Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The Western Ecological Research Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a Cooperative Agreement to one Member of the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) Program. The project for the agreement is titled “Analysis of Spatial Use and Animal Movements to Assess the Impact of Anthropogenic Activity on Ungulates in Arid Ecosystems”.  The project consists of two parts: 1) an assessment of key threats to desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) from reduced water sources and increased visitation in Joshua Tree National Park, and 2) radionuclide levels, movements, and spatial use of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) on the Nevada National Security Site.  Goals are: 1) to assess whether increasing levels of visitor use on recreational trails and at water sources are causing changes in bighorn sheep habitat use and whether these responses have the potential to negatively impact the population; and 2) to understand radionuclide levels in mule deer and pronghorn antelope that use the Nevada National Security Site (formerly, the Nevada Test Site), their habitat use, the range of movement of these animals, and the potential dose to hunters consuming them. This research will contribute to the adaptive management of large ungulates in arid environments where anthropogenic activities have the potential to negatively affect wildlife and indirectly, to impact human health and safety.