New researcher to advance intersection of wildlife and land management
Kasner joins Texas A&M AgriLife Research to expand wildlife conservation and outreach
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is expanding its expertise in wildlife and rangeland ecology and management with the addition of Andrew Kasner, Ph.D., a West Texas native and wildlife conservation expert based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.
Kasner, also an assistant professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, will develop integrated research and outreach programs that support ranchers, landowners and wildlife managers navigating Texas’ evolving landscapes.
“I hope to contribute knowledge and understanding that will help wildlife populations and agriculture producers thrive in an increasingly complex mosaic of land uses, ownerships and challenges,” Kasner said.
Research focus: Balancing wildlife and working landscapes
Kasner’s career has focused on avian ecology and wildlife conservation across Texas’ working landscapes.
His research will pay particular attention to shrubland and grassland bird species, many of which have experienced serious population declines in recent decades. He aims to better understand how these species interact with changing land-use patterns and how rangeland and cropland management strategies can support biodiversity.
“One example is the mountain plover, a species that nests in arid rangelands but also utilizes croplands,” Kasner said. “Such interrelationships exist between cropland and rangeland management and wildlife populations, providing multiple working landscapes where we can seek to answer questions. By studying this connectedness, we can develop science-based strategies that benefit both wildlife and agricultural producers.”
Bridging research and landowner education
Additionally, Kasner will develop programming through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to equip Texas landowners, county agents and natural resources managers with key land management tools.
“Almost all wildlife habitat in Texas is found on private land, and a major component of Texas’ economy is derived from ranching, farming and outdoor pursuits related to wildlife and fisheries on these lands,” he said. “It is our responsibility as researchers to translate knowledge into tangible on-the-ground practices that will help these landowners succeed in ways that also benefit the landscape.”
Experience and background
Prior to joining Texas A&M, Kasner served as a professor of biology and director of the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics and Sciences at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview. He also worked as deputy director and director of bird conservation for Audubon Texas.
He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Angelo State University and a doctoral degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University.
