Northern Michigan University researchers to bring global wildlife research to Gwinn community
Forsyth Forward is excited to announce the opening lecture of its second series of Explore Our Wild initiative. This lecture is featuring Northern Michigan University researchers Dr. Lafferty and Dr. Rosenbaum and their work studying and conserving snow leopards in Mongolia. The presentation will take place September 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Up North Lodge Event Center in Gwinn.
The event will provide our community members with an opportunity to learn about one of the world's most elusive and fascinating animals directly from researchers involved in international conservation efforts. The presentation will describe the ecology and behavior of snow leopards, the challenges facing their populations, and the ongoing efforts to conserve the species and the communities that share their habitat.
Dr. Lafferty is a wildlife ecologist and conservation scientist who focuses on understanding wildlife and identifying ways to protect and conserve species around the world. Dr. Rosenbaum is a behavioral ecologist who has worked extensively with endangered species in developing countries, conducting research designed to better understand wildlife and inform effective conservation and management strategies. The two were research partners in this initiative and were generous enough to share their experiences and expertise with us at Forsyth Forward.
Their work in Mongolia grew a shared interest in snow leopard conservation and a commitment to developing conservation strategies that also support human livelihoods. Dr. Rosenbaum began conducting research in Mongolia in 2002. She initially studied argali sheep before expanding work in western Mongolia. In 2014, she joined WWF(World Wildlife Fund)-Mongolia during its first-ever capture of snow leopards in western Mongolia.
Exploring a Remote Ecosystem
The Altai Mountains of Central Asia provide an especially important setting for snow leopard conservation. Stretching across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China, the Altai forms a critical ecosystem and refuge for snow leopards.
Mongolia is home to one of the world's most significant snow leopard populations, with more than half of the country's population located in the western mountains near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. The region's low human population density and traditional pastoral practices helped limit impacts on wildlife. Changes in livestock production, including the dramatic growth of the cashmere industry, have contributed to increased livestock numbers, habitat degradation, declining prey populations, and greater human-wildlife conflict. These pressures are rapidly impacting this region's climate.
These researchers emphasize that modern snow leopard conservation cannot focus on the wildlife alone. Snow leopards live within landscapes also occupied and utilized by people. Making the conservation of the species closely connected to the resilience and livelihoods of local herding communities.
“Snow leopards no longer persist in isolation with humans,” Dr. Rosenbaum explains. Emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between the persistence of snow leopards and the persistence of these communities that share their environment.
Upper Peninsula to Mongolia
While the research takes place thousands of miles from Michigan and NMU. The project has a direct connection to the Upper Peninsula through Northern Michigan University.
Dr. Lafferty's Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science Lab provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to participate in meaningful research involving wildlife around the world. NMU students have contributed to research involving brown bears, moose, wolves, and gray fox in the Upper Peninsula. As well as lions, hyenas, elephants, kudu, and snow leopards internationally. The students are able to gain experience in field techniques such as camera trapping and noninvasive scat collection, along with laboratory procedures, data management, analysis, and scientific writing. This is an amazing scientific opportunity for NMU students.
The Mongolia project is also creating opportunities for NMU students to become involved in international research. Researchers hope the Central Altai can become an important field research area, giving students opportunities to participate in ongoing wildlife studies that contribute to conservation efforts alongside researchers and Mongolian communities.
More Than Snow Leopards
Dr Lafferty and Dr Rosenblum report that during the presentation, attendees will learn about snow leopard ecology, the threats currently facing the species, and new projects being developed through the partnership between NMU and the Altai Institute.
They will discuss efforts to better understand wildlife throughout the Altai, strengthen snow leopard conservation, and build resilience among herding communities. The presentation will also offer a glimpse into the remarkable adaptations that allow snow leopards to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Despite commonly being grouped with other big cats, snow leopards cannot roar. A characteristic researchers believe may be an adaptation related to energy conservation.
Connection to Gwinn
The Explore Our Wild initiative seeks to encourage residents and visitors to discover, understand, and appreciate the natural world. While highlighting the people, places, research, and stories connected to the Upper Peninsula.
Forsyth Forward sees the opening lecture as an opportunity to bring world-class research and educational experiences directly into a rural community. Even an opportunity for young students to see how an education at a university like NMU can lead to careers and experiences that reach far beyond the Upper Peninsula.
For Dr. Lafferty, that message is personal. She grew up in Carrier Mills, Illinois, a small community similar in size to Gwinn. She credits the educational opportunities she received in her hometown with helping to pursue a career in conservation science. This journey can demonstrate to young people that with a strong educational foundation, hard work, and determination, it is entirely possible to pursue professional dreams while experiencing the world.
The researchers also hope attendees “leave with a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, wildlife, and ecosystems.”
“We are all part of the same world no matter the difference in landscapes, wildlife, and people,” Dr. Rosenbaum said.
The Explore Our Wild opening lecture is open to community members, students, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in wildlife, conservation, science, or exploring the natural world.
EVENT DETAILS
Explore Our Wild Opening Lecture
Topic: Snow Leopard Conservation in Mongolia
Featuring: Dr. Lafferty and Dr. Rosenbaum, Northern Michigan University
Date: September 8, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Up North Lodge Event Center, Gwinn, Michigan
Presented by: Forsyth Forward
