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Population and community ecology
Interactions of a single species (population) or an association of different species (community) occupying a particular region, including their biotic and abiotic environments.
Subtopics:
Animal behavior (27 items)
Biodiversity (26 items)
Biogeography (73 items)
Community ecology (13 items)
Ecosystems (264 items)
Habitats (30 items)
Population dynamics (35 items)
Phenology (11 items)
Symbiosis (1 items)

Radar ecology (2 items)
Related topics:
Results 1 - 207 of 381 listed by similarity [list alphabetically]
History and ecology of mangroves in the Dry Tortugas [More info]
Fact sheet on the historic and current conditions of mangroves of Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of islands and coral reefs west of Key West, Florida. Mangroves and nesting frigate bird colonies are at risk to destruction by hurricanes.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: Populations [More info]
Descriptions of projects and resources on wildlife population ecology at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center with links to research activities, long-term programs, and resources and references.
PDF Advancing migratory bird conservation and management by using radar: An interagency collaboration [More info]
Doppler radar imaging is used for tracking the migration and behavior of bird populations. With the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies, USGS uses this technology to assist decision makers balance natural and industrial concerns
Aquatic Ecology Branch, Leetown Science Center [More info]
Programs of the Aquatic Ecology Branch on landscape ecology and GIS, molecular genetics, environmental contaminants, stream ecology, and other aspects of aquatic ecology in eastern United States.
Arctic Refuge coastal plain terrestrial wildlife research summaries [More info]
Updated summaries of research in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, on caribou, muskoxen, predators (grizzly bears, wolves, golden eagles), polar bears, snow geese and their wildlife habitats with maps of land-cover and vegetation.
PDF Bats of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge [More info]
Detailed information on capture-and-release surveying as well as acoustic monitoring of bats indicates prevalence of various species and, for the captured specimens, physiological characteristics.
PDF Biological soil crusts: webs of life in the desert [More info]
Fact sheet on the need to protect biological soil crusts in the desert. These crusts are most of the soil surface in deserts not covered by green plants and are inhabited by cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) and other organisms useful to the ecosystem.
Climate Change and Wildlife Health: Direct and Indirect Effects [More info]
Addresses geographic range and distribution of wildlife diseases, plant and animal phenology, wildlife host-pathogen interactions, and disease patterns in wildlife.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) Ecology Branch [More info]
Overview of research of the Ecology Branch on the ecological consequences of habitat degradation due to altered environment, nonindigenous species, and atmospheric alterations. Includes links to staff and research projects.
Community model for coastal sediment transport [More info]
Description of the National Community Sediment-Transport Model (NCSTM), an open source numerical model for sediment transport in coastal regions.
Contributions of the Conservation Reserve Program to populations of breeding birds in North Dakota [More info]
Assessment of the importance of the Conservation Reserve Program in preventing the decline of grassland breeding birds by preserving grassland habitats in North Dakota. Published as Wilson Bulletin v. 107 no. 4, pp. 709-718 (1995).
Current research at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Search interface for current research activities at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, located in Maryland north of Washington DC
Fire ecology research [More info]
Study of wildland fire history and fire ecology such as plants in the Sierra Nevada forests, California shrublands, the Mojave, and Sonoran deserts to develop management techniques that will reduce hazards.
PDF Forecasting the effects of land-use and climate change on wildlife communities and habitats in the lower Mississippi Valley [More info]
Describes the analytical process by which spatial scientific information contributes to forecasts and models in support of regional and local decision-making.
Forest and rangeland birds of the United States: natural history and habitat use [More info]
Catalog of bird species common to forest and rangeland habitats in the U.S. with natural histories including taxonomic information, range, and habitat descriptions to assist land managers in resource management. Text available as a *.zip file.
PDF Genetic research for wildlife and fisheries management - A primer [More info]
Explains the types of genetic analysis we carry out, and how those methods help us understand biological populations so that people who manage those populations can devise effective strategies.
Grizzly bear and black bear ecology [More info]
Summaries of research projects on black bear and grizzly ecology and ecosystems supporting the populations and bibliography of related publications.
PDF Macroinvertebrate and algal community sample collection methods and data collected at selected sites in the Eagle River watershed, Colorado, 2000-07 [More info]
Macroinvertebrate data collected by USGS or USFS from 73 sites from 2000 to 2007 and algal data collected from up to 26 sites between 2000 and 2001 in the Eagle River watershed, with emphasis on methods of sample collection and data processing.
PDF Management and Research Applications of Long-range Surveillance Radar Data for Birds, Bats, and Flying Insects [More info]
Explains how radar can be used to measure the density, speed, direction, altitude, and location of flocks of animals in flight.
PDF Microbial ecology of deep-water mid-Atlantic canyons [More info]
Plan for an upcoming study, at the microbiological scale, of the benthic communities (including corals) that reside in and around mid-Atlantic canyons, which are located at the edge of the continental shelf.
