Kelley Stewart

Photo of Kelley Stewart, Extension

Kelley Stewart

Professor

Summary

I am interested in population ecology of large mammals, and effects of density dependence on population growth, movement patterns, habitat selection, and both inter- and intraspecific competition.  I am also interested in community-level effects of population dynamics of large mammals, such as changes in plant growth, community structure, and trophic cascades.

Education

BS (1993) University of California Davis
MS (1997) Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University - Kingsville
PhD (2004) Dept of Biology & Wildlife, & Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Honors and Awards

  • 2012 Teacher of the Year Award College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
  • 2005 Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2 years) Dept. Biological Sciences, Idaho State University
  • 2004 Graduate Fellowship (6 months): Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation
  • 2003 Graduate Fellowship (1 year): Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation
  • 2002 Robert I. Larus Prize: 53rd Arctic American Association for Advancement of Science Conference (Best presentation by a graduate student)
  • 2002 Graduate Fellowship (6 months): Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation
  • 2001 Graduate Fellowship: Graduate School, University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • 1996 Gamma Sigma Delta, Agricultural Honor Society
  • 1994 Graduate Fellowship (3 years): Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation

Service

  • Chair Technical Session, Nevada Chapter of The Wildlife Society Symposium, Reno, NV. January 2012
  • Chair Honorary Membership and Special Recognition Service Award, The Wildlife Society, 2011 to present
  • Presentation for Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, March 2011
  • Chair Technical Session, Nevada Chapter of The Wildlife Society Symposium, Reno, NV. January 2011
  • Chair Technical Session North American Moose Conference and Workshop Pocatello, ID – 2009    
  • Faculty advisor: UNR Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society 2008 - Present
  • Resolutions Committee: American Society of Mammalogists 2004 - 2010
  • Organizing Committee: 2009 Annual Meeting of The Wildlife Society
  • Organizing Committee: 10th Western Black Bear Workshop 2009

