Kurt J Jenkins
I am a Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center. My research focuses on wildlife ecology, monitoring, and management.
I study mammalian ecology and wildlife-habitat relationships. My personal interests include outdoor activities, my family, reading biographies and history, and traveling.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Wildlife Ecology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID (1985)
M.S., Wildlife Ecology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (1980)
B.S., Zoology, University of California, Davis, CA (1977)
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 63
Fix success and accuracy of GPS radio collars in old-growth temperate coniferous forests Fix success and accuracy of GPS radio collars in old-growth temperate coniferous forests
Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is used extensively to study animal distribution and resource selection patterns but is susceptible to biases resulting from data omission and spatial inaccuracies. These data errors may cause misinterpretation of wildlife habitat selection or spatial use patterns. We used both stationary test collars and collared free-ranging American black...
Authors
Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin, Kurt J. Jenkins, Robert L. Hoffman, P. Happe, J. Beecham, R.G. Wright
Assessing uncertainty in ecological systems using global sensitivity analyses: A case example of simulated wolf reintroduction effects on elk Assessing uncertainty in ecological systems using global sensitivity analyses: A case example of simulated wolf reintroduction effects on elk
Often landmark conservation decisions are made despite an incomplete knowledge of system behavior and inexact predictions of how complex ecosystems will respond to management actions. For example, predicting the feasibility and likely effects of restoring top-level carnivores such as the gray wolf (Canis lupus) to North American wilderness areas is hampered by incomplete knowledge of the...
Authors
J. Fieberg, Kurt J. Jenkins
Demography and decline of the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska Demography and decline of the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska
We evaluated population trends in the Mentasta caribou (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)) herd in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, from 1990 to 1997 and determined factors contributing to its decline. We postulated that predation-related mortality of adult females and juveniles was the proximate cause of the decline, and that survival of juvenile caribou reflected...
Authors
Kurt J. Jenkins, Neil L. Barten
Cervid forage utilization in noncommercially thinned ponderosa pine forests Cervid forage utilization in noncommercially thinned ponderosa pine forests
To evaluate effects of noncommercial thinning, utilization of forages consumed by elk (Cervus elaphus L.), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Raf.), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Raf.) was measured in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) stands in Custer State Park, S. D. Treatments consisted of unthinned (control; 22 to 32 m2/ha basal area), moderately thinned (12...
Authors
M.C. Gibbs, J.A. Jenks, C.S. Deperno, B.F. Sowell, Kurt J. Jenkins
A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park: Prototype for the Coniferous Forest Biome A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park: Prototype for the Coniferous Forest Biome
This report is the result of a five-year collaboration between scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Olympic Field Station, and the natural resources staff of Olympic National Park to develop a comprehensive strategy for monitoring natural resources of Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park is the National Park Serviceʼs prototype...
Authors
Kurt Jenkins, Andrea Woodward, Ed Schreiner
Habitat use by female caribou: Tradeoffs associated with parturition Habitat use by female caribou: Tradeoffs associated with parturition
We compared habitat use, forage characteristics, and group size among preparturient, parturient, and nonparturient female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) during and after the birthing season to test hypotheses involving acquisition of forage and risk of predation. We monitored 39 radiocollared females from the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska, in 1994 and 40 animals in 1995. Group size of...
Authors
Neil L. Barten, R.T. Bowyer, Kurt J. Jenkins
Non-USGS Publications**
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1996, Simulating secondary succession of elk forage values in a managed forest landscape, western Washington: Environmental Management, v. 20, no. 5, p. 715-724.
Jenkins, K.J., 1995, The Mentasta caribou herd InLaRoe, E.T., Farris, G.S., Puckett, C.E., Doran, P.D., Mac, M.J., eds., Our Living Resources: A Report to the Nation on the Distribution, Abundance, and Health of U.S. Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems: Washington DC, US National Park Service, National Biological Service, p. 357-358.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1993, Winter forages and diets of elk in old-growth and regenerating coniferous forests in western Washington: American Midland Naturalist, v. 130, no. 2, p. 299-313.
Easterly, T.G., Jenkins, K.J., McCabe, T.R., 1992, Efficacy of orally administered ivermectin on lungworm infection in free ranging bighorn sheep: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 20, p. 34-39.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1991, Food habits of Roosevelt elk: Rangelands, v. 13, no. 6, p. 261-265.
Easterly, T.G., Jenkins, K.J., 1991, Forage production and use on bighorn sheep winter range following spring burning in grassland and ponderosa pine habitats: Prairie Naturalist, v. 23, no. 4, p. 193-200.
Jenkins, K.J., Happe, P.J., Wright, R.G., 1990, Evaluating above-snow browse availability using nonlinear regressions: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 18, p. 49-55.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1988, Resource partitioning and competition among cervids in the northern rocky mountains: Journal of Applied Ecology, v. 25, p. 11-24.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1987, Dietary niche relationships among cervids relative to winter snowpack in northwestern Montana: Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 65, p. 1397-1401, https://doi.org/10.1139/z87-220.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1987, Simulating succession of riparian spruce forests and white-tailed deer carrying capacity in northwestern Montana: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, v. 2, no. 3, p. 80-83.
