Fuller, Todd K.
Professor
413-545-4723
128 Holdsworth
Email: tkfuller tkfuller(at)nrc.umass.edu
Primary interests
Dr. Fuller’s research efforts focus on identifying factors affecting variation in mammal density and distribution. Whether a species is recognized as endangered, a nuisance, or harvestable, knowledge of its natural history and population ecology is essential in order to predict or responsibly manage population change. In order to better understand the mechanisms of this change, Dr. Fuller and his students capture, mark, and monitor a variety of carnivores, ungulates, and smaller herbivores to document their movements, habitat use, food habits, survival, reproduction, social behavior, and density, then synthesize results from their own and other studies. They survey populations through direct and indirect means (e.g., scats, tracks, calls, cameras) to assess distribution and relative abundance, and also collaborate with colleagues to investigate roles of disease, genetics, nutrition, morphology, and human activities in population regulation and species conservation.
Current Students and Their Projects
Liz Austin – (M.S., W&FCON) – Conservation Communication and Education in Aquatic Systems
Dennis Babaasa (Ph.D., W&FCON , co-advised with Charlie Schweik) – Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Jim Boehmer – (MS, W&FCON) – Wildlife videography and natural history documentaries.
Bayarbaatar, Buuvei (M.S., W&FCON , co-advised with Joel Berger, Univ. Montana) – Calf survival and mortality of the saiga antelope in western Mongolia
Merry Bixby (M.S. W&FCON) – Comprehensive Conservation Planning for National Wildlife Refuges
Kate Jenks (Ph.D., OEB/W&FCON) – Dhole ecology and conservation status in Thailand
Malik Marjan (Ph.D., W&FCON) – Movements and conservation of migratory tiang and white-eared kob in southern Sudan
Sean Matthews (Ph.D., W&FCON) – Ecology of the fisher on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, northwestern California.
Jennifer McCarthy (Ph.D., W&FCON ) – Ecology and Conservation of Four Sympatric Felids in Sumatra
Nathaniel Rayl (M.S., W&FCON, co-advised with John Organ) – Black bear movements and predation in Newfoundland
Supagit Vinitpornsawan (Ph.D., W&FCON, co-advised w/Tim Randhir) – Tigers in Thailand
Chris Zieminski (MS, W&FCON) – Trophic relationships of carnivores in Newfoundland
Post-Docs
Kirk Olson (Ph.D., 2008, Univ. Massachusetts, Amherst)
Recent Publications
Odonkhuu, D., K.A. Olson, G.B. Schaller, J.R. Ginsberg, and T.K. Fuller. 2009. Activity, movements, and sociality of newborn Mongolian gazelle calves in the Eastern Steppe. Acta Theriologica 54:357-362. Abstract( Write to TKF for a "pdf" copy).
Carrillo, E., T.K. Fuller, and J.C. Saenz. 2009. Jaguar (Panthera onca) hunting activity: effects of prey distribution and availability. Journal of Tropical Ecology. 25:563-567.
http://journals.cambridge.org/repo_A59frPVh
2005 – 2007 Publications
Courses Taught
NRC 211 – Animal Sampling & Identification (1 cr) – Spring
Companion lab course to WFCON 261 for WFCON and FOREST majors only. This course provides students with basic skills needed to identify terrestrial vertebrate wildlife and gives them hands on opportunities to utilize typical means of capturing, sampling, and studying such organisms in the field.
W&FCON 261 Wildlife Conservation (3 cr) – Spring
An introduction to wildlife conservation through lectures and assigned readings concerning ecological processes (including animal behavior, habitat interactions, and population dynamics), effects of humans on life around them, and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Case studies of various species are used to illustrate the complexities of most conservation and management situations, but also to identify the common themes encountered in wildlife conservation efforts. Emphases include understanding the integral link between wildlife and their environments, the impacts humans have on wildlife (both positive and negative), and the various methods by which wildlife populations are monitored, managed, and preserved.
W&FCONSV 564 Wildlife Habitat Management (4cr) – Fall
Wildlife-habitat relationships illustrated through basic field zoology and natural history, evolutionary biology, ecological theory, and quantitative tools used to explain ecological processes and their influence on wildlife and their environment. Explores the dynamics and management of various habitats in North America and elsewhere. Topics include wildlife ecology, habitat classification, resource utilization, effects of humans, and management techniques. Prerequisite: W&FCONSV 261.
W&FCON H01 – Honors Colloquium (1 cr) – Spring
This colloquium has students conduct a reference search and then briefly present, orally and in written form, a current wildlife conservation problem that is specifically of interest to them. At each presentation, other students will be expected to ask questions and discuss components of each wildlife problem, especially in the context of the lecture and readings in W&FCON 261.
