Researcher surveying for wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
David Ausband, PhD
Assistant Unit Leader - Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Dave joined ther Idaho Unit in 2018. He began his research career studying snowshoe hares and carnivore reintroductions such as those for swift foxes and gray wolves in the western U.S. Currently, his research program focuses largely on carnivore ecology, management, and conservation. Additionally, when sought out by collaborators, he conducts research on various topics of pressing management needs. He collaborates widely with state, federal, and tribal wildlife agencies on research that provides both applied and basic inferences. Additionally, he provides research leadership by maintaining a long-term research program on gray wolves whose questions encompass the behavioral ecology of cooperative breeders, harvest management, population monitoring, and population ecology. David teaches graduate courses in Advanced Fish and Wildlife Management and Science Communication.
David received his Msc and PhD from the University of Montana and was a Senior Wildlife Research Biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Professional Experience
Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 2018-
Education and Certifications
PhD, University of Montana, 2012
MS, University of Montana, 2003
BS, University of Montana, 1999
Science and Products
Researcher surveying for wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Researcher surveying for gray wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Researcher surveying for gray wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Much of the scientific results showing how hunting affects gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations is from the core of the species range in Canada and Alaska, where populations are connected and robust, and wolves are numerous. Less is known about how hunting and trapping might affect wolves in smaller populations such as those found in the Rockies.
Much of the scientific results showing how hunting affects gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations is from the core of the species range in Canada and Alaska, where populations are connected and robust, and wolves are numerous. Less is known about how hunting and trapping might affect wolves in smaller populations such as those found in the Rockies.
Linking age and social status of cooperative breeders to vulnerability throughout the harvest season Linking age and social status of cooperative breeders to vulnerability throughout the harvest season
Predicting pup-rearing habitat for Mexican wolves Predicting pup-rearing habitat for Mexican wolves
Mammalian predator co‐occurrence affected by prey and habitat more than competitor presence at multiple time scales Mammalian predator co‐occurrence affected by prey and habitat more than competitor presence at multiple time scales
Gray wolf breeders are more vulnerable to harvest during the breeding season Gray wolf breeders are more vulnerable to harvest during the breeding season
Helpers show plasticity in their responses to breeder turnover Helpers show plasticity in their responses to breeder turnover
Lifetime reproductive characteristics of gray wolves Lifetime reproductive characteristics of gray wolves
Treat yourself: Pilot testing a new method to treat mange in wild carnivores Treat yourself: Pilot testing a new method to treat mange in wild carnivores
Offspring sex ratios are male-biased reflecting sex-biased dispersal in Idaho, USA, wolves. Offspring sex ratios are male-biased reflecting sex-biased dispersal in Idaho, USA, wolves.
The effects of human-caused mortality on mammalian cooperative breeders: A synthesis The effects of human-caused mortality on mammalian cooperative breeders: A synthesis
Virtual snow stakes: a new method for snow depth measurement at remote camera stations Virtual snow stakes: a new method for snow depth measurement at remote camera stations
The challenges of success: Future wolf conservation and management in the United States The challenges of success: Future wolf conservation and management in the United States
Examining dynamic occupancy of gray wolves in Idaho after a decade of managed harvest Examining dynamic occupancy of gray wolves in Idaho after a decade of managed harvest
Science and Products
Researcher surveying for wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Researcher surveying for wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Researcher surveying for gray wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Researcher surveying for gray wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Much of the scientific results showing how hunting affects gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations is from the core of the species range in Canada and Alaska, where populations are connected and robust, and wolves are numerous. Less is known about how hunting and trapping might affect wolves in smaller populations such as those found in the Rockies.
Much of the scientific results showing how hunting affects gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations is from the core of the species range in Canada and Alaska, where populations are connected and robust, and wolves are numerous. Less is known about how hunting and trapping might affect wolves in smaller populations such as those found in the Rockies.