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Paul D. Curtis
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Ph.D - North Carolina State University - 1990
M.S. - Colorado State University - 1981
B.S. - West Virginia University - 1978
Paul Curtis has coordinated the Wildlife Damage Management Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension since 1990. His applied research and extension efforts have focused on the management of human-wildlife conflicts. This includes the study and integration of both the biological and social components of wildlife issues. The overall goal of his program is to develop more effective and acceptable methods for reducing negative impacts caused by wildlife. He also serves as co-Director of the Northeast Wildlife Damage Management Research and Outreach Cooperative, funded by a 13-state consortium.
Research
Current research focuses on innovative methods for reducing damage to agricultural crops, ornamental plants, and property. Secondary plant compounds are being evaluated for potential as herbivore repellents. In addition, the browsing resistance of different ornamentals is being investigated so that appropriate plant selection can be made in areas with high deer or rodent pressure. Another primary interest includes wildlife behavior and population dynamics. Modeling is being used to determine the effectiveness of hunting for managing deer abundance and associated damage in forested and agricultural landscapes. Also, the potential application of sterilization is being investigated for controlling deer numbers in suburban areas closed to harvest. Population control techniques for free-ranging wildlife will continue to be an important research focus.
Extension
Extension programming has included publication development and technical training for key audiences, including wildlife professionals and Cooperative Extension educators. Community-based management for resolving wildlife conflicts has been a major focus for public issues education. Paul has co-authored three extension information booklets concerning the management of suburban wildlife. He has also been the executive producer for four wildlife videotapes, two of which were selected for International Telly Broadcast Communication awards. These publications and videos have synthesized research knowledge into a form useable by citizen organizations and community leaders.
Selected Publications
- Merrill, J. A., E. G. Cooch, and P. D. Curtis. 2002. Time to reduction: factors influencing management efficacy in sterilizing overabundant white-tailed deer. Journal of Wildlife Management: (In press).
- Curtis, P. D., E. D. Rowland, M. M. Harribal, G. B. Curtis, J. A. Renwick, and M. D. Martin-Rehermann, and G. L. Good. 2002. Plant compounds in Pachysandra terminalis that act as feeding deterrents to prairie voles (Microtus ochragaster). Hort Science: (In press).
- Curtis P. D., R. L. Pooler, M. E. Richmond, L. A. Miller, G. F. Mattfeld, and F. W. Quimby. 2002. Comparative efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and porcine zona pellucida immunocontraceptive vaccines for controlling reproduction in white-tailed deer. Reproduction-Supplement 60:131-141.
- Curtis, P. D., E. D. Rowland, and G. L. Good. 2002. Developing a plant-based vole repellent: screening of ten candidate plants. Crop Protection 21:299-306.
- Jensen, P. G., P. D. Curtis, M. E. Lehnert, and D. L. Hamelin. 2001. Habitat and structural factors influencing beaver interference with highway culverts. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:654-664.
- DeNicola, A. J., K. C. VerCauteren, P. D. Curtis, and S. E. Hygnstrom. 2000. Managing white-tailed deer in suburban environments: a technical guide. Cornell Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin, N.Y. State College of Agriculture and Life Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 52pp.