Modeling Climate Change and Sturgeon Populations in the Missouri River [More info]
Research to address effects of climate change on sturgeon population dynamics.
National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center [More info]
Coordinates our efforts to address challenges resulting from climate change and to empower natural resource managers with rigorous scientific information and effective tools for decision-making.
PDF Noninvasive methods for monitoring bear population trends [More info]
We estimate population growth rates by collecting hair at natural bear rubs along trails, roads, and fence and power lines, and analyzing the DNA from the hair.
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Homepage for the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND, with links to announcements, science prgorams, biological resources finder, publications search option, contacts, and answers to common questions about the Center
Patuxent bird population studies [More info]
Links to ornithology programs at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, including large scale survey analysis of bird populations, research tools, datasets and analyses, bird identification, and seasonal bird lists.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center [More info]
Core web page from America's first wildlife experiment station and a leading wildlife management refuge, the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland with links to projects, publications, library, contacts, and how to get there.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center monitoring projects [More info]
Biomonitoring projects studying the status and trends of the nation's environmental resources and programs studying amphibians and birds. Links to long-term programs, resources and references, and related links.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center software archive [More info]
Programs developed at Patuxent Research Center (PWRC) and elsewhere for the analysis of animal populations for wildlife biologists and managers with downloadable software, source, and users' manuals.
Pautuxent Wildlife Research Center - Wetlands and other communities [More info]
List and brief abstracts on projects at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center researching wetland ecology and ecosystem management in Eastern United States.
Potential effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gases on avian habitats and populations in the Northern Great Plains [More info]
Report on effects of the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide on plants and animals, especially birds, in the Great Plains including effects of carbon dioxide fertilization, ultraviolet radiation, climate change, and harmful effects on bird habitats.
South Florida Ecosystem History Project [More info]
Project is designed to integrate studies from a number of researchers compiling data from terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems within south Florida. Links to publications, maps, posters, and data of studies.
PDF Southwest Caves Reveal New Forms of Life [More info]
These lightless and nutrient-poor natural systems are home to life forms found nowhere else on Earth. Three new genera and at least 15 new species have been discovered here.
PDF Status and Trends of the Grand Canyon Population of Humpback Chub [More info]
The number of adult humpback chub--fish 4 years old and older and capable of reproduction--increased approximately 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
Summary report of nonindigenous aquatic species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 [More info]
Report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with descriptions of exotic aquatic species introduced in the southeast United States with information on populations, geographic distribution, and origins.
The Baltimore-Washington Regional Collaboratory Land-Use History Research Program [More info]
A description of research activities of the Baltimore-Washington Regional Collaboratory urban growth in the Chesapeake region.
PDF The effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on early life stages of rainbow trout in the Colorado River [More info]
Complex interactions among hydrologic events initiated by people and the behaviors and characteristics of animal species (both native and introduced) lead to important scientific and management problems.
Wetlands Ecology Branch, National Wetlands Research Center [More info]
Information on the NWRC Wetlands Ecology Branch, which conducts research related to sustainable management and restoration of the nation's coastal saltwater wetlands, freshwater wetlands, submerged aquatic ecosystems, and coastal prairie.
What's new at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Maryland) [More info]
Links to news articles on scientific activities at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, located in Maryland, north of Washington DC.
Wildlife and Terrestrial Resources Program [More info]
Homepage of the USGS Wildlife and Terrestrial Resources Program with links to projects, centers, and cooperative research units.
Wind energy and wildlife research at the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center [More info]
How will the increasing use of wind turbines affect populations of wild birds and bats? This shows which birds and bats we study, and the aspects of their ecology that may be affected by wind energy development.
PDF A Neotropical Migrant Bird's Dilemma - Where to Stop for a Good Meal [More info]
Studying 28 species of warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, and vireos, we find the birds relied on the flowering of honey mesquite to detect the availability of insects they eat.
Access USGS - San Francisco Bay and Delta [More info]
Main page for accessing links for information and data on the San Francisco Bay estuary and its watershed with links to highlights, water, biology, wetlands, hazards, digital maps, geologic mapping, winds, bathymetry and overview of the Bay.
Alaska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse [More info]
Clearinghouse for the description and availability of multiple geospatial datasets relating to Alaska from many federal, state and local cooperating agencies under the coordination of the Alaska Geographic Data Committee.
Alaska Interagency Ecosystem Health Work Group [More info]
A community of practice that recognizes the interconnections between the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and humans and meets to facilitate the exchange of ideas, data, and research opportunities.
Alaska Science Center - Biological Science Office [More info]
Research on birds, mammals, ecosystems and habitats, fish and fisheries in Alaska
America's volcanic past - volcanic highlights and features [More info]
Links to volcanism, volcanic history, volcanic rocks, and general geology by state, by region, national parks and national monuments and a brief introduction to volcanism around the U.S. entitled: Windows into the past.
