551 items found
Energy development
Home range
<em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>
Utilization distribution
Energy development
Home range
<em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>
Utilization distribution
Aim
The space an animal uses over a given time period must provide the resources required for meeting energetic needs, reproducing and avoiding predation. Anthropogenic landscape change in concert with environmental dynamics can strongly structure space-use. Investigating these dynamics can provide critical insight into animal ecology, conservation and management.
Location
The Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA.
Methods
We applied a novel utilization distribution estimation technique based on a continuous-time correlated random walk model to characterize range dynamics of mule deer during winter and summer seasons across multiple years. This approach leverages second-order properties of movement to provide a probabilistic estimate of space-use. We assessed the influence of environmental (cover and forage), individual and anthropogenic factors on interannual variation in range use of individual deer using a hierarchical Bayesian regression framework.
Results
Mule deer demonstrated remarkable spatial philopatry, with a median of 50% overlap (range: 8–78%) in year-to-year utilization distributions. Environmental conditions were the primary driver of both philopatry and range size, with anthropogenic disturbance playing a secondary role.
Main conclusions
Philopatry in mule deer is suspected to reflect the importance of spatial familiarity (memory) to this species and, therefore, factors driving spatial displacement are of conservation concern. The interaction between range behaviour and dynamics in development disturbance and environmental conditions highlights mechanisms by which anthropogenic environmental change may displace deer from familiar areas and alter their foraging and survival strategies.
[show more]Landscape variation
Stress
Telomere
<em>Ursus americanus</em>
Landscape variation
Stress
Telomere
<em>Ursus americanus</em>
Demography
Disease ecology
Harvest management
Demography
Disease ecology
Harvest management
- Sex-based differences in physiology, behaviour and demography commonly result in differences in disease prevalence. However, sex differences in prevalence may reflect exposure rather than transmission, which could affect disease control programmes. One potential example is chronic wasting disease (CWD), which has been observed at greater prevalence among male than female deer.
- We used an age- and sex-structured simulation model to explore harvest-based management of CWD under three different transmission scenarios that all generate higher male prevalence: (1) increased male susceptibility, (2) high male-to-male transmission or (3) high female-to-male transmission.
- Both female and male harvests were required to limit CWD epidemics across all transmission scenarios (approximated by R0), though invasion was more likely under high female-to-male transmission.
- In simulations, heavily male-biased harvests controlled CWD epidemics and maintained large host populations under high male-to-male transmission and increased male susceptibility scenarios. However, male-biased harvests were ineffective under high female-to-male transmission. Instead, female-biased harvests were able to limit disease transmission under high female-to-male transmission but incurred a trade-off with smaller population sizes.
- Synthesis and applications. Higher disease prevalence in a sex or age group may be due to higher exposure or susceptibility but does not necessarily indicate if that group is responsible for more disease transmission. We showed that multiple processes can result in the pattern of higher male prevalence, but that population-level management interventions must focus on the sex responsible for disease transmission, not just those that are most exposed.
