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Wildlife Scientists: Dawn McMillan, a Mathematician for the Wild

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Dawn McMillan is a wildlife scientist who uses mathematics to study and protect wildlife populations. She is a professor at the University of Wyoming and the director of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. McMillan's research focuses on the use of mathematical models to understand the dynamics of wildlife populations and to develop management strategies for threatened and endangered species.

Wildlife Scientists (Mathematics Readers)

by Dawn McMillan

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3568 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

McMillan's work has had a significant impact on the conservation of wildlife populations around the world. For example, her research on the population dynamics of the black-footed ferret has helped to develop management strategies that have led to the recovery of this endangered species. McMillan's work on the population dynamics of the greater sage-grouse has helped to inform land management decisions that have protected this species' habitat.

McMillan's work is an example of how mathematics can be used to make a positive impact on the world. By using mathematical models to understand the dynamics of wildlife populations, wildlife scientists can develop management strategies that help to protect these populations and ensure their survival.

The Importance of Mathematics in Wildlife Conservation

Mathematics is an essential tool for wildlife scientists. It allows them to collect and analyze data, develop models, and make predictions about the future of wildlife populations. Mathematics also helps wildlife scientists to communicate their findings to policymakers and the public.

Here are some specific examples of how mathematics is used in wildlife conservation:

**Data collection:** Wildlife scientists use mathematics to design surveys and collect data on wildlife populations. This data can be used to estimate the size of a population, track its growth rate, and identify trends.
**Modeling:** Wildlife scientists use mathematics to develop models that simulate the dynamics of wildlife populations. These models can be used to predict how a population will respond to different management strategies or environmental changes.
**Predictions:** Wildlife scientists use mathematics to make predictions about the future of wildlife populations. These predictions can be used to inform management decisions and help to prevent the decline of endangered species.
**Communication:** Wildlife scientists use mathematics to communicate their findings to policymakers and the public. This helps to ensure that decision-makers have the information they need to make informed decisions about wildlife conservation.

The Work of Dawn McMillan

Dawn McMillan is a leading wildlife scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of wildlife conservation. Her work on the population dynamics of the black-footed ferret and the greater sage-grouse has helped to inform management strategies that have protected these species. McMillan's work is an example of how mathematics can be used to make a positive impact on the world.

Here are some specific examples of McMillan's work:

**Black-footed ferret:** McMillan's research on the population dynamics of the black-footed ferret has helped to develop management strategies that have led to the recovery of this endangered species. McMillan's work has shown that the black-footed ferret is a highly social species that lives in colonies. She has also shown that the black-footed ferret is a specialist predator that relies on prairie dogs for food.
**Greater sage-grouse:** McMillan's research on the population dynamics of the greater sage-grouse has helped to inform land management decisions that have protected this species' habitat. McMillan's work has shown that the greater sage-grouse is a lekking species that relies on sagebrush for nesting and brood-rearing. She has also shown that the greater sage-grouse is sensitive to human disturbance.

Wildlife scientists like Dawn McMillan use mathematics to study and protect wildlife populations. Their work is essential for the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of our planet's biodiversity.

References

McMillan, D. (2015). The population dynamics of the black-footed ferret. University of Wyoming.
McMillan, D. (2019). The population dynamics of the greater sage-grouse. University of Wyoming.