Nichole Peterson

The Landscape Ecology of Bull Elk in Arkansas

Concerns about the status of elk in Arkansas began to increase in the late 1990’s as a result of field observations and evaluations of data collected on bull/cow and calf/cow ratios, non-hunting causes of death, and the age structure of harvested animals.  These data suggested, among other things, potential high mortality of bulls.  To maximize success of the elk reintroduction program and to increase elk viewing and hunting opportunities in Arkansas, managers need answers to several important questions about the landscape ecology of bull elk.  Namely, what habitat types do bull elk use and what time of year do they use them?  Does habitat use vary by season and/or by age class?  How big of an area (home range area) does a bull elk need to make a living throughout the year?  Do bull elk home range areas vary by season and/or by age class?  This project is funded by the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the National Park Service.  M.S. expected December 2006.

Steven Parker
Stakeholders' Attitudes toward Elk in Arkansas
Given the paucity of information about public attitudes toward elk and elk management strategies in Arkansas, Steve is conducting an in-depth assessment of landowners residing in primary and secondary elk range to: 1) determine levels of knowledge about elk, 2) determine levels of support for elk restoration and management, 3) provide public land managers with information to develop more efficient and effective elk-human conflict resolution strategies, and 4) contribute to our understanding of attitudes toward and knowledge of elk in Arkansas.  This project is funded by the Arkansas Forest Resources Center and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  M.S. completed December 2005.  To obtain a pdf version of the thesis, click here.

Kevin Rose
Predominant habitat factors structuring terrestrial amphibian and reptile communities at the Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas

Recent evidence of worldwide amphibian and reptile population declines has highlighted the need for a better understanding of species-specific habitat associations.  Little information is available on amphibian and reptile community response to habitat structure.  An understanding of factors that influence herptile community structure is important to enable informed management.  The objective of this study is to examine how amphibian and reptile communities change across the Arkansas Post National Memorial and to determine if these patterns are related to spatial and temporal variability in the environment.  Kevin's intent is to determine the habitat variables that account for a significant proportion of variability in community composition.  This project is funded by the Arkansas Forest Resources Center and the National Park Service.  M.S. expected May 2007.