Aquatic Research ScientistHydrologist, Stream Habitat Investigations
Contact Information
Education
- M.S., Watershed Science — Colorado State University, 2009
- B.S., Fisheries and Wildlife Biology — Kansas State University, 2001
Current or Recent Positions
- Aquatic Research Scientist — Hydrologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2012-Present
- Aquatic Instrument Engineer — Hydrologist, National Ecological Observatory Network, Inc., 2011-2012
- Program Manager — Research Associate III, Colorado State University, 2009-2011
- Graduate Research Assistant — Colorado State University, 2008-2009
- Fisheries Management Specialist — US Peace Corps, 2004-2006
Current or Recent Research Projects
- Upper Arkansas River Habitat Enhancement Evaluation
- South Platte River Stream Restoration and Habitat Enhancement
- Gunnison River and Riparian Rehabilitation Project
- Aquatic Habitat Restoration Studies
- Fish Passage and Barrier Studies
- Whitewater Park Studies
Areas of Interest/Expertise
- Hydrologic analysis and modeling
- Aquatic habitat assessments
- Stream restoration and habitat enhancement design
- Project monitoring and evaluation
Selected Publications
Richer, E. E., S. Graf, and M. C. Kondratieff. 2024. Evaluating the performance of instream structures for a stream restoration project in Colorado. River Research and Applications 40(3): 308–321. Kotalik, C. J., B. A. Wolff, J. P. F. Pomeranz, E. E. Richer, and W. H. Clements. 2023. Bioenergetic responses of a stream food web to habitat restoration: interactions between Brown Trout and invertebrate prey resources. Restoration Ecology. Cubley, E. S., E. E. Richer, D. W. Baker, C. G. Lamson, T. L. Hardee, B. P. Bledsoe, and P. L. Kulchawik. 2021. Restoration of riparian vegetation on a mountain river degraded by historical mining and grazing. River Research and Applications 38:80-93.Richer, E. E., M. C. Kondratieff, G. Policky, M. D. Robinson, M. Atwood, and M. R. Myers. 2021. From gold mining to gold medal fishery: evaluating the fishery response to stream restoration on the upper Arkansas River, Colorado. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 42:24-36.Kowalski, D. A. and E. E. Richer. 2020. Quantifying the habitat preferences of the stonefly Pteronarcys californica in Colorado. River Research and Applications 36:2043-2050. Richer, E. E., E. R. Fetherman, E. A. Krone, F. B. Wright III, and M. C. Kondratieff. 2020. Multispecies fish passage evaluation at a rock-ramp fishway in a Colorado transition zone stream. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 40:1510-1522.Richer, E. E., E. A. Gates, M. C. Kondratieff, and A. T. Herdrich. 2019. Modelling changes in trout habitat following stream restoration. River Research and Applications 35:680-691.Richer, E. E., E. R. Fetherman, M. C. Kondratieff, and T. A. Barnes. 2017. Incorporating GPS and mobile radio frequency identification to detect PIT-tagged fish and evaluate habitat utilization in streams. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37(6):1249-1264.Richer, E.E., M.C. Kondratieff, and B.D. Swigle. 2015. Post-flood recovery assessment and stream restoration guidelines for the Colorado Front Range. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Kondratieff, M.C. and E.E. Richer. 2014. Stream Habitat Investigations and Assistance, Job Progress Report. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Moore, C., S. Kampf, B. Stone, and E. Richer. 2014. A GIS-based method for defining snow zones: application to the western United States. Geocarto International 30(1): 62-81.
Kampf, S. and E. Richer. 2014. Estimating source regions for snowmelt runoff in a Rocky Mountain watershed: comparison of conceptual runoff models driven by snow cover or snow water equivalent. Hydrological Processes 28: 2237-2250.
Kondratieff, M.C. and E.E. Richer. 2013. Stream Habitat Investigations and Assistance, Job Progress Report. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, Colorado. 103 pp.
Richer, E.E., S.K. Kampf, S.R. Fassnacht, and C.C. Moore. 2013. Spatiotemporal index for analyzing controls on snow climatology: Application in the Colorado Front Range. Physical Geography 34(2): 85-107.
Baron, J.S., C.T. Driscoll, J.L. Stoddard, and E.E. Richer. 2011. Empirical critical loads of atmospheric nitrogen deposition for nutrient enrichment and acidification of sensitive US lakes. Bioscience 61(8): 602-613.
Richer, E.E. and J.S. Baron. 2011. Loch Vale Watershed Long-term Ecological Research and Monitoring Program: Quality Assurance Report, 2003-09: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011-1137, 22 p.
Richer, E., J. Botte, and J. Baron. 2011. Loch Vale Watershed Long-term Research and Monitoring Program: Methods Manual 2011. Colorado State University, 95 pp.
