Protecting and restoring wildlife habitat in our cities and suburbs is a vital component of wildlife conservation. Urban wildlife habitat can support habitat connectivity within ecological landscapes and serve as a refuge for species impacted by urbanization. Local land and water conservation projects can provide important urban wildlife benefits and connect our growing urban population with nature, potentially broadening support for natural resource conservation nationwide.
Forest Service scientists use animal behavior analyses, species population surveys, quantitative studies, and computer modeling to determine how urbanization strategies can best meet the needs of native wildlife. Research focuses on several key areas: (1) measuring species diversity, abundance, and behavior in urban areas, (2) understanding the effects of development and habitat fragmentation on species populations, (3) improving wildlife habitat in human-dominated landscapes, and (4) examining human perceptions of urban wildlife habitat and stewardship experiences.
View our urban wildlife research brief »
Urban Wildlife Conservation Workshops
The Forest Service brings a diverse set of conservation interests together with leading experts each year at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in partnership with the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the National Wildlife Federation.
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Research Contacts
Scientist Contacts| Ken Belt | Hydrologist, Northern Research Station |
| Susannah Lerman | Research Ecologist, Northern Research Station |
| Susan Loeb | Research Ecologist, Southern Research Station |
| Miranda Mockrin | Research Scientist, Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Anne Timm | Research Aquatic Ecologist, Northern Research Station |
| Ted Weller | Research Ecologist, Pacific Southwest Research Station |
| Beth Larry | National Program Lead, Urban Research |
| Monica Tomosy | National Program Lead, Wildlife Research |
