Welcome to the Townsend Lab!

We examine the behavioral responses of wildlife to human-induced environmental change and the consequences of these behaviors on fitness, populations, and genetic structure.  We seek to understand how a rapidly changing environment will drive the evolution of animal behavior, and to identify of management tools to  conserve wildlife in this changing landscape. To answer our research questions, we integrate tools from behavioral ecology, molecular ecology, and population ecology.

Our current research is focused on the interactive effects of urbanization and social behavior on disease in American Crows and Yellow-billed Magpies in Yolo County, California.  If you find a dead or dying crow or magpie in Yolo County, please click here to let us know.