital rates at the continental scale
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius, hereafter referred to as kestrel) has declined across much of its North American range since at least the mid-1960s. Kestrel population dynamics have been explored through a multitude of local studies and two broad reviews of available data. Across large geographic extents, however, the demographic cause(s) of kestrel population declines remain(s)...
Habitat-based predictions of bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) in the northeastern U.S. Habitat-based predictions of bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) in the northeastern U.S.
We sought to assess bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus) habitat associations at local and regional scales across southern Maine and New Hampshire. We used local habitat data at 95 Maine sites to predict occupancy with classification and regression trees (CART). We then used ensemble species distribution models (SDMs) to model the historical (1898–2008) and current (2009–2022) ranges of...
Using eye lens stable isotopes to identify the rearing origin of fall age-0 walleye (Sander vitreus) Using eye lens stable isotopes to identify the rearing origin of fall age-0 walleye (Sander vitreus)
Isotope values in fish eye lenses may be useful in differentiating rearing origins. We compared eye lens isotopic values of fall fingerling age-0 walleye (Sander vitreus) reared in a hatchery pond, a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), and a natural lake. Using 10 fish per rearing source, we delaminated layers from one eye lens per fish to assess temporal changes in carbon (δ13C) and...
Science
Graduate Education
While becoming a leader in the conservation workforce, graduate students in the Cooperative Research Unit Program work to (1) Conduct research with USGS scientists through a host university, (2) Collaborate directly with natural resource managers to inform decision making, and (3) Earn a Master of Science or Doctoral Degree.
Research
Fish and wildlife research is essential for understanding ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. It provides the data needed to manage habitats, conserve species, and address challenges like climate change and invasive species. By studying these natural systems, we ensure healthy environments that support both wildlife and human communities.
Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
The Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (est. 1977) is a partnership among the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, University of Wyoming, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute.