Barbara Keller

I am developing a spatially-explicit carrying capacity model for 6 ungulate species (bison, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn) in Custer State Park, South Dakota. This model will incorporate resource selection (via radio-telemetry locations) and diet selection (via microhistological analysis) of each ungulate as well as spatially explicit forage production throughout the park. We will use GIS to develop resource utilization models for each ungulate species and predict forage production throughout CSP. This linear optimization model will allow park managers to predict different numbers of ungulate species the rangeland can support in a given season based upon environmental variables driving forage production (precipitation, temperature, etc). We will also examine spatial and diet overlap among species to determine where and when competition may occur and how this will affect the carrying capacity model. This model will provide wildlife managers a tool to better manage ungulate populations and prevent the destruction of rangeland as well as other deleterious results of overabundant ungulate populations.

M.S., New Mexico State University (July 2005)

Publications

Keller, B. J., and L. C. Bender. 2007. Bighorn sheep response to road-related disturbances in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Journal of Wildlife Management 71: 2329–2337.