This research employs a transdisciplinary approach to developing the wildlife crossing database platform (WCDP), which is a tool for sharing information among practitioners and engaging the public in landscape connectivity issues and efforts. Despite extensive evidence supporting the effectiveness of wildlife crossings in restoring landscape connectivity, implementation in North America has been piecemeal as connectivity planning continues to face significant challenges. A research-practitioner discussion was convened to discuss the beta version of the WCDP, as well as the key considerations and recommendations for its further development as an effective landscape connectivity planning tool. The research produced valuable insights on considerations, challenges, and needs for landscape connectivity work, inter-professional online collaboration, and further refinement of the platform.

Effective wildlife management often requires data on population size, survival, sex ratios, and site fidelity; however, obtaining these metrics can be difficult in areas or years when traditional techniques such as aerial surveys are ineffective or prohibitive; resulting in a need for alternative sampling techniques. In this study, we developed a methodology for estimating demographics of an urban moose (Alces alces) population by combining reports from the public and genetic mark-recapture data. This study showed that by eliciting public participation, genetic mark-recapture was a feasible alternative to traditional aerial surveys to estimate moose population demographics in an urban environment; a technique that could easily be adapted to other urban areas and wildlife species.

Seventeen confiscated eastern box turtles were sampled for 4 pathogens monthly for a year to determine optimal sampling strategies and variation in pathogen shedding patterns. Observed prevalence values were within 10% of unbiased prevalence values, but the probability of detecting pathogens in an infected turtle during a given month was generally low, suggesting that monthly swabs are the most appropriate sampling method. These findings have implications for designing and interpreting research studies and clinical management of box turtles.

We collected genetic capture-mark-recapture data (i.e., hair sampling) for a post-delisting assessment of the demographic status of the black bear subpopulations in Louisiana. The assessment included primary range in the Tensas River basin (2006–2020), upper Atchafalaya River basin (2007–2020), and the Three Rivers Complex (2014 and 2021), where bears had been reintroduced beginning in 2001, and adjacent areas of possible range expansion (i.e., secondary range). The number of bears in the secondary ranges suggests some bears may have emigrated from the primary areas and colonized secondary areas, likely facilitated by increases in bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the core populations.