The Lesmeister Lab investigates wildlife species that inhabit Pacific Northwestern forests, looking at biological connections and ecological webs between interacting predators and their prey. Through extended, long-term data collection and subsequent data analysis the interconnectedness of these avian and mammalian species is uncovered.
WHO WE ARE
A group of researchers and scientists connected with the US Forest Service and Oregon State University.
|
|
|
|
We are located at the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station in Corvallis, Oregon.
Our Principal Investigator is Damon Lesmeister, Ph.D.
Our Principal Investigator is Damon Lesmeister, Ph.D.
We focus on species associated with mature late successional and old growth forest.
FEATURED RESEARCH
PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORINGUtilizing bioacoustic technology, we monitor populations of northern spotted owls across the Pacific Northwest. Passive acoustic monitoring effectively detects spotted owls over a range of forest conditions, and can identify barred owl threats.
|
WILDFIRE AND SPOTTED OWL HABITATSpotted owls primarily nest in mature and old-growth forests. Studying 472 large wildfires over 30 years we found that spotted owl nesting forest burned at lower severity than other forest types. The microclimate of these forests likely mitigated fire severity and thus functioned as fire refugia.
|
WESTERN SPOTTED SKUNK SPATIAL ECOLOGYIn the temperate rainforests of the Oregon Cascades western spotted skunks have very large home ranges and use areas with relatively lower risk of predation.
|
OUR MISSIONThrough research, we seek to provide sound scientific evidence of forest function and wildlife interaction in mature forest ecosystems. |
MEET THE TEAMResearchers
The Lesmeister Lab is composed of fourteen full-time researchers and scientists who share the goal of producing quality scientific data and analysis. Our team includes individuals focusing on various aspects of the research process.
|
PUBLICATIONSAcademic Journals
Our research has been published in numerous peer reviewed academic journals, including the Journal of Wildlife Management, Ecosphere, the Condor, and the Journal of Mammalogy. Access all of our articles in the publications tab.
|
JOIN USOpportunities
We work closely with undergradate and graduate students as well as Ph.D. candidates. Let's work together to achieve your academic goals in data collection, research, and analysis. Biological science technician positions are posted in late August - check back.
|