Wildlife Management in Yosemite

Protecting Yosemite’s Great Gray Owls

Preserving the great gray owl and its habitat.

Yosemite is the last sanctuary of California’s great gray owl, among the rarest and most threatened bird species in California. Past research, funded in part by Yosemite Conservancy, has revealed just how fragile the Yosemite great gray owl population is.

This project will incorporate a science-based conservation program to locate owl nests, protect and monitor these nests, and track population size and trends. Nest locations are identified by placing passive recording devices along the edges of meadow habitat, allowing researchers to “listen” for clues. Park scientists are also genetically analyzing molted feathers to determine survivorship rates and population changes. This combination of non-invasive techniques is key to protecting and managing Yosemite’s great gray owl population.

By taking a proactive, noninvasive approach, we are building a conservation program to protect this magnificent species for future generations.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park; U.S. Fish and Wildlife; University of California, Davis; U.S. Forest Service; and U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center.

Want a chance to see a great gray owl in its natural Yosemite habitat? Join us for “Yosemite’s Birds of Prey”

Recovery of the Rare Pacific Fisher

Wildlife crossings for a threatened species.

The Pacific fisher, a member of the weasel family, is a medium-size mammal that lives in forest environments. Due to habitat degradation and other threatening factors, including a low reproductive rate, reduced genetic diversity, predators and disease, the Pacific fisher has disappeared from more than half its former range in California.

This project builds on past successes by taking proactive measures to help sustain the existing Pacific fisher population in the park. An innovative wildlife-crossing structure is being put in place to help fishers cross busy roads while avoiding vehicles. This structure will provide a safer way for fishers to move around the park and will help give the population its best chance at survival and recovery.

Thanks to your continued support, this project is protecting one of Yosemite’s rarest species.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park; Defenders of Wildlife; U.S. Forest Service; San Jose State University; University of California, Berkeley; Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Project; and Fisher Study.

Pacific Fisher success story

Recovery of the Rare Pacific Fisher

Saving the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frogs from Extinction

Reintroduction of frog populations ensure the health of the species.

The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog was a once-common species inhabiting Yosemite’s meadows. Visitors once joyfully described their encounters with hundreds of frogs basking in the sun near high-elevation mountain lakes. Unfortunately, this keystone species is in danger of becoming extinct.

Park scientists will reintroduce three frog populations to encourage genetic diversity and help ensure the health of the species. Tissue samples will be analyzed to provide a deeper understanding of the frog’s genetic structure within Yosemite. Thanks to these efforts, wildlife managers are developing more effective conservation tools.

This project also supports youth engagement through a weeklong amphibian-conservation program for middle-school students, in addition to internship opportunities for older students.

With your help, we are preventing this unique species from disappearing, while engaging youth in wildlife conservation.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park, U.S. Geological Survey and Roland Knapp.

Yosemite Conservancy

Our Work