Linda Gormezano and Dr. Robert Rockwell; City University of New York Project: Using non-invasive genetic sampling and camera trapping to estimate abundance, spatial distribution and genetic structure of coyote (Canis latrans) in the Mianus River Gorge Preserve in New York With the extirpation of wolves in the Northeast, coyotes have taken the role of top predator where they occur. Thus, they have the potential to directly and indirectly impact a broad array of organisms and habitats. In particular, coyotes may play a role in controlling white-tailed deer, a species with significant ecological, public health, and economic consequences in Westchester, New York. Understanding the coyotes role in our suburban ecosystem, including its impact on deer and other wildlife, will be important in how we approach living among and managing their populations. Before we can begin investigating how coyotes interact with their suburban environment, we first need to know more about their population biology, namely, how many there are and where do they roam. Using non-invasive methods of sampling coyotes, including remote photography and genetic sampling from feces and hair, Linda intends to estimate the abundance, spatial distribution, and genetic structure of the coyote population in Northwest Westchester. Dr. Rockwell is a professor at the City University, and is Linda's advisor. His personal page can be found here.