PDF Amphibian monitoring in the Atchafalaya Basin [More info]
They're abundant in this area, but hard to count reliably. We outline a procedure for estimating the population sizes so that we can determine whether they're increasing or dwindling. We must both listen for their calls and visually confirm them.
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative [More info]
Homepage for the Dept. of the Interior's Initiative coordinated by the USGS, for amphibian (frogs, toads, salamanders and newts) monitoring, research, and conservation. Links to National Atlas for Amphibian Distribution, photos, and interactive map serve
Amphibians & reptiles of the southeastern United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]
Links to information on species of frogs, toads, and salamanders located in the southeastern United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with information on appearance, habitats, calls, and status, plus photos, glossary, and provisional data.
PDF An experiment to control nonnative fish in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona [More info]
We removed non-native fish from a section of the river and the endangered native species humpback chub increased in abundance. But it is not yet clear that decreased competition explains the rebound in population.
An online database for IHN virus in Pacific Salmonid fish: MEAP-IHNV [More info]
Background information and genetic sequencing data for more than 1,000 individual field isolates of the fish virus Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) collected in western North America from 1966 to the present, updated annually.
ANALOG: a program for estimating paleoclimate parameters using the method of modern analogs [More info]
Scientific software used with faunal or floral census data to find the modern locations most similar to any given fossil assemblage. Source code is included.
PDF Anticipated effects of development on habitat fragmentation and movement of mammals into and out of the Schoodic District, Acadia National Park, Maine [More info]
Wildlife you see in a national park or other reserved area don't know about the park boundary. Bobcat, martens, mink, and moose need different types of living space and habitat. Development outside the park affects their ability to inhabit the park.
Apoidea -- Bees and Sphecid Wasps [More info]
Guide to the identification, biology, and ecology of bees and sphecid wasps, mostly in eastern North America.
PDF Application of environmental DNA for inventory and monitoring of aquatic species [More info]
Using genetic analysis of organic material found in aquatic environments it is possible to detect the presence of organisms without necessarily observing or capturing individuals. Explains terms, methods, and prospective utility of this approach.
PDF Assessing rangelands [More info]
Fact sheet in Adobe PDF on assessing the health of rangeland by monitoring and inventory which can help land managers
PDF Assessment of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in the Autauga Creek watershed, Autauga County, Alabama, 2009 [More info]
Previous analysis showed this area to have reduced macroinvertebrate biodiversity, an important measure of ecosystem health. New observations indicate that conditions have improved; report includes methods and results of sampling.
PDF Assessment of least tern and piping plover habitats on the Missouri River using remote sensing [More info]
Analysis and modeling of multispectral imagery helps to predict the suitability of sand bars for nesting of these migratory birds.
Atchafalaya & Mississippi River Deltas study: a tale of two deltas [More info]
Project of the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science program that evaluates the transport and sedimentation of contaminates through the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River delta to the near-shore Gulf of Mexico. Includes aerial photographs.
PDF Avian conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region, Northern Great Plains-Understanding the links between climate, ecosystem processes, wetland management, and bird communities [More info]
Small wetlands in this large area have hosted migratory birds for a long time, but with changes in agricultural practice and regional climate those habitats may not remain hospitable to the wild populations.
Bat research in California [More info]
Brief review of bat research in the San Francisco Bay area and southern California providing land managers with information on the occurrence and status of bat species with links to bat inventories for California and related material.
PDF Bats and wind energy-A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography [More info]
A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography focus on North America and on refereed journals. Additional references include a selection of citations on bat ecology, international research on bats and wind energy, and unpublished reports.
PDF Bear Spray Safety Program [More info]
Explains for USGS employees and volunteers how best to defend against bear attacks when conducting field studies.
PDF Beyond the Golden Gate--oceanography, geology, biology, and environmental issues in the Gulf of the Farallones [More info]
A geologic and oceanographic study of the waters and Continental Shelf of Gulf of the Farallones adjacent to the San Francisco Bay region. The results of the study provide a scientific basis to evaluate and monitor human impact on the marine environment.
BioData: a national aquatic bioassessment database [More info]
A web-enabled database that provides for the capture, curation, integration, and delivery of bioassessment data collected by USGS, principally macroinvertebrate, algae, fish, and supporting habitat data from rivers and streams.
Biological and ecotoxicological characteristics of terrestrial vertebrates residing in estuaries [More info]
Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) program is designed to assess and monitor the effects of environmental contaminants on biological resources with links to detailed information on specific species.
