Due to the effects of rapid global change, the restoration of wildlife is occurring on altered landscapes. For example, in Patagonia, following European colonization and the rise of livestock production, the population of both guanacos and pumas declined; the absence of pumas is hypothesized to have triggered the rapid expansion of Magellanic penguin populations along the Atlantic coast of Argentina. Today, pumas are returning to Patagonia due to a decline in sheep ranching and ongoing wildlife restoration efforts, which has led to a novel predator-prey relationship between pumas and penguins. My work seeks to unravel the ecological impacts of this novel interaction and its impact on wildlife restoration in the region more broadly. 

Related Projects:

1. Analyzing the impacts of a novel resource pulse (i.e., Magellanic penguins) on puma movement, habitat selection, and sociality 

2. Conservation prioritization of corridors for pumas across the Western Hemisphere

3. Testing for apparent competition or mutualism between penguins and guanacos 

Despite global declines in biodiversity, successful conservation efforts have led to the recovery of animal populations around the world. The success of these initiatives hinges on the integration of ecological and socio-political factors. We are exploring the potential drivers of successful wildlife restorations globally and the ways management and policy can shape wildlife restoration goals. 

Related Projects:

1. Investigating the impacts of including human dimensions on wildlife translocation outcomes 

2. Impacts of drought on human-wildlife conflict 

3. Developing a framework for restoring lost wildlife migrations 

4. Centering 30 x 30 initiatives on freshwater conservation 

Wildlife conservation is complicated by the diverse range of environmental, social, economic, and political factors that influence conservation outcomes. My work seeks to integrate current theoretical frameworks and methods to solve modern day problems in conservation. I use current techniques in spatial and behavioral ecology to analyze and synthesize data that helps improve our ability to manage and conserve biodiversity. 

Related Projects:

1. Conservation prioritization of the Great Plains 

2. Assessing the effects of roads on guanaco movement 

3. Examining the impacts of prescribed fire on Florida Panther den site selection 

4. Evaluating the ecosystem impacts of domestic vs. wild ungulates