Ricky Garibay is a Ph.D. student at Tarleton State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Stephenville, Texas. His research focuses on feral pig behavior and ecological impacts, with a dissertation examining diel activity and occupancy patterns of feral pigs in riparian habitats across the Cross-Timbers ecoregion of Texas. Using camera-trap data and statistical modeling, he investigates how environmental and anthropogenic factors, such as water availability, temperature and land use, affect detectability and movement. His broader research interests include riparian ecosystem conservation, wildlife–habitat interactions and data-driven management strategies for invasive species. In addition to his research, Ricky teaches Big Game Ecology and Management and mentors undergraduate students in field data collection, camera trapping and scientific writing.
