Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1532519
30 2024 Annual Report • Conservation Research Our commitment to conservation is fi rmly rooted in science. By expanding research initiatives and employing cutting-edge technologies, the Commission has gained insights into wildlife behaviors and habitat health. These data-driven approaches allow for informed decision-making, ensuring our conservation practices are eff ective and sustainable. Wildlife research highlights From Nebraska's iconic big game species down to the small ones, Game and Parks continued its on-the- ground research and data-gathering eff orts to help fi ll gaps in knowledge and create benefi cial tools and guidance for land managers and landowners. In 2024, the agency conducted 23 research projects with its conservation partners. Elk research informs management decisions A multi-year research eff ort continues to deliver important information on elk abundance, movement, survival and resource selection in western Nebraska. This information, paired with harvest data, gives Nebraska Game and Parks biologists a better understanding of Nebraska's elk population and allows us to make informed management and harvest decisions. In 2024, 30 elk were captured and fi tted with functioning tracking collars, bringing the total of tracked elk to 161 in the state. Trail cameras also were placed in the fi eld to establish a population monitoring and survey framework to estimate elk abundance and density across managements units. This data, combined with harvest data, will help biologists better set acceptable harvest totals, while also addressing landowner needs. Wild turkey population research continues Research into Nebraska's declining wild turkey population, their reproduction, distribution and genetic diversity continued for the second year in 2024. In 2024, researchers continued to monitor and track turkeys, with an emphasis on nesting and roost locations during peak seasons. Data is being Conservation In 2024, researchers continued to monitor and track turkeys, with an emphasis on nesting and roost locations during peak seasons.