Biological resource status and trends: Aquatic ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on aquatic ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Bay, delta, and estuarine ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on bay, delta, and estuarine ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Boreal forest ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on boreal forest ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Caves and subterranean habitats [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on caves and subterranean habitats
Biological resource status and trends: Desert ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on desert ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on Ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Forest ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on Forest ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Grassland ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on Grassland ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Inland water ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on inland water ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: intertidal and coastline ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on intertidal and coastline ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Lake ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on lake ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Marine ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on marine ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Montane ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on montane ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Ocean and sea ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on oceanic ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Reef ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on reef ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: River and stream ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on river and stream ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Savanna ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on savanna ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Shrubland and steppe ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on shrubland and steppe ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Temperate forest ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on temperate forest ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Terrestrial ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on terrestrial ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Terrestrial invasive organisms [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on terrestrial invasive organisms
Biological resource status and trends: Tropical forest ecosystems [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on tropical forest ecosystems
Biological resource status and trends: Wetlands [More info]
Information concerning status and trends of biological resources, focusing on wetland ecosystems
Biological soil crusts [More info]
Explains biological soil crusts, organism-produced soil formations commonly found in semiarid and arid environments, with special reference to their biological composition, physical characteristics, and ecological significance.
Bird Banding Laboratory: the North American Bird Banding Program [More info]
Bird banding is used to study the movement, survival and behavior of birds. The Bird Banding Laboratory Site has links to the value, procedure and history of bird banding, how to report bird bands (English & Spanish), and resources for birders.
Bird checklists of the United States [More info]
Geographical access to multiple bird checklists developed by others that indicate the seasonal occurrence of birds in a given area. A Record Documentation Form to document supporting details of rare bird observations is also available.
Bird Point Count Database [More info]
Perform custom searches for bird count and bird habitat data or enter your bird count and vegetation data.
PDF Born of fire: restoring sagebrush steppe [More info]
USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: fact sheet in Adobe PDF about the studies to restore sagebrush steppe
Boston Harbor ecosystems [More info]
This web site is an outgrowth of an agreement between the USGS and the New England Aquarium, designed to summarize and make available results of scientific research. It will also present educational material of interest to wide audiences.
Breeding Bird Explorer [More info]
Data management system for Breeding Bird Atlas projects in Maryland and the District of Columbia and in Vermont.
PDF Bryophytes and lichens, small but indispensable forest dwellers [More info]
Description of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) and lichens (dual organisms of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium) that are part of forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest with information on habitat and conservation.
PDF Buck Island Reef National Monument Sea Turtle Research Program: Sea turtle nesting research & monitoring protocols manual [More info]
Manual for research program on the nesting habits of sea turtles of the Virgin Islands, with descriptions of species, nesting behavior, observation methods, record keeping, tagging, and tissue sample collection. (PDF file, 121 pp.)
PDF Buffelgrass-Integrated modeling of an invasive plant [More info]
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) poses a problem in the deserts of the United States, growing in dense stands and introducing a wildfire risk in an ecosystem not adapted to fire. This report explains what we are doing to help mitigate its effects.
PDF Burrowing owls winter in south Texas [More info]
Experimental use of artificial burrows in south Texas to help in conservation of the migratory burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) that breed in dry grasslands using animal burrows.
Butterflies and moths of North America [More info]
Information on species of butterflies in North America with photos, checklists, distribution maps, aids to identification, and references.
PDF Catalogue of Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Maternal Den Locations in the Beaufort Sea and Neighboring Regions, Alaska, 1910-2010 [More info]
Approximate locations of 392 polar bear maternal dens found between 1910 and 2010, along with the method and year of discovery.
Changing Arctic Ecosystems-Measuring and forecasting the response of Alaska's terrestrial ecosystem to a warming climate [More info]
Combining genetic data with current and predicted climate scenarios, we are modeling the predicted future distributions of wildlife populations in the Arctic and identifying key environmental variables that determine important animal habitat.
Changing Arctic ecosystems-Research to understand and project changes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Arctic [More info]
Three themes of ongoing research: forecasting polar bear and walrus population response to changing marine ecosystems; measuring wildlife population changes in the Arctic coastal plain, and wildlife communities in the boreal-Arctic transition zone.
Changing patterns in the number of species in North American floras [More info]
A chapter of the publication: Land Use History of North America on general patterns of plant species diversity in North America that shows how these patterns have changed over time.
Characterization of macroalgal epiphytes on Thalassia testudinum in Tampa Bay, Florida [More info]
Identification of epiphytes (plants obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and usually living on another plant) on seaweed in Tampa Bay, Florida. Abstract of symposium presentation with photos.
Chesapeake Bay activities [More info]
Information on USGS studies of Chesapeake Bay, the nation's largest estuary, concerned with water quality, ecosystem history and change, vital habitat and biological resources, and land use studies.
Chronic Wasting Disease [More info]
Information on National Wildlife Center research on Chronic Wasting Disease, a disease affecting the nervous system of elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer.
Classification of natural ponds and lakes in the glaciated prairie region [More info]
Presents a wetland classification system that reflects seasonal, regional, and local variations in the environment.
Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States [More info]
Detailed publication on the classification system for an inventory of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States used to describe ecological taxa and arrange them in a system useful to resource managers.
Climate change in mountain ecosystems [More info]
Overview of interdisciplinary research studies in Glacier National Park to understand how this mountain wilderness responds to present climatic variability and other external stressors, such as air pollution, and links to detailed reports.