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Book Chapter(s)
Competition with Other Ungulates Bowyer, R. T., Stewart, K., Cain, J. W. & McMillian, B. 2023, Ecology and Management of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer in North America (Chapter 8) Ed By James R. Heffelfinger, Paul R. Krausman, Wiley, ISBN 9781032407609
Digestive Physiology and Nutrition Monteith, K. et al. 2023, Ecology and Management of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer in North America (Chapter 4) Ed By James R. Heffelfinger, Paul R. Krausman, Wiley, ISBN 9781032407609
Intermountain West Ecoregion Stewart, K. et al. 2023, Ecology and Management of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer in North America (Chapter 11), Ed By James R. Heffelfinger, Paul R. Krausman, Wiley, ISBN 9781032407609
Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology G.A. Feldhamer, J. F. Merritt, C. Krajewski, J. L. Rachlow, and K. M. Stewart 2020, 5th Edition, Johns Hopkins University Press
Graduate School: A Professor Perspective. Hernandez, F., Silvy, N. J., Stewart, K. 2017, In Scott E. Henke and Paul R. Krausman (Ed.), Becoming a Wildlife Professional. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Wildlife Ecology Bowyer, R. T., Stewart, K., Long, R., Monteith, K. L. 2012, In A.H. El-Shaarawi, and W.W. Piegorsch (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Environmetrics (vol. 2nd edition, pp. 2963-2968). New York, New York: John Wiley and Sons, LTd.
Spatial Use of Landscapes by White-Tailed Deer. Stewart, K., Bowyer, R. T., Weisberg, P. J. 2011, In David Hewitt (Ed.), Biology and Management of White-Tailed Deer.
Ungulates in western coniferous forests: habitat relationships, population dynamics, and ecosystem processes John G. Kie, R. Terry Bowyer And Kelley M. Stewart 2003, Management and Conservation in the Coniferous Forests of Western North America, Edited by Cynthia J. Zabel, Cambridge University Press
Journals
Comparing contemporary models to traditional indices to estimate abundance of desert bighorn sheep Blum, M. E., Buderman, F. E., Bennett, J. R., Stewart, K. M., Cox, M., & Williams, P. J. 2024, The Journal of Wildlife Management, 88(2), e22517
Selection of den sites and chronology of denning by black bears in the eastern Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin Morgan E. Long, Kelley M. Stewart, Kevin T. Shoemaker, Heather Reich, Carl W. Lackey, Jon P. Beckmann 2024, Ecology and Evolution, Volume 14, Issue 7, July 2024, e11689
Variation in diet of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni): Tradeoffs associated with parturition Blum, M. E., Stewart, K. M., Cox, M., Shoemaker, K. T., Bennett, J. R., Sullivan, B. W., Wakeling, B. F., & Bleich, V. C. 2023, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 1071771
Changes in selection of resources with reproductive state in a montane ungulate. Blum, M.E., Stewart, K.M., Shoemaker, K.T. et al. 2023, Movement Ecology 11, 20
Animal movement and associated infectious disease risk in a metapopulation. Dekelaita DJ, Epps CW, German, DW, Powers JG, Gonzales BJ, Abella-Vu RK, Darby, NW, Hughson DL, Stewart KM. 2023, R. Soc. Open Sci. 10: 220390
Improved topographic ruggedness indices more accurately model fine-scale ecological patterns. Dilts, T.E., Blum, M.E., Shoemaker, K.T. et al. 2023, Landscape Ecology, 38, 1395–1410
Variation in diet of desert bighorn sheep: tradeoffs associated with parturition M.E. Blum, K.M. Stewart, M. Cox, K.T. Shoemaker, J.R. Bennett, B.W. Sullivan, B.F. Wakeling, V.C. Bleich 2022, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 10 (2023) 14
Prey Specialization by Cougars on Feral Horses in a Desert Environment. J Andreasen, A. M., Stewart, K. M., Longland, W. S., & Beckmann, J. P. 2021, Journal of Wildlife Management, 85(6), 1104–1120.
Demographic performance of a large herbivore: effects of winter nutrition and weather. Jackson, N. J., Stewart, K., Wisdom, M. J., Clark, D. A., Rowland, M. M. 2021, Ecosphere, Vol 12 Iss 1
Metrics of harvest for ungulates: misconceptions, lurking variables, and prudent management. Bowyer, R. T., Stewart, K., Bleich, V. C., Whiting, J. C., Monteith, K. L., Blum, M. E. 2020, Alces, Vol 56
Survival of adult female bighorn sheep following a pneumonia epizootic. Dekelaita, D. J., Epps, C., Stewart, K., Sedinger, J. S., Powers, J., Gonzales, B. J., Abella-Vu, R., Darby, N., Hughson, D. 2020, Journal of Wildlife Management, vol 84 iss 7
