Amy Mayer- Research Associate-Bobcat Ecology Study

Amy Mayer is a Research Associate at the University of Rhode Island in the Gerber Applied Quantitative Ecology Lab. From 2015 – 2020 she was the project lead for the bobcat ecology study – a collaborative project between the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Fish and Wildlife Division and the University of Rhode Island (Gerber Applied Quantitative Ecology and Wildlife Genetics and Ecology Labs). This study investigated the spatial ecology and genetics of bobcats in Rhode Island. Bobcats were once rare in the state but appear to be increasing population size – particularly in southern Rhode Island. Amy and other researchers on the project used GPS collars to follow the movements of several male bobcats throughout South County, and deployed trail cameras across the entire state to document occurrences of the species. Some key findings were that bobcats are highly adaptable to living in areas of high human disturbance, and are widely distributed across the state, but are still existing at low densities on the landscape.

This project relied heavily on access to both public and private conservation lands and highlighted the benefits of a strong partnership between land conservation groups and scientific research.

To learn more about the scientists & stewards on our land click HERE.

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🦞Just one of the many critters students found while 
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video. 

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland

🦞Just one of the many critters students found while
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video.

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland
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