Innovative Wildlife Research in a Changing World
Who We Are
Through our research programs, we work to better understand ecological health through the lens of wildlife. BRI incorporates both traditional and leading-edge approaches toward solving ecological issues. Results of our scientific research provide decision makers with the data necessary to make informed policy decisions that conserve resources and protect our environment.
For more information, view our qualifications sheet here.
Center Staff
Who We Are
Director: Tim Tear, Ph.D
Contributing Staff: Evan Adams, Ph.D.; Chris DeSorbo, M.S.; Andrew Gilbert, M.S.; Bill Hanson B.S.; Dustin Meattey, M.S.; Shearon Murphy, B.S.; Kevin Regan, M.S.; Tim Welch, B.S.; Kate Williams, M.S.
Who We Are
Programs and Studies
Taxonomic Groups
BRI taxa programs help us understand ecological health through the lens of wildlife. Programs include:
Ecosystems and Geographic Regions
We work across the globe to conduct research that helps us understand the intricacies of the Earth’s ecosystems. We share what we learn with those charged with protecting and managing our natural resources.
.
Ecological Issues
Through the programs listed below, BRI’s research capabilities have grown in response to pressing ecological issues (chemical, biological, and physical):
Climate Effect Studies
The Climate Change Program combines the resources of other BRI programs to conduct studies that cross species lines and geographic boundaries. The strength of our collective work contributes to the ongoing dialogue about climate change and helps to inform the actions that are needed to address it.
Environmental Contaminants Monitoring
BRI is a world leader in collecting, analyzing, and publishing data on the transport and fate of mercury and lead in ecosystems. Our expertise also includes investigations of historical or legacy contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
.
Movement and Tracking Studies
Tracking offers insight into wildlife movements and habitat use. We learn valuable information about the challenges on breeding and wintering grounds and along migration routes. BRI tracks birds, bats, and small mammals–from capture and the application of transmitters through collection and analysis of data. These data help inform decision makers
Inventory and Population Studies
BRI biologists are highly skilled in the use of a broad range of methods to survey and monitor wildlife. With decades of experience, we also know that the implementation of successful surveys and monitoring projects depend on clear research objectives that are based on a thorough understanding of the issues and exactly how data will be used to inform decision making and ecosystem management.
Wildlife Health Studies
Environment, wildlife, and human health are interconnected and intimately influence each other. Wildlife is thought to be responsible for many of the emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) around the world. EIDs, introduced diseases, climate change, and pollution continue to impact conservation, public health, and economies. It is increasingly important
News and Features
October 2023
BRI staff are part of a project team on an upcoming NOAA Restore funded project investigating ways to manage coastal bird populations in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA recently awarded $16.8 million to 32 organizations working across 10 projects to conduct collaborative ecosystem science research that will be used by natural resource managers in the Gulf. The project, Evaluating efficacy of stewardship actions for vulnerable Gulf of Mexico coastal birds through co-production between scientists and resource managers, will see the project team will develop science-based guidance on environmental stewardship techniques for the Gulf of Mexico, which will help resource managers reduce threats from human disturbance to coastal-breeding bird populations. Learn more here.
July 2023
Progress was made during the Olgulului Group Ranch Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 21st, 2023 to accelerate carbon projects in Kajiado County in southern Kenya. Soils for the Future Africa, a partner of CarbonSolve, Soils for the Future (US), and the Biodiversity Research Institute, signed an agreement with the Olgulului Group Ranch for the development of a soil carbon project that will focus on altering grazing practices that will remove carbon from the air and increase it in the soil. Learn more about BRI’s climate change program and partnership with CarbonSolve here.June 2023
Bipartisan legislation to monitor mercury announced. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE) introduced the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a national mercury monitoring network to protect human health and the environment. Read more here.