[show more]
Contact Information
317 W Prospect RoadFort Collins, CO 80526Office: 970-472-4436Cell: 970-481-3225E-mail:Education
- Ph.D., Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology — Colorado State University. 2013
- M.S., Fishery Biology — Colorado State University, 2009
- B.S., Fishery Biology — Colorado State University, 2006
- B.S., Wildlife Biology — Colorado State University, 2006
Current or Recent Positions
- Aquatic Research Scientist — Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2011-Current
- Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.) — Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, 2009-2013
- Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.) — Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, 2006-2009
- Teaching Assistant — Colorado State University, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
Current or Recent Research Projects
- Whirling disease resistant rainbow trout introductions
- Optimizing rainbow trout production in CPW hatcheries
- Wild rainbow trout brood stock development
- Wild trout population dynamics, survival and movement
Areas of Interest/Expertise
- Fish disease
- Fish physiology
- Fish culture
- Fish ecology
Publications
Avila, B. W., D. L. Winkelman, and E. R. Fetherman. 2023. Biotic and abiotic factors affecting survival of two Rainbow Trout strains in streams in Colorado. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 43(3): 786-793. Erickson, T. A., G. J. Schisler, and E. R. Fetherman. 2023. Post-stocking survival and myxospore evaluation of whirling disease resistant rainbow trout strains. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 43:586-599.Fetherman, E. R., B. Neuschwanger, C. Praamsma, and T. Davis. 2023. Concentration, life stage, feeding, density, flow, and strain effects on formalin sensitivity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Animals 13(15):2425. Kopack, C. J., E. D. Broder, E. R. Fetherman, R. M. Fitzpatrick, and L. M. Angeloni. 2023. Assessing antipredator behavior and the potential to enhance it in a species of conservation concern. North American Journal of Aquaculture 85:136-145.Kopack, C. J., E. R. Fetherman, E. D. Broder, R. M. Fitzpatrick, and L. M. Angeloni. 2023. The effects of abiotic enrichment and predator training on the behavior,morphology, and survival of a species of conservation concern. Conservation Science and Practice, e12999. Riepe, T. B., E. R., Fetherman, B. Neuschwanger, T. Davis, A. Perkins, and D. L. Winkelman. 2023. Vertical transmission of Renibacterium salmoninarum in hatchery-reared Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii). Journal of Fish Diseases 46(4): 309-319. Avila, B. W., K. P. Huyvert, D. L. Winkelman, and E. R. Fetherman. 2022. Factors affecting post-challenge survival of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in susceptible Rainbow Trout from the literature. Pathogens 11:1318. Avila, B. W., D. L. Winkelman, and E. R. Fetherman. 2022. Dual resistance to Flavobacterium psychrophilum and Myxobolus cerebralis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum). Journal of Fish Diseases 2022:1-13. Fetherman, E. R., and B. W. Avila. 2022. Habitat associations of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta fry. Journal of Fish Biology 100:51-61.Riepe, T. B., V. Vincent, V. Milano, E. R. Fetherman, and D. L. Winkelman. 2021. Evidence for the use of mucus swabs to detect Renibacterium salmoninarum in brook trout. Pathogens 10(4), 460. Fetherman, E. R., B. Neuschwanger, T. Davis, C. L. Wells, and A. Kraft. 2020. Efficacy of Erymicin 200 injections for reducing Renibacterium salmoninarum and controlling vertical transmission in an inland rainbow trout brood stock. Pathogens 2020, 9(7), 547.
Richer, E. E., E. R. Fetherman, E. A. Krone, F. B. Wright III, and M. C. Kondratieff. 2020. Multispecies fish passage evaluation at a rock-ramp fishway in a Colorado transition zone stream. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 40:1510-1522.Fetherman, E. R., P. Cadmus, A. L. Jefferson, and M. K. Hura. 2019. Increasing copper concentrations do not affect Myxobolus cerebralis triactinomyxon viability. Journal of Fish Diseases 42:1327-1331. Avila, B. W., D. L. Winkelman, and E. R. Fetherman. 2018. Survival of whirling-disease- resistant rainbow trout fry in the wild: A comparison of two strains. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 30:280-290. Hodge, B. W., E. R. Fetherman, K. B. Rogers, and R. Henderson. 2017. Effectiveness of a fishway for restoring passage of Colorado River cutthroat trout. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37(6):1332-1340.
Richer, E. E., E. R. Fetherman, M. C. Kondratieff, and T. A. Barnes. 2017. Incorporating GPS and mobile radio frequency identification to detect PIT-tagged fish and evaluate habitat utilization in streams. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37(6):1249-1264.
Fetherman, E. R., J. A. Wardell, C. J. Praamsma, and M. K. Hura. 2016. Critical dissolved oxygen tolerances of whirling disease-resistant rainbow trout. North American Journal of Aquaculture 78:366-373.
