Dr. Jeff Larkin

Contact Information
Office Hours

Education

PhD Animal Sciences – University of Kentucky

MS Forestry – University of Kentucky

BA Biology – Ithaca College

Field

Wildlife Ecology and Management, Conservation Biology, Landscape Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Forest Managment

Interests

During my academic and professional career, I have been involved in several research projects on a variety of wildlife conservation topics. This reflects my diverse research interests, including songbird ecology and conservation, habitat management and restoration, wildlife-habitat relationships, large mammal restoration, small population biology, and impacts of human disturbances on biodiversity. My research is best describe as applied. That is, my students and I synthesis our research findings into applied information that is used by various government agencies and conservation organizations to better manage and conserve wildlife and their habitats.

Prior to joining the IUP faculty, I was a research associate at the University of Kentucky and a visiting scholar at Yellowstone National Park. I have published extensively in professional journals and havw contributed chapters to several books, as well as editing Large Mammal Restoration: Ecological and Sociological Challenges in the 21st Century, which won the 2002 Wildlife Society book award. My students and I present our research findings at numerous national and international symposia and conferences. I promote active scholarship and applied research within the IUP Biology Department. I am a certified Wildlife Biologist, member of the Wildlife Society and American Ornithological Society, Science Advisor for USDA-NRCS’s Working Lands For Wildlife program, and member of the PA-DCNR’s Ecosystem Management Advisor Committee. Since 2013, I have been serving as the American Bird Conservancy's Eastern Forest Bird Habitat Coordinator. My primary role in this position is to work with conservation partners to implement science-based conservation in the Eastern United States, but also in Central and South America. I believe strongly that researchers should take an active role in converting their conservation science into conservation action! My graduate students have gone on to PhD programs at Trent University, West Virginia University, Cornell University, University of Wyoming, SUNY-ESF, and Tulane University and Careers with state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, academia, and private consulting companies.

Research projects that my students and I have recently finished or are actively working on include: 1) Conservation of Neotropical migratory birds within tropical hardwood and oil palm plantations in Guatemala; 2) Fisher occupancy and distribution in Pennsylvania; 3) Cerulean Warbler post-fledging habitat selection; 4) Golden-winged Warbler breeding response to habitat created through NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife Program; 5) Influence of microhabitat on Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) abundance in tropical dry forest remnants; 6) Multi-scale resource selection of Pennsylvania elk; 7) State-wide genetic atlas for Allegheny Woodrats and fisher in Pennsylvania; 8) American Woodcock response to young forest management on public and private lands in the Central Appalachians and Western Great Lakes states; and 9) Golden-winged Warbler post-fledging habitat selection in Pennsylvania.

Publications

Nareff, G., P. Wood, D. Brown, T. Fearer, J. L. Larkin, and M. Ford. Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) response to operational silviculture in the central Appalachian region. Forest Ecology and management 408:409-423.

Lutter, S., A. Dayer, A. Rodewald, D.J. McNeil, and J.L. Larkin. Young forest management on private lands as a localized coupled human and natural system. Forests 10, 499; doi:10.3390/f10060499

Rodríguez, F., D. Escoto, T. Mejía-Ordóñez, L. Ferrufino-Acosta, S. Y. Cruz, J. E. Duchamp, and J. L. Larkin. 2019. Influence of microhabitat on Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) abundance in tropical dry forest remnants. Avian Conservation and Ecology 14(1):3.

McNeil, D.J., C.J. Fiss, A.D. Rodewald, and J.L. Larkin. Facultative polygamy influence post-fledging movements in a brood-splitting passerine. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 131:173-178

J.E. Duchamp, M.T. DeVivo, J.M. DeBerti, L.M. Heffernan, J.D. Kougher, and J.L. Larkin. 2019. Habitat selection by female elk when selecting calf bedding sites in the central Appalachian Mountains. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10(1):91–101; e1944-687X. https://doi.org/10.3996/102015-JFWM-097

Fiss, C.J., D.J. McNeil, F. Rodriguez, A.D. Rodewald, and J.L. Larkin. Hail induced nest failure and adult mortality in a declining ground-nesting forest songbird. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 131:165-170.

