Josh Barry

RESEARCH

My interests lie broad in wildlife and community ecology. My master’s thesis focused on the ecosystem engineering role of mountain lions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in supporting carrion-dependent insect communities. My current research involves three separate projects with a special emphasis on the ecology and conservation of forest owls in California. For my first project, I will use passive bioacoustic survey methods to investigate the ecosystem effects of the invasive barred owls on the native forest owl community in the northern Sierra Nevada. The barred owl is a dominant competitor which has expanded its range throughout the western United States over the past few decades. This research can provide important insights into the potential impacts of barred owls on other forest owl species in the region. For my second project, I will use similar survey methods to estimate forest owl heterogeneity-diversity relationships (HDRs) across the entire Sierra Nevada range. While the Sierra Nevada has become increasingly more homogenous over the past century, little is known on how these changing habitat conditions influence forest owl species diversity. This project could provide insights into the role of habitat loss, wildfire, and mixed management practices in shaping forest owl HDRs in a rapidly changing system. Last, my third project will include modeling habitat suitability for the iconic California spotted owl in southern California.

If you’re interested in this work or have any questions please feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

EDUCATION

M.S. Environmental Science | Pace University, 2019
B.S. General Biology | Pennsylvania State University, 2014