Climate-Driven Ocean Changes Affect Estuaries [More info]
Research findings and examples of application to real problems--Pacific Ocean cooling triggers phytoplankton blooms in San Francisco Bay.
Climatic changes and effect on wild sheep habitat [More info]
Preliminary results indicate significant changes in Dall sheep diet accompanying vegetation changes and upslope retreat of glaciers.
Coastal and Marine Geology Program [More info]
Home page for Coastal and Marine Geology with links to topics of interest (sea level change, erosion, corals, pollution, sonar mapping, and others), Sound Waves monthly newsletter, field centers, regions of interest, and subject search system.
Coastal ecosystem responses to influences from land and sea, coastal and ocean science [More info]
Changes in both the ocean and coastal ecosystems may have negative effects on sea otter populations in the coastal Northwest and Alaska. A study underway will examine these factors and the overall health of sea otter populations.
Coastal habitats in Puget Sound [More info]
Declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and changes in coastal habitats have prompted this USGS study of the region's nearshore life and environment. Includes links to data from published reports.
Coastal Prairie Research Program, National Wetlands Research Center [More info]
Coverage of the Coastal Prairie Ecology Research (CPER) Team, National Wetlands Research Center, providing scientific information to aid the conservation, management, and restoration of ecosystems in the greater coastal prairie region.
Columbia Environmental Research Center [More info]
Website for the Columbia Environmental Research Center with links to staff, publications, databases, field stations, and projects including those on the Rio Grande, burrowing owls, sea turtles, and geospatial technology.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) online databases [More info]
Links to Columbia Environmental Research Center online databases with text, data, and metadata on toxicity, Missouri River, biomonitoring of environmental status and trends, contaminants, and sediments.
Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) publications [More info]
Links to electronic publications of the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) including journal articles and full-text publications accessible by publication series and subjects.
Columbia River USGS Interdisciplinary Science Explorer WebSite [More info]
Web site for an Internet Map Service (IMS) serving base cartographic data, USGS data, science applications and real time modelling analyses for the Columbia River basin using geospatial analysis technology.
Connectivity of tropical marine ecosystems--An overview of interdisciplinary research to understand biodiversity and trophic relationships in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico [More info]
Describes research to assess the effectiveness of the current system and distribution of marine reserves and protected areas in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for conserving reef ecosystems and resources.
Contaminant exposure and effects--terrestrial vertebrates (CEE-TV) database [More info]
The information provided in the CEE-TV database profiles available geo-referenced information on contaminant exposure and effects in terrestrial vertebrates along the U. S. coasts. The database utilizes Microsoft's Access 2000 for Windows.
PDF Coral Diseases Following Massive Bleaching in 2005 Cause 60 Percent Decline in Coral Cover and Mortality of the Threatened Species, Acropora Palmata, on Reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands [More info]
Record-high seawater temperatures and calm seas in the summer of 2005 led to the most severe coral bleaching (death) ever observed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Coral mortality and African dust [More info]
Report with mini-movie and photos on the hypothesis that the atmospheric transport of dust arising from the desertification in northern Africa led to algal infestation of corals, coral diseases, and the near extinction of associated sea urchins.
PDF Corals as climate recorders [More info]
Shows how coral reef specimens are collected, the type of information gained from them, and the methods by which they are measured and studied to understand recent (past few centuries) changes in climate.
Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor [More info]
Locations for nine species of large constrictors, from published sources, along with monthly precipitation and average monthly temperature for those locations. Shapefiles for each snake species studied.
PDF Decision-support systems for natural-hazards and land-management issues [More info]
Three mathematical models using information about the geographic distribution and character of land surface characteristics along with proposed modifications or plausible events to determine the likely costs and benefits of actions and events.
PDF Demography of the Pryor Mountain wild horses, 1993-2007 [More info]
Population size, foaling, deaths, age structure, sex ratio, age-specific survival rates, and more over a 14 year time span. This information will help land and wildlife managers find the best maintenance and conservation strategies.
Desert tortoise research at Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) [More info]
Links to research studies, conservation information, and general information on desert tortoises at the Western Ecological Research Center in Sacramento, California.
Deserts, geology and resources [More info]
Online edition of booklet describing desert geology and mineral resources.
PDF Detailed seafloor habitat mapping to enhance marine-resource management [More info]
We conduct systematic imaging of reef habitats in order to provide regulatory agencies with information they need to decide whether those reefs should be designated as protected areas.
PDF Detecting Evidence of Climate Change in the Forests of the Eastern United States [More info]
The relation between seasonal forest change and weather is being tracked and analyzed by comparing precise field observations to regional patterns shown in long-term satellite imagery.
Determinants of breeding distributions of ducks [More info]
Article from Wildlife Monographs no. 100 (1988) on the relationships of wetland habitat dynamics and life history to the breeding distributions of the various species of ducks with information on research methods and references.
Diatoms: applications [More info]
Use of diatoms in biostratigraphy, coastal and estuarine studies, paleoceanology, paleoliminology, earthquake studies, environmental quality and forensic studies. Includes listing of USGS diatom projects and links to other diatom websites.
