Dr Jan F. Kamler

Position: Marie Curie Incoming Fellow

Research background:
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, my research interests include carnivore interactions, predator-prey relationships, and conservation biology. I obtained a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Kansas in 1995, where I conducted honors research on the morphology and habitat use of two Peromyscus species (deer mice and white-footed mice) in different environments. In 1998, I obtained a M.S. degree in Biology from Kansas State University. This research focused on the ecology and interactions of coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) on a partially protected area in northeastern Kansas. In 2002, I obtained my Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Science from Texas Tech University, where I studied the ecology and behavior of swift foxes (Vulpes velox), a vulnerable species. My research focused on their interactions with coyotes, a dominant competitor. During 2002-2004, I obtained a Fulbright fellowship to conduct post-doctoral research at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Mammal Research Institute in eastern Poland. I participated in an ecological study of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the old growth forests of Bialowieza, which contains the most natural and diverse large predator-prey ecosystem in Europe.

Current research:
In 2005, I started a post-doctoral project focusing on cape foxes (Vulpes chama) and sympatric canids in South Africa. The cape fox is endemic to southern Africa, and is one of the least studied canids in the world. Limited records indicate populations declined during the past 20 years, although no conservation measures have been implemented due to lack of information. Reasons for their decline could be due to competition with larger canids, such as bat-eared foxes (Otocyon megalotis) and especially black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas). The latter species is relatively aggressive and has increased in numbers throughout southern Africa during the past 20 years, probably due to the extirpation of large carnivores (e.g., dominant competitors) by humans. To examine the effects of jackals on cape foxes, I am studying populations on two sites that differ greatly in jackal densities. The first site, Benfontein Game Farm (100 km2), has relatively high jackal numbers, but low cape fox numbers. The second site, on nearby sheep farms (50 km2), has virtually no jackals (due to heavy human persecution) but relatively high cape fox numbers. Bat-eared foxes also are being studied on both sites to determine the relationship of this species with other sympatric canids. Objectives are to compare the ecology, diets, genetic structure, social behavior, and interspecific relationships of cape foxes between the two sites. To meet these objectives, all three canid species are being captured and radio collared on both sites. The immediate goal of this study is to conduct the first detailed study of the cape fox, and determine which factors affect their numbers and distribution. The ultimate goal is to develop the first conservation strategy plan for this little known species. This research is being supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society, British Airways, and a Marie Curie Fellowship.

Publications

Herrmann, E., J. F. Kamler, and N. L. Avenant.  2008.  New records of servals Leptailurus serval in central South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 38: In press.

Kamler, J. F., T. N. Suinyuy, and W. Goulding. 2008.  Cattle egret and common ostrich associations in South Africa. Ostrich 79:In press. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F.  2008.  Ear flashing behaviour of cape hares (Lepus capensis) in South Africa. African Journal of Ecology 46:In press. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. Jedrzejewski and B. Jedrzejewska.  2008.  Home ranges of red deer in a European old-growth forest. American Midland Naturalist 159:75-82. (PDF)

Bagniewska, J., and J. Kamler.  2007.  Scent-station surveys: instruction manual. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, M. C. Wallace, and P. S. Gipson.  2007.  Diets of swift foxes in continuous and fragmented prairie in northwestern Texas. Southwestern Naturalist 52:504-510. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., B. Jedrzejewska and W. Jedrzejewski.  2007.  Factors affecting daily ranges of red deer Cervus elaphus in Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. Acta Theriologica 52:113-118. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, M. C. Wallace, R. L. Gilliland, and P. S. Gipson.  2007.  Dietary overlap of swift foxes and coyotes in northwestern Texas. American Midland Naturalist 158:139-146. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., H. T. Davies-Mostert, L. Hunter, and D. W. Macdonald.  2007.  Predation on black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) by African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). African Journal of Ecology 45:667-668. (PDF)

Mysterud, A., K. A. Barton, B. Jedrzejewska, Z. A. Krasinski, M. Niedzialkowska, J. F. Kamler, N. G. Yoccoz and N. C. Stenseth.  2007.  Population ecology and conservation of endangered megafauna: the case of European bison in Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. Animal Conservation 10:77-87. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., B. Jedrzejewska and W. Jedrzejewski.  2007.  Daily activity patterns of red deer in Bialowieza National Park, Poland. Journal of Mammalogy 88:508-514. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. Jedrzejewski and B. Jedrzejewska.  2007.  Survival and cause-specific mortality of red deer Cervus elaphus in Bialowieza National Park, Poland. Wildlife Biology 13:48-52. (PDF)

