Vertebrate Ecology Program

By Jim Cox, Vertebrate Ecology Biologist

Jim Cox setting up a mist net used to capture sparrows, nuthatches, and other birds.

The Longleaf Pine Ecosystem of the Southeastern U.S. ranks as one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America. The Vertebrate Ecology Lab at Tall Timbers endeavors to understand the ecology and management needs of the many declining vertebrates closely associated with longleaf forests, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The Lab is especially interested in understanding the role that the frequency, season, and scale of prescribed burning may play in regulating vertebrate populations, as well as quantifying changes in vertebrate communities that take place as a result of succession and changing ground cover and forest conditions. In addition, the Lab uses a unique tract of old‑growth longleaf forest, the Wade Tract, to monitor animal demography and ecology in what many consider to be the pristine conditions found historically throughout much of the Southeastern U.S. 

For more information about Vertebrate Ecology Research at Tall Timbers, contact Jim Cox.

Josh McCormick excavates an artificial cavity on Tall Timbers Research Station

The Lab also helps to conserve the Red-cockaded Woodpecker population found on properties in the Red Hills region. This is the largest woodpecker population remaining on private lands, and through consultation with private landowners and land managers and incentives provided by both state and federal agencies, we are helping to conserve and in many cases expand this endangered species on private lands. The work represents a model Josh McCormick performs this work through support provided by the Power of Flight Program, Environmental Defense, and Private Lands Stewardship Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Contact Josh via email.