Digital representation of tree species range maps from "Atlas of United States trees" by Elbert L. Little, Jr. (and other publications) [More info]
Maps of the ranges of tree species in North America compiled by Elbert Little and others were digitized for use in USGS vegetation and climate modeling studies. Can be downloaded as ArcView shapefiles and in PDF graphic files.
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the United States [More info]
Manual on dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), with links to photo thumbnails, checklists, distribution maps, and other Odonata information.
Duckdata: a bibliographic data base of North American waterfowl (Anatidae) and their wetland habitat [More info]
Comprehensive bibliography on the ecology, conservation, and management of North American waterfowl and their wetland habitats. Facilitates searching or downloading as *.zip files and use with ProCite utility.
Earthshots, satellite images of environmental change [More info]
Satellite images of geographic areas of interest, cities, deserts, glaciers, geologic features, disaster areas, water bodies, and wildlife linked with articles, maps, and other images such as AVHRR, photographs, and special project images.
Earthworms of North Dakota [More info]
Species maps, aggregate map, earthworm diagram, species photos, and bibliography of earthworm species found in North Dakota
Ecological National Synthesis Project [More info]
National-scale perspective and assessments on aquatic ecology, and the chemical and physical factors that affect aquatic conditions and health.
Ecosystems [More info]
Research and monitoring to develop fundamental understanding of ecosystem function and distributions, physical and biological components and trophic dynamics for freshwater, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems and the human and fish and wildlife communitie
Ecosystems of South Florida [More info]
An overview with brief descriptions and photographs of some of South Florida's unique ecosystems.
PDF Effects of brush management on the hydrologic budget and water quality in and adjacent to Honey Creek State Natural Area, Comal County, Texas, 2001--10 [More info]
Comparison of water in two adjacent watersheds before and after implementing a brush management strategy in one of the watersheds helps us see what water resource characteristics are sensitive to brush management and how.
Effects of management practices on grassland birds [More info]
Links to grassland bird species with detailed descriptions and bibliographic database in *.zip files to download in ProCite 5, Rich Text Format or ASCII formats.
PDF Effects of Ocean Acidification and Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reefs [More info]
By measuring the current and historical growth rates of coral skeletons, and using field experiments, we intend to find out whether rising atmospheric CO2 and rising sea levels will cause coral reefs to erode and cease to function.
PDF Effects of wastewater on forested wetlands [More info]
Study of the effects of the practice of cycling municipal nutrient-enriched wastewater from holding ponds through forested wetlands. Studies were in the Cypiere Perdue Swamp, Louisiana, and the Drummond Bog, Wisconsin.
PDF Environmental investigations using diatom microfossils [More info]
Explains use of diatom assemblages in understanding the history of coastal wetlands.
PDF Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program Western Pilot Project - Conditions of North Dakota Perennial Streams for Water Chemistry and Mercury in Fish Tissue, 2000-2003 [More info]
Sixty-five sampling sites, selected by a statistical design to represent lengths of perennial streams in North Dakota, were chosen to be sampled for water chemistry and mercury in fish tissue to establish unbiased baseline data.
PDF Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program Western Pilot Project - Information about selected fish and macroinvertebrates sampled from North Dakota perennial streams, 2000-2003 [More info]
Sixty-five sampling sites, selected by a statistical design to represent lengths of perennial streams in North Dakota, were chosen to be sampled for fish and aquatic insects (macroinvertebrates) to establish unbiased baseline data.
PDF Estuaries of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem: Laboratories of Long-term Change [More info]
Explains how we reconstruct past environmental conditions, especially salinity, to help guide ecosystem restoration efforts in this area.
Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) for support of biological and ecological assessments [More info]
Integrated network of real-time water-level monitoring, ground-elevation modeling, and water-surface modeling that provides scientists and managers with current on-line water-depth information for the entire freshwater portion of the Greater Everglades.
EverView Data Viewer [More info]
Software and data to help people model the likely response of populations of organisms to various strategies that might be employed to remedy the effects of damaged ecosystems.
PDF Examination of brine contamination risk to aquatic resources from petroleum development in the Williston Basin [More info]
Wetlands and oil wells shouldn't mix, but in some areas they do. This explains what problems may arise and how we study the effects of highly salty water produced by oil wells when it leaks into nearby wetlands and streams.
Facts About Invasive Bighead and Silver Carps [More info]
Imported from China in the 1970s, these fish thrive in the Mississippi and Missouri river systems and have become undesirable pests, competing with native fish species.
Farm ponds as critical habitats for native amphibians [More info]
Constructed farm ponds represent significant breeding, rearing, and overwintering habitat for amphibians in the Driftless Area Ecoregion of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Links to fact sheet, brochure, annual reports, field manual, and final report.
PDF February 2012 workshop jumpstarts the Mekong Fish Monitoring Network [More info]
An international workshop helps to begin collaboration on fish monitoring in southeast Asia.
