Research at AWCC
Research is an important part of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center mission.
AWCC is committed to engaging in research opportunities that contribute to the conservation of Alaska’s wildlife and ecosystems. Our staff and volunteers support a wide range of research projects through partnerships with organizations including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program, NOAA fisheries, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and more. Click the links below to learn more about the research projects the AWCC is involved in.
Rufous Hummingbirds
Rufous hummingbirds, among the smallest species, undertake extensive migrations between Mexico and Alaska, posing research challenges that biologists address through banding efforts to study their migration, habitat, and conservation needs.
Beluga Whales
The endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, genetically distinct and geographically isolated, faces threats like habitat degradation and human activities, with recovery efforts focused on monitoring and research to address critical data gaps and aid population restoration.
Brown Bears
The AWCC has supported biologists collecting data that has helped provide valuable biological information about brown bears in Alaska.
Report Observations
Be a part of the research effort.
AWCC is an eBird Hotspot!
eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. Guests and staff report sightings of birds visiting AWCC and you can too! Check out what birds have been seen at AWCC and report your sightings here.
Report your observations from the AWCC.
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe. Data from this program is incorporated into existing databases and shared with researchers and biologists to inform ongoing research, conservation, and management efforts. AWCC staff and guests report observations and so can you! Check out what has recently been observed at AWCC and report your findings here.