Dr. Richard Reynolds | Ecology and Conservation | Lifetime Achievement Award

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station | United States

Dr. Richard T. Reynolds is a distinguished Emeritus Research Wildlife Ecologist with over five decades of pioneering work in wildlife ecology, specializing in raptor biology and forest ecosystem management. Born on December 31, 1942, Dr. Reynolds served honorably in Vietnam (1966–67) and later dedicated his life to science through positions in the USDA Forest Service and academic institutions. His expertise in ornithology and forest ecology has significantly advanced conservation strategies for birds of prey across North America.

Professional profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Richard T. Reynolds exemplifies the highest standards of scientific excellence, dedication, and impact within the fields of wildlife ecology, avian research, and forest ecosystem management. His work, particularly on Accipiter hawks and the northern goshawk, has been foundational in understanding raptor ecology and informing conservation strategies across North America.

• Pioneering Research: With over five decades of research on forest raptors, including groundbreaking work on habitat partitioning, nest ecology, and food web dynamics, Dr. Reynolds has authored numerous publications that are frequently cited and foundational within the field.

• Applied Conservation Impact: His research on forest management practices has shaped sustainable forestry and bird conservation practices in the American Southwest, influencing policy, management plans, and restoration strategies.

• Longstanding Academic Contribution: Through decades of teaching and mentoring at Oregon State University and Colorado State University, Dr. Reynolds has educated and inspired the next generation of ecologists.

• Recognition and Awards: The breadth of honors—ranging from multiple Certificate of Merit awards, the John R. McGuire Award, Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award, to being elected as a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union—underscores the wide recognition of his contributions to science and public service.

• Collaborative Leadership: His collaborations with U.S. federal agencies, academic institutions, and international conservation bodies (e.g., Canada and Mexico) demonstrate his integrative and leadership role in ecological science.

🎓 Education

Dr. Reynolds earned his Ph.D. (1979) and M.S. (1975) in Wildlife Ecology from Oregon State University, where he studied food and habitat partitioning among coexisting Accipiter hawks. He also holds a B.S. in General Science (1970) from the same institution. His academic path was enriched with additional studies in Zoology at the University of Washington and foundational coursework in Zoology and Botany at Santa Barbara City College.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Reynolds has had a distinguished research career with the USDA Forest Service, beginning in 1979 at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, CO. He continued his work in Laramie, WY, and Flagstaff, AZ, contributing significantly to raptor ecology and forest management. Since 2019, he has held the title of Emeritus Scientist. He also holds long-standing faculty affiliations with Oregon State University and Colorado State University, shaping ecological research and education nationwide.

🔬 Research Interests On Ecology and Conservation

Dr. Reynolds’ primary research interest lies in avian ecology, especially raptors such as the northern goshawk. He is renowned for his work on Accipiter hawks, forest ecology, wildlife-habitat relationships, and the management of vertebrate food webs. His research bridges the gap between science and practical forest management, offering science-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resiliency.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Reynolds has received numerous accolades, including the John R. McGuire Award (2015), Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award (2013), and the “Wings Across the Americas” Partnership Award (2006). He was elected as a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union (2018), recognizing his outstanding contributions to raptor ecology. His awards span decades and reflect his unwavering commitment to conservation science, peer mentorship, and public outreach.

📚 Publications

• A Variable Circular-Plot Method for Estimating Bird Numbers
  Authors: RT Reynolds, JM Scott, RA Nussbaum
  Year: 1980
  Citations: 1110

• Management Recommendations for the Northern Goshawk in the Southwestern United States
  Authors: RT Reynolds, RT Graham, MH Reiser
  Year: 1992
  Citations: 448

• Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
  Authors: JR Squires, RT Reynolds, J Orta, JS Marks
  Year: 2020
  Citations: 341

• An Ecological Basis for Ecosystem Management
  Authors: MR Kaufmann, RT Graham, JDA Boyce, WH Moir, L Perry, RT Reynolds
  Year: 1994
  Citations: 305

• Nesting Habitat of Coexisting Accipiter in Oregon
  Authors: RT Reynolds, EC Meslow, HM Wight
  Year: 1982
  Citations: 236

• Restoring Composition and Structure in Southwestern Frequent-Fire Forests: A Science-Based Framework for Improving Ecosystem Resiliency
  Authors: RT Reynolds, AJ Sanchez Meador, JA Youtz, T Nicolet, MS Matonis, et al.
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 217

• Partitioning of Food and Niche Characteristics of Coexisting Accipiter During Breeding
  Authors: RT Reynolds, EC Meslow
  Year: 1984
  Citations: 194

• Sexual Dimorphism in Accipiter Hawks: A New Hypothesis
  Authors: RT Reynolds
  Year: 1972
  Citations: 161

• Post‐Fledging Survival of Northern Goshawks: The Importance of Prey Abundance, Weather, and Dispersal
  Authors: JD Wiens, BR Noon, RT Reynolds
  Year: 2006
  Citations: 121

• Management of Western Coniferous Forest Habitat for Nesting Accipiter Hawks
  Authors: RT Reynolds
  Year: 1983
  Citations: 118

• Distribution, Density, and Productivity of Accipiter Hawks Breeding in Oregon
  Authors: RT Reynolds, HM Wight
  Year: 1978
  Citations: 116

• Organochlorines, Heavy Metals, and the Biology of North American Accipiters
  Authors: NFR Snyder, HA Snyder, JL Lincer, RT Reynolds
  Year: 1973
  Citations: 110

• An Improved Extraction Method to Increase DNA Yield from Molted Feathers
  Authors: SB De Volo, RT Reynolds, MR Douglas, MF Antolin
  Year: 2008
  Citations: 85

✅ Conclusion

🔍 Dr. Richard T. Reynolds’ life’s work exemplifies excellence in ecological research, particularly in ornithology and sustainable forest management. His integrative approach to science, education, and conservation has left an indelible mark on wildlife ecology. His prolific career, spanning over five decades, has led to innovative policy frameworks, invaluable academic contributions, and impactful publications. Dr. Reynolds stands as a worthy candidate for lifetime recognition under the Forensic Scientist Awards for his exceptional and enduring contributions to ecological science and biodiversity conservation.