Bennett, R.E., W. Leuenberger, B.B. Bosarreyes Leja, A. Sagone Cáceres, K. Johnson, and J.L. Larkin. Conservation of Neotropical migratory birds within tropical hardwood and oil palm plantations. PLoS One 13(12): e0210293. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210293

Lutter, S., A. Dayer, and J.L. Larkin. Young Forest Conservation Incentive Programs: Predictors of Re-enrollment and Post-Program Persistence. Environmental Management. doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1127-1

McNeil, D.J., C.R.V. Otto, E.L. Moser, K.R. Urban-Mead, D.E. King, A.D. Rodewald, and J.L. Larkin. 2018. Distance Models as a Tool for Modeling Detection Probability and Density of Native Bumblebees. Journal of Applied Entomology. DOI: 10.1111/jen.12583

Tyree, M.C., J.L. Larkin, S.E. Eggerud, P.N. Angel, M.E. French, and C.D. Barton. 2018. Flight 93 National Memorial Reforestation Project: Survival and Health of Native Woody Plants Established on Reclaimed Mineland. American Society of Mining and Reclamation. DOI: 10.21000/JASMR18020035

Popp, J.N., J. Hamr; J.L. Larkin, and F. Mallory. 2018. Black bear (Ursus americanus) and wolf (Canis spp.) summer diet composition and ungulate prey selectivity in Ontario, Canada. Mammal Research https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0368-y

McNeil, D. J., C. J. Fiss, E. M. Wood, J. Duchamp, M. Bakermans and J.L. Larkin. 2018. Using a natural reference system to evaluate songbird habitat restoration. Avian Conservation and Ecology 13(1):22. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-01193-130122

Tisdale, A. C., J.A. Jones, K.R. Aldinger, M.H. Bakermans, J.L. Larkin, D.J. McNeil, C.G. Smalling, and L. Siefferman. 2018. Geography and age are related to plumage coloration of male Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera). Wilson Journal of Ornithology 130: 286-296.

Doyle, J., T.J. Smyser, J. Duchamp, and J.L. Larkin. 2018. Mitochondrial genome of an Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister). Mitochondrial DNA Part B TMDN. VOL. 3, NO. 1, 256–258.

Lutter, S. A. Dayer, E.C. Hegganstaller, and J.L. Larkin. 2018. Effects of biological monitoring and results outreach on private landowner conservation management. PLoS ONE 13(4): e0194740. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194740

Matthews, A., P. Klimov, H. Proctor, A. Dowling, L. Diener, S. Hager, J.L. Larkin, D. Raybuck, C. Fiss, D.J. McNeil, and T. Boves. 2018. Cophylogenetic assessment of New World warblers (Parulidae) and their symbiotic feather mites (Proctophyllodidae). Journal of Avian Biology. e01580 doi: [10.1111/jav.01580.

Matthews, A. E., J.L. Larkin, D.W. Raybuck, M.C. Slevin, S.H. Stoleson, and T.J. Boves. 2017. Feather mite abundance varies but symbiotic nature of mite-host relationship does not differ between two ecologically dissimilar warblers. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3738.

Mibroda, J., J. Duchamp, D.J. McNeil, J. Townsend, and J.L. Larkin. 2017. Roadside habitat use by the endemic short-headed gartersnake (Thamnophis brachystoma) in northwestern Pennsylvania, USA. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 12:655-663.

Raybuck, D.W, J.L. Larkin, S.H. Stoleson, and T.J. Boves. Response to Streby and Kramer: Additional considerations for explaining differences in return rates of geolocator-tagged and control Cerulean Warblers. Condor 119: 852-54.

Larkin, J.L., D. Raybuck, A. Roth, L. Chavarría-Duriaux, G. Duriaux, M. Siles, and C. Smalling. 2017. Geolocation technology reveals alignment of Golden-winged Warbler wintering and breeding grounds conservation efforts and identifies spring migratory stopover areas. Journal of Field Ornithology 88:288-289

Ellington E.H., S.W. Gess, E.L. Koen, J.E. Duchamp, M.J. Lovallo, M.R. Dzialak, and J.L. Larkin. 2017. Habitat patch use by fishers in the deciduous forest-dominated landscape of the central Appalachian Mountains, USA. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 8(2): xx-xx; e1944-687X. doi:10.3996/012016-JFWM-006

McNeil, D.J., Nicks, C., J.C. Wester, M. Lovallo, and J.L. Larkin. 2017. Diet Composition of Fishers (Pekania pennanti) and Evidence of Frequent Intraspecific Predation in a Re- introduced Population American Midland Naturalist 177:200-210.

Leuenberger, W., D. J. McNeil, J. Cohen, and J. L. Larkin. 2017. Characteristics of Golden-winged Warbler territories in plant communities associated with regenerating forest and abandoned agricultural fields. Journal of Field Ornithology 88:169-183.

Raybuck, D.W, J.L. Larkin, S.H. Stoleson, and T.J. Boves. 2017. Mixed effects of geolocators on reproduction and survival of Cerulean Warblers, a canopy-dwelling, long-distance migrant. Condor 119: 289-297.

