Our Research

ICRE is dedicated to conducting wildlife research that contributes to species conservation in Orange County, California. We focus on species that have shown a recent local population decline. We seek to understand the causal reasons and contributing factors behind the decline and the unique relationship between species behavior and current ecological conditions. This understanding will help evaluate the effectiveness of conservation mitigation measures and inform improvements and innovations. Identifying knowledge gaps and pursuing rigorous, iterative scientific inquiry will help build a foundation for supporting species persistence and survival. Of particular interest are species that are classified as California species of special concern, as they remain understudied and lack general funding for extensive research. We see a need for this research as climate change intensifies and habitable open space decreases, creating even more challenging conditions for wildlife.

ICRE supports a multi-species research approach that values the interconnectedness of ecological systems and our community. Our research program uses uniquely qualified species experts to conduct research and provide educational professional development opportunities for local biologists to deepen their biological and scientific understanding and contribute to local conservation.