Martha J. Desmond
Appointment: Regents Professor
Email: mdesmond@nmsu.edu
Office: Knox 129
Office Phone: 575-646-1217
Expertise Ornithology
Desmond Publications
Education:
- Ph.D., Dissertation Title: Evolutionary history of the genus Speotyto: A genetic and morphological perspective, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1997.
- M.S., Master's Thesis Title: Ecological aspects of burrowing owl nesting ecology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1991.
- B.A., Environmental Studies, Wells College, 1985.
Professional Experience:
- 2007-present: Associate Professor, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University-Las Cruces.
- 2005-2007: Assistant Professor, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University-Las Cruces.
- 1999-2005: Assistant Professor, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University-Las Cruces.
- 1997-1999: Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua.
- 1997: Genetic Specialist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Research Interests: My research interests include the areas of avian ecology, conservation biology, population genetics and taxonomy. My current research is related to grassland systems and associated species, particularly related to desert grasslands in the United States and Mexico. I am also involved in ongoing research on burrowing owl population genetics and conservation priorities for the endangered Mexican black-tailed prairie dog. Current Projects: Urban Burrowing Owl
Selected Publications:
- Desmond, M. J. and J. A. Savidge. 1999. The importance of satellite burrows for burrowing owl populations in black-tailed prairie dog towns. In P. D. Vickery and J. R. Heckert, eds. Ecology and conservation of grassland birds of the western hemisphere. Studies in Avian Biology, Cooper Ornithological Society. In press.
- Desmond, M. J. and J. A. Savidge. 1999. Correlations between burrowing owl and black-tailed prairie dog declines: a 7-year analysis. Journal of Wildlife Management. In Review.
- Desmond, M. J., T. J. Parsons, T. O. Powers, and J. A. Savidge. 1999. Mitochondrial DNA differentiation in burrowing owls within and between North and South America. In Review.
- Sherry, D. A. , F. Chavez-Ramirez and M. J. Desmond. 1999. Nesting ecology of loggerhead shrikes in a suburban landscape. Avian Biology. In Review.
- Desmond, M. J., J. A. Savidge and R. Eckstein. 1997. Prairie Partners. NebraskaLAND Magazine.
- Desmond, M. J. and J. A. Savidge. 1996. Factors influencing burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia nest densities and numbers in western Nebraska. American Midland Naturalist 136:143-148.
- Desmond, M. J. and J. A. Savidge. 1995. Spatial patterns of burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia nests in black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus towns. Canadian Journal of Zoology 73:1375-1379.
