Wisconsin DNR Research Presentations
Interested in DNR science?
Take a look at this collection of ten-minute presentations from DNR scientists on a wide-range of research topics in the agency.
Featured Research Project:
Saving Wisconsin’s Greater Prairie-Chickens from the Extinction Vortex
Contact: Scott Hull, game research team leader 608-224-6196 • Scott.Hull@Wisconsin.gov
The extinction vortex refers to groups of threatened species whose diminishing populations result in reduced genetic diversity, causing a cascading effect of reproductive issues and lower survival rates. Wisconsin’s isolated populations of greater prairie-chickens in central Wisconsin showed signs of reduced genetic diversity after a UW Milwaukee study examined trends in their gene pools. Efforts to reverse this downward spiral were conducted by DNR wildlife managers and scientists in collaboration with UW Madison and Milwaukee, Minnesota DNR, the Nature Conservancy, and the Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus. Together they translocated over 100 greater prairie-chickens from Minnesota to Central Wisconsin in efforts to improve the overall genetic diversity. Previous successes of this method were demonstrated in Illinois where persistent prairie chicken hatching issues were later improved after translocating new and diverse genes into the populations.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/5c2f3016b9fc4bb1a1bbe36da6e2a6a11d
More Research Projects:
Survival and Cause-Specific Mortality of White-tailed Deer
Contact: Dan Storm, deer and elk researcher 608-630-0370 • DanielJ.Storm@Wisconsin.gov
This study was designed to provide rigorous estimates of the buck recovery rate or its components (buck survival and cause-specific mortality), and hence increased accuracy of SAK (Sex-Age-Kill) population estimates. Additionally, this study will enhance our understanding of the effects and magnitude of hunter bias on estimates of cause- and age-specific mortality rates on male deer, and a greater understanding of spatial and temporal effects on variation in mortality of male deer across Wisconsin.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/54651e00957e477aa97d334ce9ede85c1d
Snapshot Wisconsin: A Statewide Trail Camera Project to Monitor Wildlife
Contact: Jennifer Stenglein, quantitative wildlife research scientist 608-354-6490 •Jennifer.Stenglein@Wisconsin.gov
Snapshot Wisconsin is a statewide, year-round program where citizens, students and the department work together to monitor wildlife with a network of trail cameras. The data from Snapshot Wisconsin can provide information on a variety of Wisconsin wildlife such as deer, black bear, beaver and bobcat.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/2856d6739d1a482092fe67a2d4b3a0ff1d
Social Carrying Capacity of Wolves in Wisconsin
Contact: Robert Holsman, research sociologist 608-264-8592 • Robert.Holsman@wisconsin.gov
The survey seeks to measure public preferences for wolf population size and distribution, and their tolerance for wolf interactions.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/9cbdffb463cc4eabba05ff92b1c970cd1d
Using Angler-collected Muskellunge Data to Guide Management Programs
Contact: Jeff Kampa, fisheries research scientist 715-635-4166 • Jeffrey.Kampa@Wisconsin.gov
Working with anglers to collect data on musky to understand growth rates and improve stocking programs.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/dd3909b21f3147c7b2863cddf1e9270b1d
Long-term Changes in Panfish Size Structure in Wisconsin
Contact: Andrew Rypel, aquatic research scientist 608-221-6339 • Andrew.Rypel@Wisconsin.gov
Understanding effects of bag limits on pan fish size structures and populations.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/212e89a8476446e092a1daea37c020591d
The Wisconsin Harmful Algal Bloom Surveillance Program and Other Algal Monitoring Efforts in Wisconsin
Contact: Gina LaLiberte, aquatic research scientist 608-221-5377 • Gina.Laliberte@wisconsin.gov
A statewide study looking at the harmful effects of cyanobacteria blooms and the public’s reaction to lakes affected by large blooms.
[Link] http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Play/d50cb643b740428f8ab027f42583436d1d