Wildlife

Research Branch

Our Mission
To conduct robust research and provide scientific information to inform and support the sound management and professional stewardship of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources, and to ensure the credibility of the Department’s science.

Goals

Research
Address the Department’s programmatic management information needs.

Information Transfer
Provide research findings, scientific expertise, guidance, and training to inform management decisions and activities, sustain a skilled Department workforce, and maintain the Department’s role as a leader in wildlife management.

Capacity and Partnership Building
Build and maintain research partnerships, outside funding, and a high level of expertise within the Branch to maximize Research Branch productivity and quality.

About the Branch

The Research Branch has a staff of 18-20 full-time biologists who are assisted seasonally by interns and seasonal technicians.  Our main office is located in Phoenix; however, projects are conducted throughout Arizona.  The Research Branch conducts aquatic and terrestrial research, and provides biometrics support to the Department, based on management information needs identified within the Department.  Research projects address a wide range of topics and are targeted to provide information to inform management decisions. This information often includes aspects of population dynamics, habitat relations, predator-prey interactions, population monitoring techniques, and the effect of management or development actions.

In addition to management-oriented research, the branch develops new and innovative techniques to assist in managing and monitoring wildlife populations, and provides training and scientific expertise to Department personnel.  Funding comes from a variety of sources, including Federal funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, as well as various contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with other state, federal, or private organizations.

Contacts

Esther Rubin
Research Branch Chief 623-236-7379 – Erubin@azgfd.gov

Julie Tolby
Research Programs & Project Specialist 623-236-7246 – Jtolby@azgfd.gov

Larisa Harding
Research Terrestrial Program Manager 623-236-7301 – Lharding@azgfd.gov

Ryan Mann
Research Aquatic Program Manager 623-236-7538 – Rmann@azgfd.gov

Current Projects

• Understanding the effects of tree group size on wildlife abundance and occupancy
• Biotic and Abiotic factors influencing Aspen in Arizona
• Bighorn sheep and mountain lions: A study to better understand their relationship and help guide management decisions
• Effects of forest thinning treatments and wildfire on black bear habitat use in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona
• A framework for estimating elk abundance in Arizona
• Mule deer habitat use and response to habitat changes and management on the Kaibab Plateau
• An evaluation of the potential impacts of off-highway vehicle use to Kit Fox habitat selection
• Wildlife use of isolated Mesquite Bosques
• Influence of forest restoration treatments on Mogollon voles
• Influence of forest restoration treatments on tassel-eared squirrels

Aquatic Program

Aquatic Research Program Manager

Ryan Mann
623 236-7538, RMann@azgfd.gov

Current Projects

• Conserving endangered Humpback Chub
• Fate of stocked trout: Survival, movement, best stocking practices, and angler satisfaction
• Long-term fish monitoring in the Grand Canyon
• Managing for the blue-ribbon Rainbow trout fishery at Lee’s Ferry

Tools and Techniques

• Fish Survey Techniques
• Fish Tagging and Monitoring Techniques

Research Branch Publications Since 2010

For other publications, contact Julie Tolby at Jtolby@azgfd.gov