Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit works closely with state and federal cooperators to conduct research that supports management of fish and wildlife populations in Idaho and throughout North America. Unit scientists also train graduate students at the University of Idaho for careers in state, tribal and federal agencies and in academia. The Unit offers a unique partnership among the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, University of Idaho, U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Management Institute and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whereby partners work together to design and conduct research that helps solve complex environmental issues.
Scientists in the cooperative research unit have three goals:
- Conduct research that supports management of fish and wildlife populations
- Train graduate students for careers in the fish and wildlife professions
- Provide technical assistance and training opportunities for state, tribal and federal managers and researchers
Unit personnel maintain close working relationships with University faculty, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel. Our research is conducted within Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and locations throughout North America addressing questions of national and international scope. Unit research is supported by contracts from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Forest Service, Bonneville Power Administration, American Indian tribes, and other federal, state, and private entities. In addition to conducting research, Unit scientists teach graduate-level courses, serve as advisors for graduate students, and participate in a variety of professional activities.
The Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Program began in 1935 when five Wildlife Units were established at land grant universities. The Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Program began in 1961. Beginning in 1984, Wildlife and Fishery Units were combined into Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units. The Cooperative Research Unit program was initially part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but was moved into the National Biological Service in 1994 under the Division of Cooperative Research. In 1996, the National Biological Service and Cooperative Research Units were moved into the U.S. Geological Survey. The Idaho Unit is one of 41 Cooperative Research Units in the U.S., all of which are housed at state universities and supported by the state agency responsible for management of fish and wildlife populations.
The Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit was established at the University of Idaho on 20 September 1947, and the Idaho Cooperative Fishery Research Unit was established in 1963. The two Units were combined into the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in 1985. The Unit is housed in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences in the College of Natural Resources. The Unit is staffed, supported, and coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, University of Idaho, Wildlife Management Institute, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Burrowing Owl Release
Dr. Conway releases a burrowing owl after fitting her with a satellite collar backpack
Owl and Snake
Dr. Conway’s nest camera of a burrowing owl mother discovering a snake in her nest
Meet Our People
Courtney Conway, Ph.D.
Professor of Wildlife Sciences, and Unit Leader of the Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
David Ausband, Ph.D.
Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Matt Falcy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biometrics and Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Michael Quist, Ph.D.
Professor of Fisheries Management and Assistant Unit Leader, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