Leslie, D.M., Jenkins, K.J., 1985, Rutting mortality among male roosevelt elk: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 66, no. 1, p. 163-164.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1984, Habitat use by Roosevelt elk in unmanaged forests of the Hoh Valley, Washington: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 48, no. 2, p. 642-646, https://doi.org/10.2307/3801209.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1982, Social organization of Roosevelt elk in an old-growth forest: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 63, p. 331-334.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 63
Fix success and accuracy of GPS radio collars in old-growth temperate coniferous forests Fix success and accuracy of GPS radio collars in old-growth temperate coniferous forests
Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is used extensively to study animal distribution and resource selection patterns but is susceptible to biases resulting from data omission and spatial inaccuracies. These data errors may cause misinterpretation of wildlife habitat selection or spatial use patterns. We used both stationary test collars and collared free-ranging American black...
Authors
Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin, Kurt J. Jenkins, Robert L. Hoffman, P. Happe, J. Beecham, R.G. Wright
Assessing uncertainty in ecological systems using global sensitivity analyses: A case example of simulated wolf reintroduction effects on elk Assessing uncertainty in ecological systems using global sensitivity analyses: A case example of simulated wolf reintroduction effects on elk
Often landmark conservation decisions are made despite an incomplete knowledge of system behavior and inexact predictions of how complex ecosystems will respond to management actions. For example, predicting the feasibility and likely effects of restoring top-level carnivores such as the gray wolf (Canis lupus) to North American wilderness areas is hampered by incomplete knowledge of the...
Authors
J. Fieberg, Kurt J. Jenkins
Demography and decline of the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska Demography and decline of the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska
We evaluated population trends in the Mentasta caribou (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)) herd in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, from 1990 to 1997 and determined factors contributing to its decline. We postulated that predation-related mortality of adult females and juveniles was the proximate cause of the decline, and that survival of juvenile caribou reflected...
Authors
Kurt J. Jenkins, Neil L. Barten
Cervid forage utilization in noncommercially thinned ponderosa pine forests Cervid forage utilization in noncommercially thinned ponderosa pine forests
To evaluate effects of noncommercial thinning, utilization of forages consumed by elk (Cervus elaphus L.), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Raf.), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Raf.) was measured in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) stands in Custer State Park, S. D. Treatments consisted of unthinned (control; 22 to 32 m2/ha basal area), moderately thinned (12...
Authors
M.C. Gibbs, J.A. Jenks, C.S. Deperno, B.F. Sowell, Kurt J. Jenkins
A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park: Prototype for the Coniferous Forest Biome A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park: Prototype for the Coniferous Forest Biome
This report is the result of a five-year collaboration between scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Olympic Field Station, and the natural resources staff of Olympic National Park to develop a comprehensive strategy for monitoring natural resources of Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park is the National Park Serviceʼs prototype...
Authors
Kurt Jenkins, Andrea Woodward, Ed Schreiner
Habitat use by female caribou: Tradeoffs associated with parturition Habitat use by female caribou: Tradeoffs associated with parturition
We compared habitat use, forage characteristics, and group size among preparturient, parturient, and nonparturient female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) during and after the birthing season to test hypotheses involving acquisition of forage and risk of predation. We monitored 39 radiocollared females from the Mentasta caribou herd, Alaska, in 1994 and 40 animals in 1995. Group size of...
Authors
Neil L. Barten, R.T. Bowyer, Kurt J. Jenkins
Non-USGS Publications**
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1996, Simulating secondary succession of elk forage values in a managed forest landscape, western Washington: Environmental Management, v. 20, no. 5, p. 715-724.
Jenkins, K.J., 1995, The Mentasta caribou herd InLaRoe, E.T., Farris, G.S., Puckett, C.E., Doran, P.D., Mac, M.J., eds., Our Living Resources: A Report to the Nation on the Distribution, Abundance, and Health of U.S. Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems: Washington DC, US National Park Service, National Biological Service, p. 357-358.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1993, Winter forages and diets of elk in old-growth and regenerating coniferous forests in western Washington: American Midland Naturalist, v. 130, no. 2, p. 299-313.
Easterly, T.G., Jenkins, K.J., McCabe, T.R., 1992, Efficacy of orally administered ivermectin on lungworm infection in free ranging bighorn sheep: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 20, p. 34-39.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1991, Food habits of Roosevelt elk: Rangelands, v. 13, no. 6, p. 261-265.
Easterly, T.G., Jenkins, K.J., 1991, Forage production and use on bighorn sheep winter range following spring burning in grassland and ponderosa pine habitats: Prairie Naturalist, v. 23, no. 4, p. 193-200.
Jenkins, K.J., Happe, P.J., Wright, R.G., 1990, Evaluating above-snow browse availability using nonlinear regressions: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 18, p. 49-55.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1988, Resource partitioning and competition among cervids in the northern rocky mountains: Journal of Applied Ecology, v. 25, p. 11-24.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1987, Dietary niche relationships among cervids relative to winter snowpack in northwestern Montana: Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 65, p. 1397-1401, https://doi.org/10.1139/z87-220.
Jenkins, K.J., Wright, R.G., 1987, Simulating succession of riparian spruce forests and white-tailed deer carrying capacity in northwestern Montana: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, v. 2, no. 3, p. 80-83.
Leslie, D.M., Jenkins, K.J., 1985, Rutting mortality among male roosevelt elk: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 66, no. 1, p. 163-164.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1984, Habitat use by Roosevelt elk in unmanaged forests of the Hoh Valley, Washington: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 48, no. 2, p. 642-646, https://doi.org/10.2307/3801209.
Jenkins, K.J., Starkey, E.E., 1982, Social organization of Roosevelt elk in an old-growth forest: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 63, p. 331-334.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.