CKWRI North, a research program based in Lubbock, Texas, is conducting a camera-based research project to provide formal research on the presence and occupancy patterns of urban mesocarnivores in the Great Plains of South Texas. Adjunct Professor Levi Heffelfinger is the director of this program, which is part of the Texas Nature Trackers (TNT) program, a part of the Wildlife Diversity Program that tracks the status of wild plant and animal populations across Texas. Participating in TNT projects is an excellent way to learn more about the state's biodiversity and contribute to the research and conservation efforts of Texas Parks and Wildlife. The Pantex Plant's wildlife monitoring program, which was featured in the winter edition of The Wildlife Professional magazine, has been instrumental in providing unique research opportunities for graduates from West Texas A&M University in Canyon and Texas Technological University in Lubbock.
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) uses a range of conservation tools to recover threatened and endangered species and ensure that they can survive on their own in the wild. Cherry commented that CKWRI researchers, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, are parameterizing models with real estimates based on empirical data on aspects such as movement rates and habitat selection, in order to improve the predictability of the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting (CWD). Additionally, CKWRI is conducting research on how nutrition influences calves' body size and antlers in the Kerr wildlife management area. In conclusion, CKWRI North's research project is providing invaluable insight into wildlife populations in Lubbock, Texas. This research is helping to guarantee that threatened and endangered species can survive on their own in the wild. Furthermore, it is offering unique research opportunities for graduates from West Texas A&M University and Texas Technological University.