Nicholson, K. L., W. B. Ballard, B. K. McGee, J. Surles, J. F. Kamler, and P. R. Lemons. 2006.  Swift fox use of black-tailed prairie dog towns in northwest Texas. Journal of Wildlife  Management 70:1659-1666. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard.  2006.  Canid diversity in the Texas Panhandle. Southwestern Naturalist 51:569-571. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and D. W. Macdonald.  2006.  Longevity of a wild bat-eared fox. South Africann Journal of Wildlife Research 36:199-200. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard.  2006.  Ear flashing behavior of black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus). American Midland Naturalist 155:402-403. (PDF)

McGee, B. K., W. B. Ballard, K. L. Nicholson, B. L. Cypher, P. R. Lemons, and J. F. Kamler.  2006.  Effects of artificial escape dens on swift fox populations in northwest Texas. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:95-101. (PDF)

Jedrzejewski, W., H. Spaedke, J. F. Kamler, B. Jedrzejewska, and U. Stenkewitz.  2006.  Group size dynamics of red deer in Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:1054-1059. (PDF)

Gipson, P. S., and J. F. Kamler.  2006.  Density and minimum number of mesopredators on Fort Riley Military Reservation. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 109:36-40. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Harrison, and C. G. Schmitt. 2005. Range expansion of red foxes in northwestern Texas and northeastern New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 50:100-101. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Gilliland, P. R. Lemons, and K. Mote. 2005. Home range and habitat use of coyotes in an area of native prairie, farmland, and CRP fields. American Midland Naturalist 153:203-211. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., B. Jedrzejewska, and S. Miscicki. 2004. Red deer: a tale of two deer. Pages 51-58 in Essays on mammals of Bialowieza Forest (B. Jedrzejewska and J. M. Wojcik, editors). Mammal Research Institute, Bialowieza, Poland (a popular book). (PDF)

Jedrzejewski, W., and J. F. Kamler. 2004. Modified drop-net for capturing ungulates. Wildlife Society Bulletin 32:1305-1308. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, E. M. Gese, R. L. Harrison, and S. M. Karki. 2004. Dispersal characteristics of swift foxes. Canadian Journal of Zoology 82:1837-1842. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard. 2004. First record of a long-tailed weasel from the Texas Panhandle. Prairie Naturalist 36:141-142. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F. 2004. Vulpes vulpes (mammal). Global Invasive Species Database (online), IUCN-Species Survival Commission (http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=66&fr=1&sts=sss).

Pence, D. B., J. F. Kamler, and W. B. Ballard. 2004. Ectoparasites of the swift fox in northwestern Texas. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 40:543-547. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, P. R. Lemons, and K. Mote. 2004. Variation in the mating system and group structure in two populations of swift foxes, Vulpes velox. Animal Behaviour 68:83-88. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2004. Survival and cause-specific mortality among furbearers in a protected area. American Midland Naturalist 151:27-34. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and D. S. Pennock. 2004. Microhabitat selection of Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus in mid-successional vegetation. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 107:89-92. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, E. M. Gese, R. L. Harrison, S. M. Karki, and K. Mote. 2004. Adult male emigration and a female-based social organisation in swift foxes, Vulpes velox. Animal Behaviour 67:699-702. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, and P. S. Gipson. 2004. Occurrence of feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in northwest Texas: an observation. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources 15:1-3. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Gilliland, and K. Mote. 2004. Coyote (Canis latrans) movements relative to cattle (Bos taurus) carcass areas. Western North American Naturalist 64:53-58. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2003. Space and habitat use by male and female Raccoons, Procyon lotor, in Kansas. Canadian Field-Naturalist 117:218-223. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard. 2003. Range expansion of red foxes in eastern Nevada and western Utah. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 36:18-20. (PDF)

Gipson, P. S., and J. F. Kamler. 2003. Capture locations of coyotes, Canis latrans, bobcats, Lynx rufus, and raccoons, Procyon lotor, relative to home range boundaries. Canadian Field-Naturalist 117:472-474. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, J. C. Bullock, D. A. Butler, and R. L. Ward. 2003. Prey remains found in great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) pellets from Union County, New Mexico. New Mexico Journal of Sciences 43:68-70. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., K. Keeler, G. Wiens, C. Richardson, and P. S. Gipson. 2003. Feral dogs, Canis familiaris, kill coyote, Canis latrans. Canadian Field-Naturalist 117:123-124. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, E. B. Fish, P. R. Lemons, K. Mote, and C. C. Perchellet. 2003. Habitat use, home ranges, and survival of swift foxes in a fragmented landscape: conservation implications. Journal of Mammalogy 84:989-995. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard. 2003. White color phase of the Swift Fox, Vulpes velox. Canadian Field-Naturalist 117:468-469. (PDF)

