Coyote Frequency vs. Tree Cover on a Ranch in New Mexico

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Presenter(s)(s)

Kaidan Capossere

Abstract or Description

Ever since ranching spread into the American west in the 1800s, cattle depredations from predators have been a huge issue and has led to the extirpation of many native predators. Recently, conservationists have been working with landowners to employ nonlethal methods to reduce depredations. Critical to this effort is finding out where on the landscape most depredations and where predators are most likely to be. Therefore, this project aims to study how coyote presence is related to tree cover. Prior research has shown coyotes to prefer areas with fewer trees to forested areas, but more research is needed on the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. This study takes place on an anonymous ranch in central New Mexico, which contains a mixture of forested areas and prairies. Camera traps placed around the ranch were analyzed for coyote presence and tree cover and then statistical tests were used to determine if there was a significant relationship. It is anticipated that coyotes will be found to prefer either treeless areas or open areas near tree line. Knowing which habitats coyotes prefer allows ranchers to focus nonlethal deterrence on these areas, ideally reducing depredations.

Mentor

Rae Nickerson