Date of Award:

12-2022

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Tal Avgar

Committee

Tal Avgar

Committee

Eric Thacker

Committee

Mary Conner

Abstract

Pronghorn are viewed as a quintessential part of the landscape in the American West. Found only in western North America, pronghorn is a unique species, having historic ranges within prairie, shrubland-steppe, and desert habitat across the continental west. Even though they have been present on this landscape since the last ice age, little is known of pronghorn ecology. There has been growing concern over the impact anthropogenic features, such as development, agriculture, and roads are having on migration, seasonal range conditions, and overall population dynamics. The aim of this thesis is to investigate factors that may be important for pronghorn ecology and decipher links between where animals spend their time, their migration tendency, and environmental drivers. I used an updated model framework to draw inference on pronghorn habitat selection across the state of Utah. In doing so, I was able to create predictive distribution maps that can be utilized for areas where data may be lacking and/or under future conditions. This work can be of use to managers and decision makers to aid in conservation of pronghorn throughout Utah and the West.

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