Kramer, G.R., H.M. Streby, S.M. Peterson, J.A. Lehman, D.A. Buehler, P.B. Wood, D.J. McNeil, J.L. Larkin, and D.E. Andersen. 2017. Nonbreeding isolation and population-specific migration patterns among three breeding populations of Golden-winged Warblers. Auk 119:108-121.

Jones, J.A., A.C. Tisdale, M.H. Bakermans, J.L. Larkin, C.G. Smalling, L. Siefferman. 2017. Multiple plumage ornaments as signals of intrasexual communication in golden-winged warblers. Ethology 123:145-56.

McNeil, D.J., K.R. Aldinger, M.H. Bakermans, J.A. Lehman, A.C. Tisdale, J.A. Jones, P.B. Wood, D.Buehler, C.G. Smalling, L. Siefferman, and J.L. Larkin. 2017. An Evaluation and Comparison of Conservation Guidelines for an At-risk Migratory Songbird. Global Ecology and Conservation 9:90-103

Fiss, C.J., D.J. McNeil, R.E. Poole, K.M. Rogers, and J.L. Larkin. 2016. Prolonged Interspecific Care of Two Sibling Golden-winged Warblers by a Black-and-white Warbler. Wilson Bulletin 128:921-926.

Irani V.R. and J.L. Larkin. 2016. Adult Ixodes scapularis Ticks in a Lyme Disease Hot Spot are Vectors for Emerging Pathogens. SOJ Microbiol Infect Dis 4(3):1-5.

Rodríguez, F., D. Escoto, T.M. Ordóñez, L. Ferrufino‐Acosta, S.Y. Cruz, J.L. Larkin. 2016. Notas Sobre Anidación y Cuidado Maternal del Colibrí Esmeralda Hondureño (Amazilia Luciae) en El Valle De Agalta, Honduras. Ornitología Neotropical 27:237-246.

Hofmann, E.P., C.J. Fiss, K.E. Johnson, F.Rodríguez, J.T. Larkin, J.L. Larkin, L. Chavarría-Duriaux, G. Duriaux, and Josiah H. Townsend. 2016. Inventario preliminar de herpetofauna de la Reserva Silvestre Privada El Jaguar (Jinotega, Nicaragua). Revista Nicaraguense de Biodiversidad 7:3-18.

Frantz, M. W., K. R. Aldinger, P. B. Wood, J. Duchamp, T. Nuttle, A. Vitz, and J. L. Larkin. 2016. Space and habitat use of breeding Golden-winged Warblers in the central Appalachian Mountains. Pp. 81–94 in H. M. Streby, D. Buehler, and D. E. Andersen (editors). Golden-winged Warbler ecology, conservation, and habitat management. Studies in Avian Biology (no. 49), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Bellush, E. C., J. Duchamp, J. Confer, and J. L. Larkin. 2016. Influence of plant species composition on Golden-winged Warbler foraging ecology in north-central Pennsylvania. Pp. 95–108 in H. M. Streby, D. Buehler, and D. E. Andersen (editors). Golden-winged Warbler ecology, conservation, and habitat management. Studies in Avian Biology (no. 49), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Terhune II, T. M., K. R. Aldinger, D. A. Buehler, D. J. Flaspohler, J. L. Larkin, J. P. Loegering, K. L. Percy, A. M. Roth, C. Smalling, and P. B. Wood. 2016. Golden-winged Warbler nest-site habitat selection. Pp. 109–125 in H. M. Streby, D. Buehler, and D. E. Andersen (editors). Golden-winged Warbler ecology, conservation, and habitat management. Studies in Avian Biology (no. 49), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Rohrbaugh, R. W., D. A. Buehler, S. Barker Swarthout, D. I. King, J. L. Larkin, K. V. Rosenberg, A. M. Roth, R. Vallender, and T. Will. 2016. Conservation perspectives: Review of new science and primary threats to Golden-winged Warblers. Pp. 207–215 in H. M. Streby, D. Buehler, and D. E. Andersen (editors). Golden-winged Warbler ecology, conservation, and habitat management. Studies in Avian Biology (no. 49), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Jones, J.A., A C. Tisdale, J.L. Tucker, M.H. Bakermans, J.L. Larkin, C.G. Smalling, and L. Siefferman. 2016. A case of mistaken identity: understanding the stimulus of agonism between two wood warblers. Animal Behavior 114:81-91.

