Beth F

My blogs

About me

Occupation Graduate Student and Science Posse Fellow Alumni
Location Laramie, Wyoming
Introduction I am a graduate student at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and in the Program in Ecology. My current research focuses on the effect of development on the distribution and connectivity (gene flow) of Greater Sage-Grouse leks (breeding sites). Leks are found at specific locations within sagebrush habitat and many habitat or landscape characteristics may influence those locations. Development is known to increase the likelihood of lek abandonment and has been associated with sage-grouse population declines. One process that helps breeding sites persist is dispersal of offspring to different lek sites. This can be assessed by measuring gene flow or connectivity between pairs of breeding sites. Certain habitat and landscape characteristics may also be associated with successful dispersal. Habitat and landscape characteristics found to influence distribution and connectivity of leks can then be used to predict how distribution and connectivity of leks might change with development or restoration of sagebrush habitat. This will allow both land managers and developers to make decisions on where to prioritize restoration efforts.