Resource selection by female mule deer: tradeoffs associated with reproduction Heffelfinger, L.J., Stewart, K.M., Shoemaker, K.T., Darby, N.W., Bleich, V.C. 2020, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (Invited)
Individual variation in use of nutritional landscape predicts early-winter condition of a long-lived ungulate. Merems, J.L., Shipley, L.A., Levi, T., Ruprecht, J., Clark, D.a., Wisdom, M.J., Jackson, N.J., Stewart, K.M., Long, R.A. 2020, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (INVITED)
Flexible resource use strategies of a central-place forager experiencing dynamic risk and opportunity. Hefty, K. L., Stewart, K. 2019, Movement Ecology, 7(23)
Mule deer juniper use is an unreliable indicator of habitat quality: comments on Coe et al. 2018. Maestas, J.D., Hagen, C.A., Smith, J.T., Tack, J.D., Allred, B.W., Griffiths, T., Bishop, C.J., Stewart, K.M., Naugle, D.E. 2019, Journal of Wildlife Management
Woodland expansion in a shrub-steppe ecosystem: effects on resource availability and behavior of a native ungulate Morano, S.M., Stewart, K.M., Dilts, T., Ellsworth, A., V.C.Bleich 2019, Ecosphere
Experimental harvest regulations reveal that climate, not harvest, drives population change in Nevada wood ducks. Sedinger, B.S., Riecke, T., Nicolai, C., 2019, Ecology and Evolution
Effects on survival of cougars caught in non-target foothold traps. Andreasen, A., Stewart, K., Sedinger, J., Lackey, C., Beckman 2018, Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(5)
Investigating Relationships between Reproduction, Immune Defenses, and Cortisol in Dall Sheep Downs, C., Boan, B. V., Lohuis, T. D., Stewart, K. 2018, Front Immunol. 2018; 9: 105.
Maternal effects and risk of offspring mortality: quality of breeding females drives much within-year variation in duckling mortality rates. Sedinger, B. S., Nicolai, C. A., Stewart, K. 2018, Journal of Avian Biology, 49(10)
A machine-learning approach for extending classical wildlife resource selection analyses Shoemaker KT, Heffelfinger LJ, Jackson NJ, Blum ME, Wasley T, Stewart KM 2018, Ecol Evol. 2018;00:1–14.
Overpasses and underpasses: effectiveness of crossing structures for migratory ungulates. Simpson, N. O., Stewart, K., Schroeder, C., Cox, M., Huebner, K., Wasley, T. 2016, Journal of Wildlife Management, 80(8), 1370-1378.
Effects of large scale gold mining on migratory behavior of a large herbivore. Blum, M., Stewart, K., Schroeder, C. 2015, Ecosphere
Investment in Constitutive Immune Function by North American elk experimentally maintained at two different population densities. Downs, C. J., Stewart, K., Dick, B. L. 2015, Plos One, 10(5), 17.
A primer in ecoimmunology & immunology for wildlife research and management. Downs, CJ and KM Stewart. 2015, California Fish and Game 100 (3):371-395
Spatial distribution and resource selection by mule deer in an arid environment: responses to provision of water. McKee, C., Stewart, K., Sedinger, J. S., Bush, A., Darby, N., Hughson, D., Bleich, V. 2015, Journal of Arid Environments, 122, 76-84.
Sexual Segregation in North American elk: the role of density dependence. Stewart, K., Walsh, D. R., Kie, J. G., Dick, B. L., Bowyer, R. T. 2015, Ecology and Evolution
Density Dependence in Ungulates: a Review of Causes, and Concepts with Some Clarification. Bowyer, R. T., Bleich, V. C., Stewart, K., Whiting, J. C., Monteith, K. L. 2014, California Fish and Game, 100(3), 550-572.
A primer in ecoimmunology and immunology for wildlife research and management. Downs, C. J., Stewart, K. 2014, California Fish and Game, 100(3), 369-393.
Identification of source-sink dynamics in mountain lions of the Great Basin. Andreasen, A. M., Stewart, K., Longland, W. S., Beckman, J. P., Forister, M. L. 2012, Molecular Ecology/Blackwell, 21(23), 5689–5701.
Life-history strategies of North American elk: trade-offs associated with reproduction and survival. Morano, S., Stewart, K., Sedinger, J. S., Nicolai, C., Vavra, M. 2012, Journal of Mammalogy, 93(6), 11.
Vocalizations by alaskan moose: female incitation of male aggression Bowyer, R. T., Rachlow, J. L., Stewart, K., VanBallenberghe, V. 2011, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 65(12), 2251-2260
Effects of density dependence on diet composition of North American elk Cervus elaphus and mule deer Odocoileus hemionus: an experimental manipulation Kelley M. Stewart, R. Terry Bowyer, Brian L. Dick & John G. Kie 2011, Wildl. Biol. 17: 417-430
