Ellen Whittle

There are very few places in the world that have not been affected in some way by human activities. Much of the public land in the US receives heavy use by industry and recreation, while wildlife continue to use that habitat to survive and reproduce. Land managers must understand the requirements of both humans and wildlife in order to balance the usage and demands on a landscape.

My research questions are focused on habitat selection by threatened species, especially during sensitive life stages such as the reproductive period. I am looking for patterns in habitat use that can help inform land and wildlife managers during decision-making processes.

My graduate project was based in the Black Hills region of the United States. The Black Hills are an isolated range of mountains which are separated from similar habitat by several hundred miles of open plains. The Hills are edge habitat for several forest-dwelling species including the Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB), which was the focus of my study.

Habitat Selection by Northern Long-eared Bats 2019 Download PDF

NLEBs roost primarily in tree cavities in the summer. Tree cavities offer shelter, security, and stable temperatures necessary to raise their young in larger colonies. NLEB’s use of habitat and occurrence in the Black Hills is relatively unknown. Human activities have potential to strongly affect this population as the region receives increased pressures from logging, recreation, and firewood collection.

For more information, please contact me.