Meghan Beatty
Postdoctoral Fellow
Expertise
Population ecology, Conservation biology, Ecological forecasting
Broadly, I use advanced population modeling and develop novel methodologies to address complex conservation problems for threatened species, predominantly birds. An important goal in all the research I do is to efficiently and effectively translate results into conservation action
As a postdoctoral associate at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology my research is focused on advancing conservation of two highly imperiled bird species: the Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and Spotted Owl in southern California (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). For the Pinyon Jay I am using acoustically-derived observations and vegetation information to assess landscape scale-patterns of occupancy. In addition, I am using both acoustic and count-based bird observations to develop an acoustically-based Pinyon Jay abundance index. For Spotted Owls I am using passive acoustic survey data and fire data to assess owl distribution in southern California. Collectively, this work will inform conservation decision-making for these species and their broader ecosystems.
Prior to joining the Lab, my research informed conservation decision-making of threatened bird species and communities in Florida, USA. For example, as part of my Master’s work, I designed and implemented a monitoring program across a national forest in Florida to understand the impact of scrub habitat management practices (e.g., clearcuts, prescribed burns) on bird species of concern, particularly the occupancy and abundance of the state-threatened Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus). My PhD research was primarily focused on the Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), a federally endangered wetland-dependent raptor. I used an extensive 28-year dataset on snail kite reproduction and movement and designed a field experiment to answer questions related to forecasting and understanding complex population dynamics. Research topics included testing social information use in snail kites during dispersal, forecasting site-specific nest initiation and nest survival, and estimating source-sink dynamics across the entire range of a metapopulation.
Before becoming involved in research, my career in conservation began as a teacher in an environmental education program. I am always interested in outreach and mentorship opportunities.
Education
BS, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Rhode Island
MS, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
PhD, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
