Jerod Merkle

Jerod Merkle is an Associate Professor and Knobloch Professor in Migration Ecology and Conservation at the University of Wyoming's Department of Zoology and Physiology. He leads the Merkle Research Group, focusing on movement ecology, migration strategies, and conservation of large mammals. His research integrates quantitative methods with ecological theory to address wildlife management challenges.

Education:

• B.S. in Rangeland, Watershed, and Wildlife Resources (2006, University of Arizona)
• M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (2011, University of Montana)
• Ph.D. in Biology (2014, Université Laval)
• Postdoctoral Research (2014–2018, University of Wyoming)

Research Interests: Merkle studies how animal movement interacts with environmental dynamics, focusing on migration ecology, cognitive foraging, and conservation of ungulates. His work addresses phenology, habitat use, and anthropogenic impacts. Notable themes include 'green wave surfing,' spatial memory, and the role of social behavior in migration.

Key Contributions:

• Documented migration corridors for ungulates across the western U.S.
• Explored memory's role in migration decision-making.
• Developed tools like Migration Mapper for conservation planning.

Lab Team: Includes researchers, postdocs, and students focusing on GIS, behavioral ecology, and conservation. Collaborations span agencies like the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and NGOs.

Labs/Teams: Merkle Research Group and Wyoming Migration Initiative, emphasizing applied conservation science.