How does wildlife use Wild Basin? Do different wildlife species exhibit different movement patterns and choices? To better understand the dynamics and diversity of Wild Basin’s wildlife, UT undergrad student, Ayu Larasati worked with Wild Basin staff to conduct a study of wildlife movements in and along the boundaries of the preserve. Fifteen motion-triggered wildlife cameras were set up along the perimeter of the preserve in late summer 2017. The goal of this study was to gauge the effects of urban development (housing and fences) on wildlife movement through and along the boundaries of Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.
Although Ayu has completed her capstone research study (congratulations!), cameras were left in place and the study is ongoing. The images captured on the cameras have allowed us to learn more about how animals use the preserve, as well as get a chance to observe the presence of rarely-sighted wildlife species, including ring-tailed cats, porcupines, and others. We have also been able to observe wildlife in action, such as the photo above of a roadrunner eating a baby rat snake. You can view some of the best wildlife photos from this study on the monitor in the Wild Basin Visitors Center.