Wildlife Studies

Throughout our history, Azimuth's terrestrial biologists have conducted a range wildlife studies including:

Mammals

• Impact of high density deer populations on the integrity of forest ecosystems including impacts on species of conservation concern;
• Population ecology of White-tailed Deer;
• Spatial behavior of White-tailed Deer with emphasis on seasonal migration (i.e. deer yarding behavior);
• Spatial behavior of rabies vectors including Red Fox, Striped Skunk, Raccoon;
• Spatial behavior of Black Bears and Coyotes with emphasis on dispersal;
• Population ecology of Raccoon with respect to the control of rabies;
• Assessment of forage supplies for Moose and White-tailed Deer including development of inventory methods; and
• Behavioural studies of White-tailed Deer, Moose, Mountain Goat, Red Fox, Coyote, Striped Skunk, and Raccoon

Birds

• Forest bird population census;
• Territory mapping and behavioural studies of Ovenbird;
• Spatial behaviour and “flight path” assessment of gulls; and
• Shorebird nesting studies including assessment of nesting success;

Herpetiles

• Delineation of significant habitat of the endangered Spotted Turtle;
• Functional assessment of critical habitat components of Eastern Hog-nosed Snake; and
• Spatial and foraging behaviour of Desert Tortoise;

Our staff are proficient in the use of various habitat assessment and animal capture and marking techniques.  Staff has extensive knowledge regarding the application of radio-telemetry techniques to assess movements and habitat use.  These techniques have proven useful in the study of species at risk leading to delineation of significant habitat.