Field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of coastal Southern California [More info]
Field guide to identify the reptiles and amphibians of coastal Southern California with glossary and map.
Fisheries: Aquatic and endangered resources program [More info]
This program is focused on the study of fishes, fisheries, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic habitats, and evaluates factors that affect aquatic organism health, population fitness, biological diversity, and aquatic community and habitat function.
PDF Floristic Quality Index: An assessment tool for restoration projects and monitoring sites in coastal Louisiana [More info]
Explains how we assessed the quality of a wetland as indicated by its plant species composition and abundance for marsh and swamp sites, to summarize the effectiveness of restoration projects in Louisiana.
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center [More info]
Home page of the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, providing research and technical support for ecosystem management in the western U.S. Links to projects, field stations, fact sheets, partnerships, and publications.
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: Fact Sheets [More info]
Access to Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center fact sheets on fish, fish diseases, aquatic resources, and other projects and activities.
Fort Collins Science Center [More info]
Homepage of the Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado with links to programs in ecological research programs, staff directory, products library, news and events, and research features and spotlights.
Fossil groups: Vertebrates [More info]
Information on vertebrate fossils and their use in paleontologic research in biostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, paleobiology, paleoecology, and earth history.
Fragile environments: San Francisco Bay wetlands [More info]
Overview with links to studies on the effects of human activity on the San Francisco estuary with loss of historic fresh and saltwater tidal marshes reducing habitats, introducing contaminants in waste, and creating dredging problems.
Frequent arousal from hibernation linked to severity of infection and mortality in bats with white-nose syndrome [More info]
By attaching data loggers to bats, we found bats infected with white-nose syndrome awoke from hibernation more frequently, which may contribute to increased mortality.
PDF From ridge to reef--linking erosion and changing watersheds to impacts on the coral reef ecosystems of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Ocean [More info]
Explains how land processes on hills near the shoreline affect the health of coral reefs.
Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project (FRIRP) [More info]
Home page for the Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project, a demonstration study of the northern Colorado Front Range urban corridor and the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range urban corridor with links to projects, datasets, and publications.
Galveston Bay Wetland Inventory Project [More info]
Links to reports, partners, principal investigators, maps, aerial photos, and contacts for the Galveston Bay Wetland Inventory Project.
Gap Analysis Program [More info]
Program to keep common species common by identifying those species and plant communities that are not adequately represented in existing conservation lands. Links to projects, applications, status maps, and a searchable database.
Genetics and molecular tools [More info]
Describes the value of molecular biology genetic tools in enhancing the delineation of the genetic diversity and the effects of environmental degradation on living species. Links to research, which differentiated two species of sage-grouse.
Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program [More info]
Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program (GAM) conducts studies about land surface change, environmental and human health, fire and urban ecology, and natural hazards to help decision-makers in land-use planning and land management.
Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program current studies [More info]
Links to current Geographic Analysis and Monitoring (GAM)studies.
Geographic science of Alaska [More info]
Descriptions, results, and data on research projects using geographic analysis and monitoring and remote sensing to study ecosystems and land processes in the Arctic region.
Geologic framework and process of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin [More info]
Field methods, topics of investigation, shoreline changes, publications, and satellite imagery related to geologic and hydrologic processes affecting Lake Pontchartrain and adjacent lakes which form a large estuary in the Gulf Coast region.
Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) wildland fire support [More info]
Description of the Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) project, online maps of current wildland fire locations using Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, and user guide on how to use mapping application.
Giant Canada goose flocks in the United States [More info]
Review of the size of breeding populations of Giant Canada geese by states in the Mississippi, Atlantic, Central, and Pacific flyways and the management problems caused by rapid increases of local breeding populations.
Great Lakes Science Center [More info]
Site for Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, which provides information about biological resources in the Great Lakes Basin. Links to personnel, publications, data, library, facilities, research vessels, Great Lakes issues, and research.
PDF Gulf of Mexico deep-sea coral ecosystem studies, 2008-2011 [More info]
Deep-sea corals, also known as cold-water corals, have become a topic of interest due to conservation concerns over the impacts of trawling, exploration for oil and gas, and climate change.
Gulf of Mexico Estuaries Integrated Science Strategy [More info]
A white paper describing a plan for USGS research in Gulf of Mexico estuaries, developed in 2001 using Tampa Bay as an example with links to program strategy and design.
Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science [More info]
Website of the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Science program to understand the framework and processes of the Gulf of Mexico using Tampa Bay as a pilot study. Links to publications, digital library, water chemistry maps, epiphytes, and field trips.
Hudson River salt front data [More info]
Tide stage, specific conductance, water temperature, and freshwater inflow at selected Hudson River (New York) gages updated every 4-hours to measure the effects of freshwater withdrawals and upstream movement of the salt front.