McCaffrey, R. E., M. C. Wallace, J. F. Kamler, and J. D. Ray. 2003. Noteworthy distributional records of the prairie vole in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. Southwestern Naturalist 48:717-719. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, B. R. Helliker, and S. Stiver. 2003. Range expansion of raccoons in western Utah and central Nevada. Western North American Naturalist 63:406-408. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Gilliland, P. R. Lemons, and K. Mote. 2003. Impacts of coyotes on swift foxes in northwestern Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 67:317-323. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., L. A. Green, and W. B. Ballard. 2003. Recent occurrence of black bears in the southwestern Great Plains. Southwestern Naturalist 48:303-306. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Gilliland, and K. Mote. 2003. Spatial relationships between swift foxes and coyotes in northwestern Texas. Canadian Journal of Zoology 81:168-172. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., R. M. Lee, J. C. deVos, Jr., W. B. Ballard, and H. A. Whitlaw. 2003. Mortalities from climbing accidents of translocated bighorn sheep in Arizona. Southwestern Naturalist 48:145-147. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2002. Sarcoptic mange on coyotes in northeastern Kansas. Prairie Naturalist 34:143-144. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., P. S. Gipson, and C. C. Perchellet. 2002. Seasonal food habits of coyotes in northeastern Kansas. Prairie Naturalist 34:75-83. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, R. L. Gilliland, and K. Mote. 2002. Improved trapping methods for swift foxes and sympatric coyotes. Wildlife Society Bulletin 30:1262-1266. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., R. M. Lee, J. C. deVos, Jr., W. B. Ballard, and H. A. Whitlaw. 2002. Survival and cougar predation of translocated bighorn sheep in Arizona. Journal of Wildlife Management 66:1267-1272. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and W. B. Ballard. 2002. A review of native and nonnative red foxes in North America. Wildlife Society Bulletin 30:370-379. (PDF)

Gipson, P. S., and J. F. Kamler. 2002. Bobcat killed by a coyote. Southwestern Naturalist 47:511-513. (PDF)

Ballard, W. B., J. C. deVos, Jr., J. F. Kamler, and H. A. Whitlaw. 2002. A need for an integrated radiotelemetry database. Wildlife Society Bulletin 30:263-264. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F. 2002. Relationships of swift foxes and coyotes in northwest Texas. Ph.D. Dissertation, Texas Tech University, Lubbock. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, and D. Swepston. 2001. Range expansion of mule deer in the Texas Panhandle. Southwestern Naturalist 46:378-379. (PDF)

Gipson, P. S., and J. F. Kamler. 2001. Survival and movements of opossums in northeastern Kansas. Southwestern Naturalist 46:178-182. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and K. L. Pope. 2001. Nonlethal methods of examining fish stomach contents. Reviews in Fisheries Science 9:1-11. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2000. Space and habitat use by resident and transient coyotes. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78:2106-2111. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., P. S. Gipson, and T. R. Snyder. 2000. Dispersal characteristics of young bobcats from northeastern Kansas. Southwestern Naturalist 45:543-546. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., W. B. Ballard, and K. Mote. 2000. Aggressive behavior exhibited by a Swift Fox, Vulpes velox. Canadian Field-Naturalist 114:506. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., C. Richardson, and P. S. Gipson. 2000. Comparison of standard and modified Soft Catch traps for capturing coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. Proceedings of the Wildlife Damage Management Conference 9:77-84. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F. 2000. Swift foxes in the high plains. Promised Land 8:2 (a popular article). (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2000. Home range, habitat selection, and survival of Bobcats, Lynx rufus, in a prairie ecosystem in Kansas. Canadian Field-Naturalist 114:388-394. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., K. D. Seyffert, and W. B. Ballard. 2000. Range expansion of the Eurasian collared-dove in the Texas panhandle. Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society 33:23. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., and P. S. Gipson. 2000. New records of a porcupine and armadillo in Riley County, Kansas. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 103:55-57. (PDF)

Mote, K., J. F. Kamler, W. B. Ballard, and R. Gilliland. 1998. Swift fox investigations in Texas. Pages 46-49 in Roy, C. C. (ed.), Annual Report, Swift Fox Conservation Team. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt, Kansas. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F. 1998. Ecology and interspecific relationships of mammalian predators on Fort Riley Military Reservation, Kansas. M.S. Thesis, Kansas State University, Manhattan. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F., D. S. Pennock, C. Welch, and R. J. Pierotti. 1998. Variation in morphological characteristics of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the deer mouse (P. maniculatus) under allotopic and syntopic conditions. American Midland Naturalist 140:170-179. (PDF)

Gipson, P. S., C. D. Lee, M. L. Burenheide, J. F. Kamler, J. E. Kretzer, D. J. Martin, C. C.
Perchellet, C. M. Willemssen, and J. Weins. 1997. Experimental rodent control at the Beef Cattle Research Center, Kansas State University. Proceedings of The Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop 13:117-121. (PDF)

Kamler, J. F. 1995. Variation of morphological characteristics of the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and the white-footed mouse (P. leucopus) in differing habitats. B.S. Honors Thesis, University of Kansas, Lawrence. (PDF)