Projects and sites

The Carnivore Coexistence Lab core team works on four major challenges to peaceful coexistence between people and large carnivores around the world. We study (1) risk and prevention of predation on domestic animals, (2) risk and protection of human-induced carnivore mortality, (3) the benefits of carnivores for people and for ecosystem health, and (4) the law, ethics, and scientific integrity that underpin our value-based decision to coexist with carnivores. Meet the core team on our People page.

Of late, we have worked or are currently working at the following sites:

Akagera National Park (ANP), Rwanda and surrounding villages >1108 square km: Google map: leopards, lions, and spotted hyenas coexisting with a rural population of small-holder crop farmers and domestic animals and their owners. We have investigated the effect of lion reintroduction on 10 other species (lead Drew Bantlin, anticipated August 2026). More recently, we have begun investigating and evaluating the permeability of the electric fence around ANP, trenches around the military zone, and wetlands for preventing large carnivores from entering farmlands. We are evaluating coexistence strategies with an eye to protecting wild and domestic animals and other human interests (lead: Meghan Hills, MS, anticipated May 2029). Allison Fisher is supporting this project as part of her Masters work (anticipated August 2026). In 2024, we began to explore new collaborative, applied research around ANP working with Rwandan nationals and African Parks, facilitated by Drew Bantlin. In 2025, Meghan and Allison developed a joint plan for research funded by the UW-Madison Graduate School and other anticipated funding.

See this reference list for our latest project proposal, by Meghan and Allison.

Facilitating fieldwork: Drew Bantlin. Report on human-wildlife conflicts and coexistence

Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve Park, Russia 4016 square km: Google map: Tigers: Our project is an ecological experiment to understand if tigers create a landscape of fear in their prey and therefore might influence a trophic cascade in their ecosystems. Lead: Karann Putrevu. Also see Karann's website..

Cimitarra municipality in the Magdalena Medio Valley of Colombia:Google map: Jaguars and pumas coexisting with cattle owners in the tropical Andes. Our project is a gold-standard experiment with Foxlights®. Lead: Dr. Alicia Alexandra Pineda Guerrero.

Maasai Mara, Kenya 1510 square km Google map: Cheetahs coexisting with cattle-owning Maasai herders in a mixed-use protected area. Our project is an ecological experiment to evaluate how cheetahs coexist with herders and their livestock. Lead: Dr. Brian Schuh.

Also see this video made atBrian's field site, with his support.

Mexican wolves, red wolves, and Western Great Lake region gray wolves. We are conducting survival analyses using historical data on radio-collared wolves to understand the effects of policy changes that tighten or loosen protections for wolves. Lead: Dr. Naomi Louchouarn.