What have we learned about water developments for wildlife? Not enough! Nova O. Simpson, Kelley M. Stewart, And Vernon C. Bleich 2011, California Fish and Game 97(4):190-209
Population density of North American elk: density-dependent effects on diet composition of mule deer and elk Stewart, K., Bowyer, R. T., Dick, B. L., Kie, J. G. 2011, Wildlife Biology, 17(4), 417-430
Spatial distributions of mule deer and North American elk: resource partitioning in a sage-steppe environment. Stewart, K. M., R. T. Bowyer, J. G. Kie, and M. A. Hurley. 2010, American Midland Naturalist 163:400-412
Population density of North American elk: effects on plant diversity. Stewart, K. M., R. T. Bowyer, J. G. Kie, B. L. Dick, and R. W. Ruess. 2009, Oecologia 161:303-312
Reintroduced bighorn sheep: do felames adjust maternal care to compensate for late-born young? Whiting, J. C., K. M. Stewart, R. T. owyer, and J. T. Flinders. 2009, European Journal of Wildlife Research. Published online November 2009.
Herbivore optimization by North American elk: consequences for theory and management K.M. Stewart, R. T. Bowyer, R.W. Ruess, B.L. Dick, J. G. Kie 2007, Wildlife Monographs 167: 1–24
Density Dependence in North American Elk: An Experimental Test Stewart, K. M., R. T. Bowyer, B. L. Dick, B. K. Johnson, and J. G. Kie. 2006, Oecologia 143:85-93
Density-dependent effects on physical condition and reproduction in North American elk: an experimental test Kelley M. Stewart, R. Terry. Bowyer, Brian L. Dick, Bruce K. Johnson, John G. Kie 2005, Oecologia (2005) 143: 85–93
Herbivore optimization in North American elk: consequences for theory and management. Stewart, K. M., R. T. Bowyer, R. W. Ruess, B. L. Dick, and J. G. Kie. 2005, Wildlife Monographs 167
Niche partitioning among mule deer, elk, and cattle: do stable isotopes reflect dietary niche? Stewart, K. M., R. T. Bowyer, J. G. Kie, B. L. Dick, and M. Ben-David 2003, Écoscience 10:297-302
Sexual segregation in white-tailed deer: responses to habitat manipulations Stewart, K. M., T. E. Fulbright, D. L. Drawe, and R. T. Bowyer. 2003, Wildlife Society Bulletin 31:1210-1217
Temporospatial Distributions Of Elk, Mule Deer, And Cattle: Resource Partitioning And Competitive Displacement Kelley M. Stewart, R. Terry Bowyer,* John G. Kie, Norman J. Cimon, And Bruce K. Johnson 2002, Journal of Mammalogy, 83(1):229–244, 2002
Geographical Variation In Antler Morphology Of Alaskan Moose: Putative Effects Of Habitat And Genetics R. Terry Bowyer, Kelley M. Stewart, Becky M. Pierce, Kris J. Hundertmark, and William C. Gasaway 2002, ALCES VOL. 38: 155-165
Assessing Sexual Segregation In Deer R. Terry Bowyer, Kelley M. Stewart, Scott A. Wolfe, Gail M. Blundell, Karin L Lehmkuhl, Philip J. Joy, Thomas J. Mcdonough, John G. Kie 2002, Journal Of Wildlife Management 66(2):536-544
Temporospatial distribution of large herbivores: resource partitioning and competitive displacement. Stewart, K. M., J. G. Kie, R. T. Bowyer, N. J. Cimon, and B. K. Johnson. 2002, Journal of Mammalogy 83:229-244
Fluctuating Asymmetry In Antlers Of Alaskan Moose: Size Matters R. Terry Bowyer,* Kelley M. Stewart, John G. Kie, And William C. Gasaway 2001, Journal of Mammalogy, 82(3):814–824
White-Tailed Deer Use Of Clearings Relative To Forage Availability K.M. Stewart, T.E. Fulbright, D.L. Drawe 2000, J. Wildl. Manage. 64(3):2000
Antler Size Relative To Body Mass In Moose: Tradeoffs Associated With Reproduction Kelley M. Stewart, R. Terry Bowyer, John G. Kie, and William C. Gasaway 2000, ALCES VOL. 36: 77-83
Special Publications
Unintended consequences of species translocation: introduced elk alter distribution and resource selection by mule deer C.J. Schroeder, K.M. Stewart 2022, California Fish and Game: Special Issue on Mule Deer and Elk Ecology , California Fish and Wildlife. 108 (2022) e16
Technical Publication
The Nature of Diversity: diversity builds resiliency – in the wild and in the workplace – but it isn’t easy. Wakeling, B. F., VanDellen, A., Shoemaker, K. T., Gritts, M., Tull, J. C., Stewart, K. 2019, The Wildlife Professional.
Effectiveness of wildlife crossing structures for mule deer and other wildlife in Nevada Stewart, K., Simpson, N. O., Tian, Z., Attah, I., Cox, M., Wasley, T. 2015, (vol. 101-10-803, pp. 29). Carson City, Nevada: Nevada Department of Transportation.