WEST Publication – Solar and Big Game
WEST scientists Hall Sawyer, Andrew Telander, and Todd Mattson are co-authors on the recently published research article, “Trade-offs between utility-scale solar development and ungulates on western rangelands,” published in Ecological Society of America. This research is the first study to examine potential conflicts between utility-scale solar development and big game. The study highlights the importance of siting […]
WEST Publication: Efficacy and cost of Acoustic-informed and Wind Speed-Only Turbine Curtailment to Reduce Bat Fatalities
WEST scientists Paul Rabie, Brandi Welch-Acosta, and Kristen Nasman are co-authors of the recently published research article, “Efficacy and cost of acoustic-informed and wind speed-only turbine curtailment to reduce bat fatalities at a wind energy facility in Wisconsin,” published in PLOS One this month. The article analyzes efficacy and cost of blanket curtailment and acoustic-informed […]
WEST Publication: Observations of Sage-Grouse at Solar
WEST biologists Michael Gerringer, Kurt Smith, and Karl Kosciuch are authors of the article “Observations of Greater Sage-Grouse at a solar energy facility in Wyoming”, which was recently published in the journal Western North American Naturalist. In this article, the authors documented 58 observations of greater-sage grouse foraging and loafing inside a photovoltaic solar energy facility […]
Why Dogs for Conservation?
Why dogs for Conservation? Conservation detection dogs can find: Carnivore scat (animal droppings) for DNA analysis of elusive species Invasive plants for early eradication of species that out-compete native species Invasive animals, like mussels to prevent introducing them to new areas Whale scat, so that scientists can study whale health and behavior Bumble bee nests, […]
Thank you! – Odor Samples
WEST’s Detection Dog Training Protocol training protocol requires odor samples to “imprint” a dog on target odors. A huge shoutout to those who’ve generously provided samples of target odors for our projects! University of Wyoming Museum of Vertebrates, Laramie, WY; The Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, TN; USFWS Pennsylvania Field Office in State College, PA; Wildcat Wildlife […]
Detection Dog Handlers & their Dogs
Our detection dog handlers use their own dogs for this job. They have an existing bond that allows them to effectively and efficiently learn new skills together. WEST puts potential and current detection dog teams through a rigorous training protocol based on the best available science to ensure project data are collected with the highest […]
Why we use dogs and how they contribute to conservation
Could you spot a bird on the ground in all of this vegetation? Unlikely! Humans rely on eyesight and hearing to survey wildlife. Unfortunately, when the vegetation is thick, it’s nearly impossible to see small animals on the ground. Even when the vegetation isn’t thick, it’s still really hard to see them! This is where […]
Celebrating the growth of WEST’s Detection Dog Program!
Celebrating the growth of WEST’s Detection Dog Program! In 2018, WEST started its Detection Dog Program with 5 dogs and 5 handlers. In 2021, WEST deployed 38 detection dogs and 27 handlers on projects across the country- that’s more than 7 times as many dogs as we started with! This month we will be sharing […]
WEST Publication: Aquatic Habitat Bird Occurrences at Photovoltaic Solar Energy Development
WEST is excited to announce the publication of the article “Aquatic Habitat Bird Occurrences at Photovoltaic Solar Energy Development in Southern California, USA” in the journal Diversity. This article evaluates the evidence for the lake effect hypothesis, which suggests that aquatic habitat birds misinterpret PV solar energy facilities as water. After summarizing bird survey data at five PV solar […]
Drone Technology for Bat Hibernacula
WEST used drone technology to assist in locating potential bat hibernacula. We used thermal imagery to see if there was warmer air coming from portals in the bluffs. The picture showcases a known warm air vent that was extremely bright against the surrounding snow. #WESTCelebratesBatWeek #BatWeek #BatConservation