Vertebrates
Our Programs: Vertebrates
The WYNDD Vertebrate Zoology Program collects and disseminates information regarding
the distribution, conservation status, and habitat associations Wyoming’s amphibian,
bird, fish, mammal, and reptile taxa. This information is obtained through field research,
literature review, and data received from our partners across the state. Information
generated by the Vertebrate Zoology Program is disseminated through WYNDD’s database,
web applications, and project reports.
Program highlights
- Incorporated eBird observations made in Wyoming into the WYNDD central database
- Documented the first confirmed case of White-nose Syndrome in Wyoming at Devils Tower
National Monument
- Evaluated statistical power of long-term monitoring designs for Ferruginous Hawk and
Golden Eagle
- Greatly expanded currently accepted range of Flammulated Owl in Wyoming
Expertise
- Species inventory
- Population monitoring
- Raptor ecology
- Acoustic monitoring of bats, amphibians, and owls
- Disease surveillance for White-nose Syndrome and amphibian chytrid fungus
- Taxonomy of Wyoming’s vertebrates
- Study design
- Statistical analysis
- Species distribution modeling
2022 Program Focus
- Develop species accounts for Wyoming’s native amphibian species for the Wyoming Field
Guide
- Incorporate iNatualist data in the WYNDD database
- Develop a Wyoming iNaturalist project
- Develop a framework and workflow for incorporating and updating large citizen science
datasets
- Update predictive species distribution models for Wyoming’s Species of Greatest Conservation
Need