Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Chesapeake Watershed CESU

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The purpose of the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) funding opportunity is to evaluate elk movement and connectivity data to attempt to predict species range shifts. Invasive species, emerging diseases, and speciesâ¿¿ range shifts due to climate change are three central issues that will drive future biological diversity, as well as human and ecosystem health. In order to understand and predict the spatio-temporal dynamics of natural, invasive, or pathogen population, it must be defined how they are connected to one another. Landscape connectivity has been studied using dispersal, gene flow, and habitat selection data; however, it has been noted that empirically measured dispersal data combined with models of spatial spread often predict slower range expansion than are actually observed. Therefore, the Center would like to assess the potential for three different proposed projects to aid in developing a better understanding of the spatial spread of brucellosis in elk around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: 1) linking seasonal elk movements to Brucella abortus genetic connectivity; correlating Brucella abortus genetic connectivity with habitat covariates; and Correlating elk dispersal events with habitat covariates. Upon assessing the feasibility and partner interest in the projects mentioned above, the Center will conduct preliminary analysis on at least one of the proposed projects.

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