Dave joined the Coop Unit as a Research Associate in May 2006. He is developing monitoring methods for wolves in Idaho.

UPDATE: We have made substantial progress toward our stated objectives. We surveyed Idaho hunters in 2007 and found their reports to be largely indicative of true wolf numbers present in the study areas. In addition, results from our hunter survey may have implications for harvest because we found numerous hunters see live wolves often at close distances. Surveys are currently being sent to Idaho hunters to replicate last year’s efforts and further corroborate our 2007 findings. Our method for sampling wolf rendezvous sites for wolf presence has shown promise because, without the use of radiotelemetry, we were able to detect 7 of 9 litters of pups that were present. Furthermore, we collected over 250 genetic samples using this method. We will replicate this effort again in our 4 study areas in summer 2008. The howlbox prototype has shown great promise as a remote sampling tool with successful detection of 2 wolves known to inhabit the Chaffin Creek area in Montana. We are currently refining the howlbox, purchasing smaller, lighter components and plan to conduct a rigorous field test in summer 2008. Finally, we have found a patch occupancy model is a reasonable framework for incorporating data from multiple survey methods; estimates from our preliminary analyses compared remarkably well to the minimum number of wolf packs known to inhabit Idaho.

Since wolf reintroduction, radiotelemetry has been the primary tool for monitoring wolves in Idaho. However, its efficacy as the sole method for population monitoring will wane as the wolf population expands and federal funding for wolf management diminishes. Maintaining radiocollared wolves dispersed widely across the landscape is an expensive and logistically difficult monitoring approach. Few studies, however, have been able to develop reliable alternatives for monitoring wolves across varied landscapes. We are evaluating the effectiveness of wolf population monitoring methods within 4 separate study areas in Idaho. One method, the summer scat method, stratifies habitat to facilitate sampling, provides data indicative of reproduction, and can provide estimates of wolf abundance. We are also testing the efficacy of hunter questionnaires and public sightings in estimating wolf abundance in the study areas. In addition, we are pilot testing several novel methods to detect and count wolves. To provide a statewide assessment of wolf distribution and abundance, we will collate data from tested non-invasive field methods, public observation data, and radiocollared animal data into an occupancy model. Preliminary analyses indicate an occupancy model using only public sightings can provide reasonable estimates of the number of wolf packs in Idaho. Development and refinement of such an occupancy model provides a framework for wolf population monitoring in the absence of, or complementary to, intensive radiotelemetry-based monitoring. We expect our findings will be of interest and wholly applicable to professionals who manage wolf populations in other states as well.

Dave’s interests include spending as much time as possible with his wife Liz and newborn son, Sam. Canoeing is an especially favorite ritual and they look forward to the day when Sam can join them for a float in the Northwoods.

Progress Report 2008 :

Ausband, D.E., and A. Moehrenschlager. In Press. Juvenile swift fox dispersal potential between two proximate reintroduced populations. Oryx.

Ausband, D.E., J. Holyan, and C. Mack. In Press. Longevity and adaptability of a reintroduced gray wolf. Northerwestern Naturalist.

Mitchell, M. S., D. E. Ausband, C. A. Sime, E. E. Bangs, J. A. Gude, M. D. Jimenez, C. M. Mack, T. J. Meier, M. S. Nadeau, and D. W. Smith. 2008. Estimation of successful breeding pairs for wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA. Journal of Wildlife Management. 72:881-891. [PDF]

Ausband, D.E. and K.R. Foresman. 2007. Dispersal, survival, and reproduction of wild-born yearling swift foxes in a reintroduced population. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 85: 185-189.[PDF]

Ausband, D.E., and K.F. Foresman. 2007. Swift fox reintroductions on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana, USA. Biological Conservation. 136: 423-430. [PDF]

Waters, S.S., C. Smeeton, K.V. Weagle, and D.E. Ausband. 2007. Re-introducing the swift fox to Blackfeet Tribal Lands, Montana, USA. Reintroduction News. 26:34-35. [PDF]

Ausband, D.E., and E.A. Ausband. 2006. Observations of interactions between swift fox and badgers. The Prairie Naturalist. 38(1):63-64. [PDF]

Ausband, D.E., and G.R. Baty. 2005. Effects of precommercial thinning on snowshoe hare habitat use during winter in low-elevation montane forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 35(1): 206-210. [PDF]