Business Details
49 Years
experience
Expert Wildlife Research & Conservation Services
The Wyoming Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit has been a leader in ecological research since 1977, dedicated to understanding and conserving wildlife populations and their habitats. Our team collaborates with federal and state agencies, tribal nations, and private partners to address pressing conservation challenges across Wyoming and the American West. With expertise in habitat selection, species management, and ecosystem dynamics, we provide actionable scientific insights to inform wildlife policy and land-use decisions. Our researchers lead studies on migratory patterns, climate change impacts, and endangered species recovery, while training the next generation of wildlife biologists through graduate programs at the University of Wyoming.As part of the USGS Cooperative Research Units program, we combine academic rigor with practical application to ensure sustainable resource management. Our work has directly supported over $100 million in conservation initiatives, including wildlife overpasses and habitat restoration projects. Through multimedia outreach and partnerships like the Wyoming Migration Initiative, we bridge the gap between science and public understanding. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, we remain a trusted authority in wildlife research and conservation education.
Services
Wildlife Research
Fisheries Management
Habitat Conservation
Species Monitoring
Climate Adaptation Studies
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We partner with federal agencies and tribal nations on large-scale conservation projects
- Our researchers have advised over 200 graduate students since the 1970s
- We specialize in migratory species tracking and habitat connectivity analysis
- Our work directly supports $100M+ in conservation initiatives annually
- We combine university research with practical wildlife management applications
Associations and certifications
- USGS Cooperative Research Units
Services
Wildlife Research
Our wildlife research focuses on habitat selection, population dynamics, and conservation strategies for species like elk, mule deer, and sagebrush-obligate birds. We use GPS tracking and field studies to understand migration patterns and human impacts. This research informs management practices for maintaining healthy ecosystems across Wyoming's diverse landscapes.
Fisheries Management
We study native fish populations including cutthroat trout and boreal toads, examining factors affecting their survival in changing environments. Our work addresses habitat restoration, disease impacts, and invasive species management. Findings help protect Wyoming's aquatic biodiversity while supporting sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.
Habitat Conservation
Our habitat conservation efforts focus on preserving critical ecosystems like sagebrush steppe and alpine lakes. We assess threats from energy development, climate change, and land-use practices. Research outcomes guide land managers in maintaining habitat connectivity and ecological integrity across the western United States.
Species Monitoring
We implement long-term monitoring programs for sensitive species including bats, amphibians, and migratory ungulates. Using advanced tracking technology and field surveys, we assess population trends and movement patterns. This data helps prioritize conservation efforts and measure the effectiveness of management interventions.
Climate Adaptation Studies
Our climate adaptation research examines how species respond to changing temperature and precipitation patterns. We identify climate refugia and develop strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience. Findings help managers protect vulnerable species while planning for future environmental changes.
People
Matt Kauffman
Unit Leader
Dr. Matthew Kauffman leads the Wyoming Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, specializing in ungulate ecology and migration studies. With over 15 years of experience in western wildlife systems, he directs research on habitat connectivity and climate impacts. Dr. Kauffman also coordinates graduate student training programs at the University of Wyoming.
Anna Chalfoun
Assistant Unit Leader
Dr. Anna Chalfoun focuses on sagebrush ecosystem conservation and wildlife-habitat relationships. Her research examines energy development impacts on sensitive species and guides land management practices. She mentors graduate students in ecological field methods and conservation biology at the University of Wyoming.
Annika Walters
Assistant Unit Leader
Dr. Annika Walters specializes in freshwater ecology and fisheries management. Her work addresses climate change effects on cold-water fish species and habitat restoration strategies. As a faculty member at the University of Wyoming, she trains students in aquatic research methods and conservation science.
Questions
What research areas does the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit focus on?
We focus on wildlife ecology, fisheries management, habitat conservation, and climate adaptation studies across Wyoming and the American West.
How does the unit collaborate with other organizations?
We partner with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, federal agencies, tribal nations, and conservation groups to address shared management challenges.
Can students work with the research unit?
Yes, we train graduate students through the University of Wyoming's Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology.
How is the research unit funded?
Our research is funded through federal grants, state agency partnerships, and donations to the University of Wyoming Foundation.
What conservation impact has the unit achieved?
Our research has supported over $100 million in conservation projects including wildlife overpasses and habitat restoration initiatives.
Reviews (5)
Nathan L. Newman
Feb 03, 2019
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My alma mater, and I have a lot of love for UW. I have competed my bachelor's and master's from UW, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Laramie is a great town to go to school in that it small enough to feel like a community, has great food and provides other opportunities that create a memorable experience. The campus here is beautiful as well, and during my masters I occasionally served as a guide during our seminar meetings (online masters) to people that had never been to Laramie, and they were always impressed with the campus. I could go on and on about UW and Laramie, but just
James P.
Aug 31, 2018
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If you could care less about malls and night clubs and want to spend your weekends climbing, hiking, and sitting around a campfire while getting a world class and affordable education UW is for you. I wish I could give it a 10 out of 5. Laramie doesn't have everything, but it's 2 hours away from a major city/major airport. It's a safe and beautiful campus, and you''ll find some of the nicest people on Earth here.
Debalina Maitra
Jun 27, 2018
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I made some memories for life at Laramie . Sorry this is the place to rate the University, I would say the University is better than average. Student-teacher ratio is great! No huge classes. Great for graduate level research and teaching.I got my PhD in Education from UW. It's been great experience. I had opportunities of working on several research projects with some renowned scholars. It was great experience overall. I am an international student.I will never forget the warmth I received from the local people. Loved it!
Pissinthenightaway Invisible Noone
Nov 19, 2017
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I gave it one star for the cost. The words "screwed over" accurately describe my advisor as well as the time I spent going to school there. Professors here do not understand non traditional students who may be focused on families or work, or both. Hopefully this review will help someone reconsider. I'm happy to state I'll be going to CSU in the fall for a Masters.
Brian Weiss
Jul 15, 2017
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Wyoming was a cost effective education that has quality approachable educators. The education provided prepared me for state exams and a lifelong successful career. Having just retired, allows for reflection on just how important my choice on where to attend has been. Laramie is a friendly and unique town that has the small town feel.
