How's the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge wolf population doing?

Marion, Montana
Ecology
DOI: 10.18258/10136
$408
Raised of $400 Goal
102%
Funded on 12/27/17
Successfully Funded
  • $408
    pledged
  • 102%
    funded
  • Funded
    on 12/27/17

About This Project

Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge is a 7,885 acre park in northwest Montana. It has abundant wildlife including grizzly bears, cougars, and even wolverines. I'm planning on doing a science fair project on how the Lost trail wolf population is doing. To do that, I'll need multiple trail cameras with each costing around $80. I believe my research will be very valuable to park rangers and even ecologists.

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What is the context of this research?

I've always wanted to study wildlife (particularly elephants) and I love being a part of the science fair. I'd like to know which animals migrate, hibernate, or brave the harsh Montana winters.


What is the significance of this project?

Recent research has shown that grizzly bears and wolverines migrate through the refuge nocturnally. Wildlife biologists working in Glacier National Park have fitted satellite tags to wolverines and grizzly bears and cataloged their movements through Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge. This is a further attempt to document this behavior and more specifically track these animals' movements. I'm also hoping to document the presence and habits of the Canadian Lynx, a Federal Species of Concern.

What are the goals of the project?

My goal is to get accurate information regarding the incidence of animals passing my cameras, set on particular routes, over a period of time in Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, located in Marion, MT. Another goal I have is to successfully identify some animals as individuals. Documenting with photographs will enable me to see variations in antler shape, fur color, gender, size, age, etc.

Budget

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I'll need the trail cameras to document and quantify the incidence of different species of animals on particular routes in Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge over time. My research could help zoologists and park rangers determine seasonal variation of animal species.

Endorsed by

I am honored to be asked to endorse this project. Having trail cameras document some of the movements of wildlife over time could be important research to help with population studies, endangered species, etc. Carisa is a great person to carry this project out due to her love of science and wildlife, as well as her hardworking attitude.

Project Timeline

I will set up the cameras around December 2nd and take them down around March 3rd. My science fair board should be done by March 15th. I will share my results at that time.

Nov 12, 2017

Project Launched

Dec 31, 2017

Set up first 5 cameras

Feb 17, 2018

Set up next 5 cameras

Mar 17, 2018

Share results

Meet the Team

Carisa Cesarone ElephantLover
Carisa Cesarone ElephantLover

Carisa Cesarone ElephantLover

I'm a student at West Valley School. I love all science and aspire to study elephants in Africa.

Additional Information

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/los...


Project Backers

  • 9Backers
  • 102%Funded
  • $408Total Donations
  • $45.33Average Donation
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