Kopack, C. J., E. D. Broder, E. R. Fetherman, J. M. Lepak, and L. M. Angeloni. 2016. The effect of a single prerelease exposure to conspecific alarm cue on poststocking survival in three strains of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Canadian Journal of Zoology 94(9): 661-664.
Stout, J. B., B. W. Avila, and E. R. Fetherman. 2016. Efficacy of commercially available quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling New Zealand mudsnails, Potamopyrgus antipodarum. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:277-284.
Fetherman, E. R., J. M. Lepak, B. L. Brown, and D. J. Harris. 2015. Optimizing time of initiation for triploid walleye production using pressure shock treatment. North American Journal of Aquaculture 77:471-477.
Kopack, C. J., E. D. Broder, J. M. Lepak, E. R. Fetherman, and L. M. Angeloni. 2015. Behavioral responses of a highly domesticated, predator naïve rainbow trout to chemical cues of predation. Fisheries Research 169:1-7.
Fetherman, E. R., D. L. Winkelman, L. L. Bailey, G. J. Schisler, and K. Davies. 2015. Brown trout removal effects on short-term survival and movement of Myxobolus cerebralis-resistant rainbow trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 144:610-626.
Fetherman, E. R., B. W. Avila, and D. L. Winkelman. 2014. Raft and floating radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna systems for detecting and estimating abundance of PIT-tagged fish in rivers. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 34:1065-1077.
Fetherman, E. R., D. L. Winkelman, M. R. Baerwald, and G. J. Schisler. 2014. Survival and reproduction of Myxobolus cerebralis resistant rainbow trout in the Colorado River and increased survival of age-0 progeny. PLoS ONE 9(5):e96954.
Fetherman, E. R. 2013. Introduction and management of Myxobolus cerebralis-Resistant Rainbow Trout in Colorado. Ph.D. dissertation. Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Fetherman, E. R., and J. M. Lepak. 2013. Addressing depletion failure and estimating gear efficiency using back-calculation of capture probabilities. Fisheries Research 147: 284-289.
Fetherman, E. R., D. L. Winkelman, G. J. Schisler, and M. F. Antolin. 2012. Genetic basis of differences in myxospore count between whirling disease-resistant and -susceptible strains of rainbow trout. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 102:97-106.
Lepak, J. M., E. R. Fetherman, W. M. Pate, C. Craft, and E. I. Gardunio. 2012. An experimental approach to determine esocid prey preference in replicated pond systems. Lake and Reservoir Management 28:224-231.
Lepak, J. M., K. D. Kinzli, E. R. Fetherman, W. M. Pate, A. G. Hansen, E. I. Gardunio, C. N. Cathcart, W. L. Stacy, Z. E. Underwood, M. M. Brandt, C. A. Myrick, and B. M. Johnson. 2012. Manipulation of growth to reduce mercury concentrations in sport fish on a whole-system scale. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 69(1):122-135.
Fetherman, E. R., D. L. Winkelman, G. J. Schisler, and C. A. Myrick. 2011. The effects of Myxobolus cerebralis on the physiological performance of whirling disease resistant and susceptible strains of rainbow trout. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 23:169-177.
Fetherman, E. R. 2009. Heritability of myxospore count and the effects of Myxobolus cerebralis exposure on the physiological performance of whirling disease resistant and susceptible strains of rainbow trout. M.S. thesis, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Predation model
Predation rate
Prey composition
Color
Wyoming
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Predation model
Predation rate
Prey composition
Color
Wyoming
Camera trap
Density estimation
Fragmentation
Illinois
<em>Lynx rufus</em>
Spatial capture–recapture model
Trap array
Camera trap
Density estimation
Fragmentation
Illinois
<em>Lynx rufus</em>
Spatial capture–recapture model
Trap array
Capture–recapture
Heterogeneous detection
Small population
Capture–recapture
Heterogeneous detection
Small population
Cervus canadensis
Cross-species pathogen spillover
Habitat selection
Human-wildlife conflict
Resource selection function
Wildlife disease
Cervus canadensis
Cross-species pathogen spillover
Habitat selection
Human-wildlife conflict
Resource selection function
Wildlife disease