Hurricane and extreme storm impact studies: coastal and nearshore mapping with scanning airborne laser (LIDAR) [More info]
Airborne scanning laser surveys (LIDAR) are used to obtaining data to investigate the magnitude and causes of coastal changes that occur during severe storms. Links to examples of coastal mapping during specific hurricanes.
Hurricane Katrina disaster: general information and USGS response [More info]
Observations and effects of hurricane Katrina, with information about USGS monitoring and studies related to the area affected.
PDF Hydrology, phenology and the USA National Phenology Network [More info]
Explains how hydrologic factors interact with phenology
Hypoxia [More info]
A brief definition and explanation of hypoxia with special reference to the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone along the Louisiana-Texas coast as well as extensive links to USGS and other related information resources.
Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico and related USGS activities [More info]
Information about the causes and impact of hypoxia with links to USGS and other Federal agency information and activities related to nutrients in the Mississippi River Basin and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.
Identifying predators and fates of grassland passerine nests using miniature video cameras [More info]
Description of the use of a miniature video-camera system deployed at nests of passerine species in North Dakota to videotape predation of eggs or nestlings by animals such as mice, ground squirrels, deer, cowbirds and others.
PDF Impacts of Low-Flow and Stream-Temperature Changes on Endangered Atlantic Salmon - Current Research [More info]
Recent physical changes over time, including trends toward earlier snowmelt runoff, decreasing river ice, and increasing spring water temperatures, may affect salmon populations; we want to know how important these effects are.
Impounded river systems [More info]
Article from Status and Trends of the Nation's Biological Resources on the serious impacts to river systems due to damming and flow regulation, and rehabilitation, monitoring, and research on such rivers.
PDF Improving strategies to assess competitive effects of barred owls on northern spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest [More info]
A scientific study has determined that survey methods designed for spotted owls do not always detect barred owls that are actually present in spotted owl habitat.
Influence of Riparian Tree Phenology on Lower Colorado River Spring-Migrating Birds: Implications of Flower Cueing [More info]
PDF Integrated monitoring of ecological conditions in wetland-upland landscapes [More info]
Landscapes of interwoven wetlands and uplands offer a rich set of ecosystem goods and services. Changes in climate and land use can affect the value of those services. We study these areas to understand how they may be changing.
PDF Integrating agriculture and conservation [More info]
We conducted a national landowner survey, evaluated short-term vegetation responses to land management practices (primarily grazing, haying, and burning), and initiating a long-term vegetation monitoring study for wetland buffers.
Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) [More info]
Description of research program for immediate and long-term management of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) inhabiting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Includes links to reports in PDF format and cooperating organizations.
Invasive crayfish in the Pacific Northwest [More info]
These organisms have negative effects on local ecosystems, but we don't yet know how extensively they have spread. Here is a key to help people identify them.
Invasive Species Program -- Snakeheads, aquatic invaders [More info]
Snakeheads, aggressive airbreathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America, are considered injurious to certain native North American fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Invasive species research [More info]
Links to research projects that will improve the ability to detect, monitor, and predict the effects of invasive species, including exotic animals, on native ecosystems of the Pacific Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona).
PDF Inventory and protection of salt marshes from risks of sea-level rise at Acadia National Park, Maine [More info]
Will salt marshes survive if sea level rises quickly? The answer depends on whether the areas surrounding them can allow salt marsh fauna and flora to migrate there. Local topography, both natural and manmade, is the main factor limiting this migration.
PDF Investigating atmospheric mercury with the U.S. Geological Survey mobile mercury laboratory [More info]
Explains sources of mercury in the air, ways in which mercury is concentrated in animals, and describes how we measure deposition of atmospheric mercury, with summaries of observations.
Is science in danger of sanctifying the wolf? [More info]
What does it mean that beneficial trophic cascades (side effects) of wolf population restoration are questioned by recent research?
PDF Lake monitoring field manual [More info]
Handbook on monitoring methods for lake management, including program design, sampling methods and protocol, biota and chemical sampling methods, laboratory methods, preservation of data and samples, glossary, and bibliography. (PDF file, 92 pp.)
Lake Tahoe Data Clearinghouse [More info]
This website is a gateway to information and data on Lake Tahoe with links to Lake Tahoe Initiative, geography, history, lake facts, GIS Data, DEM, DOQ, DLG imagery, bathymetry, satellite imagery, land cover, census, soils, pictures, and general maps.
PDF Land-use planning for nearshore ecosystem services--the Puget Sound Ecosystem Portfolio Model [More info]
Describes the types of concerns and observations used to help area resource managers analyze actual or potential changes in this highly developed ecosystem.
Leetown Science Center [More info]
Homepage for the Leetown Science Center in West Virginia conducting research on aquatic and terrestrial organisms and their supporting ecosystems with links to directions, general description, library, projects, fact sheets, and facilities.
PDF Lidar postcards [More info]
Four postcards available for downloading and printing, illustrating the use of lidar (light detection and ranging) to construct high-resolution topographic and habitat maps.
Limber pine communities [More info]
Report on status and trends of limber pine communities with references.
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