How two Bruins used film and science to reframe a ‘spooky’ species
UCLA College’s new “Cabinet of Curiosities” podcast explores the fang-tastic North-South collaboration
La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science
California wildfire smoke linked to reduced bird activity and health
Wildfire smoke significantly impacts California bird populations, leading to decreased activity and body mass, according to new UCLA study.
Project Phoenix uses community science to learn how smog and smoke affect birds
All are invited to participate in new program from UCLA and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Wildfires drive L.A.’s mountain lions to take deadly risks
UCLA and National Park Service researchers studied the cougars’ movements before and after the Woolsey Fire
NEWS
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Joseph Curti Speaks on Sierra Club Climate Dispatch podcast
La Kretz Postdoctoral Fellow Joey Curti recently sat down with Climate Dispatch to discuss how Southern California bat populations are impacted by artificial light.
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Devon DeRaad awarded James G. Cooper Early Professional Award
Congratulations to La Kretz Postdoctoral Fellow Devon DeRaad on this prestigious award and for being recognized for his work investigating bird speciation.
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Postdoc Fellow Ryan Buck for Spectrum News – UCLA researchers identify oak tree populations as well adapted to climate change
La Kretz Postdoc Ryan Buck spoke with Spectrum about his work gene sequencing California oak populations to build climate-resilient forests.
Announcements
The 2025 UCLA La Kretz Center Annual Report
Our Annual Report showcases the research, programs, and events supported by the La Kretz Center and the Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Reserve in 2025. It also reflects on the legacy…
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One of Los Angeles’ best-adapted urban creatures? Lizards
The UCLA Newsroom spoke with UCLA La Kretz Center Director Brad Shaffer about a few urban reptiles found locally and the important ecological roles they play.
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Tropical forest ecosystems bounce back much faster than we thought
La Kretz postdoc Timo Metz is first author of a new study that found animals returned to deforested land much more quickly than scientists originally thought.