Wood, E. M., S.E. Barker, W.M. Hochachka, J.L. Larkin, R.W. Rohrbaugh, K.V. Rosenberg, and A.D. Rodewald. 2016. Intermediate habitat associations by hybrids may exacerbate genetic introgression in a songbird. Journal of Avian Biology DOI:10.1111/jav00771

Leuenberger, W.L., S. Bearer, P. McElhenny, B. Leppo, J. Duchamp, S. Johnson, and J.L. Larkin. 2016. A comparison of Lepidoptera communities inhabiting restored and late successional pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in Pennsylvania. Natural Areas Journal 36:38-47.

Bakermans, M., C. Zeigler, and J.L. Larkin. 2015. American Woodcock and Golden-winged Warbler Abundance and Associated Vegetation in Managed Habitats. Northeastern Naturalist 22:690-703.

Bakermans, M. H., B. W. Smith, B. C. Jones and J. L. Larkin. 2015. Stand and within-stand factors influencing Golden-winged Warbler use of regenerating stands in the central Appalachian Mountains. Avian Conservation and Ecology 10(1): 10. [online] URL: http://www.ace-eco.org/vol10/iss1/art10/

Aldinger, K.R., T.M. Terhune II, P.B. Wood, D.A. Buehler, M.H. Bakermans, J.L. Confer, D.J. Flaspohler, J.L. Larkin, J.P. Loegering, K.L. Percy, A.M. Roth, and C.G. Smalling. 2015. Variables associated with nest survival of Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) among vegetation communities commonly used for nesting. Avian Conservation and Ecology 10 (1): 6.[online] URL: http://www.ace-eco.org/vol10/iss1/art6/

Boves, T.J., A.D. Rodewald, D.A. Buehler, P.B. Wood, J.L. Larkin, P.D. Keyser, and T.B. Wigley. 2015. Habitat quality from individual to population-level perspectives and implications for management. Wildlife Society Bulletin 39:443-447.

Graduate Student Theses (Primary Advisor)

1. Fiss, C. J. 2017. Post-fledging habitat selection and movements of Golden-winged Warblers in managed oak forests.
2. Rodriguez, F. 2017. Elucidating ecological attributes of the Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) in the tropical dry forest of Agalta Valley, Honduras 
3. McNeil, D.J. 2015. Habitat characteristics and territory density of Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) in-shrub wetlands of the Appalachian Mountains.
4. Mibroda, Julie. 2014. Habitat Use of the Endemic Shorthead Garter Snake. 
5. Moon, Stephanie. 2014. A Comparison of the Abundance and Size of Lepidoteran Prey on Native and Invasive Shrub Species in Natural Areas Managed for Nesting Songbirds
6. Frantz, Mack. 2012. Is Spot Mapping Missing Important Aspects of Golden-Winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) Breeding Habitat?
7. Bellush, E.C. 2012. Foraging Ecology of the Golden-Winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera): Does Plant Species Composition Matter?
8. Evans, A. 2012. A Comparison of Cerulean Warbler Nest-Patch Vegetation Characteristics between Core and Peripheral Breeding Populations. 
9. Schneider, D. 2010. Salamander communities occupying ephemeral streams in a mixed mesophytic forest of Appalachia.
10. Hoffman, J. 2010. Habitat Characteristics Affecting Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) Populations on the Chesnut Ridge in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
11. Gess, S. 2010. Characteristic of Fisher (Martes pennanti) rest sites in south-central Pennsylvania.
12. Ellington E. 2010. Developing habitat models to predict fisher occupancy in Pennsylvania.
13. Kougher, J. 2009. Multi-scale resource selection of elk (Cervus elphus) in northcentral Pennsylvania.
14. Heffernan, L. 2009. Effects of age, sex, and landscape composition on seasonal elk diets in Pennsylvania.
15. DeVivo, M. 2009. Elk calf survival, movement, and neonatal habitat use in northcentral Pennsylvania.
16. Wester, J. 2009. Assessing diet and disease in reintroduced fisher population.
17. White, M. 2008. Avian community response to silvicultural treatments in eastern Kentucky: with an emphasis on Cerulean Warbler ecology.
18. Frary, V. 2008. Estimating abundance and distribution of the black bear in eastern Kentucky.

Undergraduate Student theses (Primary Advisor)

1. Can, M. 2017. Prairie Warbler breeding season ecology in northcentral Pennsylvania
2. Leuenberger, W. 2014. A Comparison of Lepidoptera Communities Inhabiting Restored and Degraded Pitch Pine-Scrub Oak Barrens in Pennsylvania.
3. Zeigler, C. 2013. Response of American Woodcock and Eastern Whip-poor-will to Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Management.
4. DeVivo, M. 2007. Elk calf survival, movement, and neonatal habitat use in northcentral Pennsylvania.