Red-headed Woodpecker Ecology and Conservation: New insights and future directions

Dr. Elena H. West (she/her)
Teaching Assistant Professor
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Dr. West is leading research on the ecology of red-headed woodpeckers, focusing on understanding habitat requirements in oak savanna ecosystems. Red-headed woodpecker populations have declined by over 90% in Minnesota in the last 60 years. Dr. West’s work has practical applications for post-fire forest management and oak savanna restoration activities that benefit this species and other oak habitat specialists. Dr. West will share details on this research and discuss how community members can contribute to red-headed woodpecker conservation efforts in Minnesota.

Photo Credit: Siah St. Clair