Research

Research

Many non-invasive research projects have taken place at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. The Preserve’s Research Committee evaluates proposals and makes recommendation to the board for approval

All aspects of natural systems represented on the Preserve are available for study, however priority will be given to research that:

  • The YWPOS is actively soliciting answers from in order to further the viability of the Preserve.
  • Is a collaborative design with established research and educational institutions and has a special emphasis on involving local students.
  • Is non-invasive in nature.
  • Could advance techniques of wildlife conservation.
  • Addresses research necessary for the recovery of indigenous wildlife species known to be at risk.
  • Research that addresses needs relative to preserving, understanding and enhancing Yukon First Nations heritage in Yukon.
  • YWPOS Research Application (18kb .docx) must be completed. Additional information may be requested in a formal research proposal format.

    Typical Timeline

    The typical timeline from preliminary conversations to conducting research is typically 6-10 weeks depending on meeting schedules and availability.

    1. Premilinary conversations (staff/committee can provide additional info and guidance on research application).
    2. Research Application Received.
    3. Research Committee Reviews Application and ensures appropriate review by other relevant committees, including Animal Care Committee and/or Education Committee. (Typically 2-4 weeks).
    4. Research Committee makes recommendation to board.
    5. Board approves project (board meets every second month on the 3rd Wednesday).
    6. Staff prepares MOU.
    7. Researcher(s) sign-off on MOU.
    8. Project begins.

    Read about Past Research

    Surviving a Cold Snap

    15 minute read - This is Part 3 of a 4 part series by guest author and ecologist, Joshua Robertson on how wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve stays warm (thermoregulates) in the winter. Read Part 1: Staying Warm in the Yukon and Part 2: Winter Heat Losses. Preface...

    The Dangerous and the Benign: distinguishing between big scary bugs

    Some participants of the 2020 Bioblitz got a bit of a scare when they discovered a large insect with what appeared to be a massive stinger. Since Asian giant hornets aka “murder hornets” had recently made headlines with their unwelcome appearance on the west coast of North America, it was reasonable to worry that they may have traveled north to our territory. But we are here to squash that fear! The big scary bug you may be spotting in your backyard is neither murderous nor a hornet. It also doesn’t actually have a stinger! Learn about the harmless wood-loving horntail and how it couldn’t be more different than the dangerous hornet it was mistaken for.

    Bear Poo and You: learning about Yukon Bears with the OURS research project

    People say there’s more than one way to skin a cat but there’s also more than one way to survey a bear. One of those ways is through their scat! Operation Ursus Research using Scat is doing exactly this and you can be a part of it. Learn how these surveys are conducted, why they’re important, and how you can help improve our knowledge of Yukon bears by collecting their poo.

    Rusty Blackbird: the mysterious decline of a common boreal bird

    The aptly named Rusty Blackbird is regular fixture in the boreal forest and can often be spotted in wetlands and hanging out by slow moving streams. Until recently, very little was known about this opportunistic water-loving bird but as we learn more about them, we’ve also learned that their populations are in decline. What’s causing this drop in Rusty Blackbird numbers? We’re not entirely sure. Read on to learn how scientists are using modern
    technology and recent discoveries to help unravel this mystery. Written by Pam Sinclair in conjunction with Joelle Ingram

    Winter Heat Losses

    15 minute read -This is Part 2 of a 4 part series by guest author and ecologist, Joshua Robertson on how wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Presere stays warm (thermoregulates) in the winter. Read Part 1. The article was edited on March 15, 2021 to update heat loss...

    Staying Warm in Yukon

    10 minute read - This is Part 1 of a 4 part series by guest author and ecologist, Joshua Robertson on how wildlife at the Yukon Wildlife Presere stays warm (thermoregulates) in the winter.In the south of the Yukon, winter has long since settled in. Snow has...

    Language of Love

    15 minute read and listen - With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we all have love on the brain... at least us humans do. Here at the Preserve the ungulates have already gone through their respective courtship rituals back in the fall. Nonetheless, it seems like a...

    Welcome to the Neighbourhood!

    Many Yukoners opt to live out of town to take full advantage of the space and solitude the territory has to offer. However, there are some perks to urban living: shorter commutes, general ease of access, and all the bugs you can eat! That last one might only appeal to one of the tiniest urban enthusiast: the endanger little brown bat.

    Bat Talk: How do you listen to what you can’t hear?

    Nights in the Yukon wilderness have a complex wildlife chorus. If you’re fortunate, you can hear the hoot of an owl, the howls of coyotes, the high frequency ultrasonic buzz of bats. Okay, you might not actually hear that last one. This article will show you we can use technology to pick up on bat sounds that our ears can’t catch.

    A Beginner’s Guide to iNaturalist:

    Got a case of the isolation blues? Me too. How about we go outside? One of the great advantages of
    living in the Yukon is we have a lot of easily accessible green spaces we can enjoy while safely distancing
    ourselves from others. But what’s living in those spaces?
    The iNaturalist app is essentially a biodiversity encyclopedia that helps you connect with the species in
    your own backyard. With the aid of this app you can go out explore, learn new things, and get a little
    fresh air while you’re at it.

    To discuss potential research or submit a proposal, please contact Jake Paleczny, Executive Director:
    867-456-7313
    jake@yukonwildlife.ca
    Yukon Wildlife Preserve
    Box 20191
    Whitehorse, Yukon
    Y1A 7A2

    Proud member of:

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    With the support of:

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