Research Interests

Hila Shamon is a researcher with expertise in landscape ecology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and conservation translocations. Shamon's research interests are focused on 1) understanding the effects of anthropogenic activities on biodiversity patterns; 2) the role of keystone species and ecosystem engineers in human-dominated landscapes; 3) developing practices for rewilding and restoration of ecosystems; 4) conducting applied research focused on directing management of wild populations in semi-natural landscapes; and 5) incorporating human dimension aspects in wildlife research (i.e. working landscapes). She currently leads numerous research projects in the Northern Great Plains of North America. Projects include reintroductions of swift fox, Plains bison and black-footed ferrets; investigating multi-ungulate responses to phenological gradients; exploring soundscape gradients in relation to lanuse practices; and the mechanism of Plains bison collective movement. Shamon's projects include many collaborators with diverse background that contribute to inter-disciplinary research. Through her work, Shamon engages with communities to ensure that rights and stakeholders are part of the scientific process, and all these research projects are co-designed with a diverse group of external partners. 

Projects

Restoring America's Wild Prairie

Smithsonian scientists are collaborating with the American Prairie Reserve to protect and restore one of North America's greatest treasures — the prairie.

Swift Fox Recovery

Smithsonian scientists, in collaboration with the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department, are embarking on a five-year swift fox reintroduction project to restore swift foxes to tribal lands and to help reestablish connectivity between disjointed swift fox populations.