We seek to develop innovative, cost-effective methods for accurately monitoring wildlife populations across the Boreal Plains ecozone using multi-spectral, high-resolution imaging technology combined with artificial intelligence. Traditional methods have limitations in scalability and accuracy, but our advanced techniques aim to bridge these gaps, providing comprehensive data critical for understanding and managing the complex boreal ecosystem.

The goal of this research is to apply advanced wildlife detection methods to model species densities and habitat features across the Boreal Plains. Extensive data collection from numerous sampling units will form the largest dataset of its kind for evaluating boreal food-web dynamics. This work will enable rigorous testing of ecological theories related to species coexistence and competition, providing valuable insights for conservation strategies and ecological management at an ecozone scale.

Through integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from Indigenous and settler communities with scientific data, we aim to enhance our understanding of ecosystem changes in the North-Eastern region of Saskatchewan Boreal Forest.

This objective integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from Indigenous and settler communities with scientific data to enhance our understanding of ecosystem changes at the ecoregion level in east central Saskatchewan. By combining TEK with scientific research, we aim to create a more holistic understanding of historical and current ecosystem dynamics, essential for informed conservation and management practices.

In Saskatchewan, moose populations have shown a dramatic X decline over the last X years. This work aims to investigate this decline through animal tracking and analyzing how predator dynamics, disease and human hunting pressures influence moose in Saskatchewan.  Considering how multifaceted factors impact moose populations is critical for developing effective conservation strategies to stabilize and recover these important populations.

White-tail deer have been found to be traveling north into the range of boreal caribou. We aim to study this The objective here is to study the invasion ecology of white-tailed deer and the transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) within boreal caribou ranges, including tracking deer movements and modeling disease transmission dynamics. Insights from this research will inform management strategies to control CWD spread and mitigate its impact on deer, moose, and caribou populations, thereby supporting overall ecosystem health.

This research seeks to map the dietary proportions of wolves across the study area using stable isotopes and fatty acid biomarkers, and to integrate this data with species abundance information to estimate predation rates. This groundbreaking research will provide a detailed understanding of predator-prey interactions, informing management practices to balance predator and prey populations and maintain ecological stability.

Research is not done in a vacume-  something something- share the findings…. The objective is to disseminate research findings across various sectors, including academic, governmental, conservation, and Indigenous communities, and to promote effective wildlife management strategies. Leveraging our multi-sectoral Program Advisory Committee to foster ongoing collaboration, effective communication, and application of research findings is essential for influencing policy and conservation practices. Our efforts will support sustainable ecosystem management and promote the long-term health of the Boreal Plains.