Research

Learn about the wildlife research programs that help us manage, preserve and understand Nebraska's flora and fauna.

The Research, Analysis, and Inventory section of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides scientific information to help manage and protect Nebraska’s plants and animals. Our team, including numerous conservation partners, have expertise in many areas, working on projects like restoring Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the Pine Ridge and recovering the critically endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle in Lincoln. Our goal is to build upon the current understanding of Nebraska’s species and their habits to aid in their conservation and management. This page shares updates on our work across the state and region.

Six men release a bighorn sheep with a radio collar into the wild

Chadron State College students join Commission staff and volunteers to release a bighorn sheep ewe back to the wild after equipping it with a new radio collar near Chadron State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

A woman and a man with research equipment on a butte outcrop.

Cougar research in the Pine Ridge of Sioux County. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

An NGPC zoologist releases captive-reared Salt Creek tiger beetle larvae at Little Salt Creek WMA. The work is part of a program to expand the population of the endangered insect, which is found only in saline wetlands in Lancaster and Saunders counties. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Wildlife conservation technician uses radio telemetry equipment to track bighorn sheep. Bob Grier, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Rooster pheasants are caught, banded and released as part of a study done in the Southwest Focus on Pheasants area prior to the pheasant season. Doug Carroll, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Research programs

Big Game Program

Covers the research, management, recreational use and conservation of various species.

Nongame Bird Research Program

Carries out research projects and monitoring programs focused on nongame birds.

Wildlife Diversity Program

Devoted to biodiversity conservation, focusing on declining species.

Upland Game Research Program

Works to improve habitat and increase public hunting opportunities for upland game species.

Natural Heritage Program

A comprehensive source of information on the status and location of Nebraska’s rarest species.

Waterfowl Program

Covers the management, conservation, research, and monitoring of waterfowl and their habitats.

Furbearer and Carnivore Program

The Furbearer and Carnivore Program is responsible for their management.

Data and Biometrics Program

The Data and Biometry Program provides analytical and data management support to RAI program areas and the Wildlife Division of Game and Parks. The Program focuses on human dimensions of wildlife management (HD) as well as ecological research and monitoring. The program strives to make wildlife data resources (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, protocol documentation, summary information and reports) within the division accessible, usable, and secure—now and for the future. Tasks include HD survey design, coordination, and implementation; data compilation/entry; database design and maintenance; and research design, analysis, and summarization.