Graduation Year
2027
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Environmental Analysis
Reader 1
Heather Williams
Reader 2
Kimberly Drake
Terms of Use & License Information
Abstract
For my Environmental Analysis Capstone, I worked in a small group to monitor and map the wildlife at Bearpaw Reserve. Bearpaw Reserve, located in Forest Falls, California, is a 600 acre tract of wilderness that is owned by The Wildlands Conservancy. Bearpaw is located about an hour from Claremont, in the San Bernardino Mountains. The Wildlands Conservancy makes management decisions about its reserves while applying conservation research to the real world.
My group’s task was to use trail cameras to gather data on the wildlife at Bearpaw, then visualize this information into a GIS map. We used a combination of field observations, trail camera data, environmental data, habitat islands, and GIS mapping to create a monitoring system that will continue to be used at Bearpaw. By setting up, monitoring, and managing 20 cameras at Bearpaw, we gathered thousands of photos and videos that were used to map wildlife movement and abundance. Statistical analysis contributed to our understanding of the factors that are impacting wildlife at Bearpaw, as well. Our project culminated in a thirty minute presentation, with accompanying write-up, GIS map, StoryMap, continuation manual, and Google Drive filled with photos and data.
This was a unique opportunity that my group made the most of. Thanks to The Wildlands Conservancy, we were able to get hands-on experience in wildlife conservation. In return, we provided invaluable data that will inform management decisions at Bearpaw and support future research.
Recommended Citation
Hansen, Hope, "Bearpaw Reserve Wildlife Monitoring and Mapping with The Wildlands Conservancy" (2027). Scripps Senior Theses. 2714.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/2714
