Quantitative and Other Methods Active
Applying quantitative methods to evaluate ecological hypotheses for wild animal populations is inherently challenging due to the complexity of ecological systems and the sampling process that is used to monitor them.
Amphibians can be especially difficult to monitor because they are often cryptic and use different habitats seasonally. Our lab uses occupancy, capture-recapture, and related analyses (using both frequentist and Bayesian approaches) to correct monitoring data for the sampling process (i.e., imperfect detection, sampling designs, etc.) and provide unbiased estimates of system dynamics. Part of this work involves publishing technical reports and peer-reviewed articles on the development and evaluation of new methods accommodating different sources of uncertainty. Examples of field methods used by our lab include environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, capture-mark-recapture, radio telemetry, skin swabbing for disease and microbiome, water and sediment sampling, and tissue sampling for genetic analyses. We also provide decision support to identify and address the needs of diverse stakeholder groups and wildlife using a structured process.
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Using spatiotemporal models and distance sampling to map the space use and abundance of newly metamorphosed Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas)
Using occupancy models to understand the distribution of an amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
A Protocol for Aging Anurans Using Skeletochronology
Range-wide phylogeographic analysis of the spotted frog complex (Rana luteiventris and Rana pretiosa) in northwestern North America
Sampling protocol for monitoring abiotic and biotic characteristics of mountain ponds and lakes
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI): A successful start to a national program in the United States
Amphibians of the Fort Lewis Military Reservation, Washington: Sampling techniques and community patterns
- Overview
Applying quantitative methods to evaluate ecological hypotheses for wild animal populations is inherently challenging due to the complexity of ecological systems and the sampling process that is used to monitor them.
Amphibians can be especially difficult to monitor because they are often cryptic and use different habitats seasonally. Our lab uses occupancy, capture-recapture, and related analyses (using both frequentist and Bayesian approaches) to correct monitoring data for the sampling process (i.e., imperfect detection, sampling designs, etc.) and provide unbiased estimates of system dynamics. Part of this work involves publishing technical reports and peer-reviewed articles on the development and evaluation of new methods accommodating different sources of uncertainty. Examples of field methods used by our lab include environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, capture-mark-recapture, radio telemetry, skin swabbing for disease and microbiome, water and sediment sampling, and tissue sampling for genetic analyses. We also provide decision support to identify and address the needs of diverse stakeholder groups and wildlife using a structured process.
- Publications
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 19Using spatiotemporal models and distance sampling to map the space use and abundance of newly metamorphosed Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas)
High variability in abundance, cryptic coloration, and small body size of newly metamorphosed anurans have limited demographic studies of this life-history stage. We used line-transect distance sampling and Bayesian methods to estimate the abundance and spatial distribution of newly metamorphosed Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas) in terrestrial habitat surrounding a montane lake in central WashingtoAuthorsNathan D. Chelgren, Barbara Samora, M. J. Adams, Brome McCrearyUsing occupancy models to understand the distribution of an amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a fungal pathogen that is receiving attention around the world for its role in amphibian declines. Study of its occurrence patterns is hampered by false negatives: the failure to detect the pathogen when it is present. Occupancy models are a useful but currently underutilized tool for analyzing detection data when the probability of detecting a species is <1. We uAuthorsM. J. Adams, Nathan Chelgren, David M. Reinitz, Rebecca A. Cole, L.J. Rachowicz, Stephanie Galvan, Brome McCreary, Christopher A. Pearl, Larissa L. Bailey, Jamie B. Bettaso, Evelyn L. Bull, Matthias LeuA Protocol for Aging Anurans Using Skeletochronology
Age distribution information can be an important part of understanding the biology of any population. Age estimates collected from the annual growth rings found in tooth and bone cross sections, often referred to as Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs), have been used in the study of various animals. In this manual, we describe in detail all necessary steps required to obtain estimates of age from anurAuthorsBrome McCreary, Christopher A. Pearl, M. J. AdamsRange-wide phylogeographic analysis of the spotted frog complex (Rana luteiventris and Rana pretiosa) in northwestern North America
The dynamic geological and climatic history of northwestern North America has made it a focal region for phylogeography. We conducted a range-wide phylogeographic analysis of the spotted frog complex (Rana luteiventris and Rana pretiosa) across its range in northwestern North America to understand its evolutionary history and the distribution of clades to inform conservation of R. pretiosa and GreAuthorsW.C. Funk, C.A. Pearl, H.M. Draheim, M.J. Adams, T.D. Mullins, S. M. HaigSampling protocol for monitoring abiotic and biotic characteristics of mountain ponds and lakes
This document describes field techniques and procedures used for sampling mountain ponds and lakes. These techniques and procedures will be used primarily to monitor, as part of long-term programs in National Parks and other protected areas, the abiotic and biotic characteristics of naturally occurring permanent montane lentic systems up to 75 ha in surface area. However, the techniques and procedAuthorsRobert L. Hoffman, Torrey J. Tyler, Gary L. Larson, M. J. Adams, Wendy Wente, Stephanie GalvanAmphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI): A successful start to a national program in the United States
Most research to assess amphibian declines has focused on local-scale projects on one or a few species. The Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) is a national program in the United States mandated by congressional directive and implemented by the U.S. Department of the Interior (specifically the U.S. Geological Survey, USGS). Program goals are to monitor changes in populations of amAuthorsGary M. Fellers, Erin Muths, C. Kenneth Dodd, D. Earl Green, William A. Battaglin, P. Stephen Corn, M. J. Adams, Alisa L. Gallant, Robert N. Fisher, Cecil R. Schwalbe, Larissa L. Bailey, Walter J. Sadinski, Robin E. Jung, Susan C. WallsAmphibians of the Fort Lewis Military Reservation, Washington: Sampling techniques and community patterns
The 27,000 ha Fort Lewis Military Reservation is situated in the Puget lowlands and contains a wide variety of aquatic habitats offering potential refuge for native amphibians. We surveyed amphibians on Fort Lewis from 1992 through 1995 to examine occupancy patterns relative to wetland characteristics. We documented 9 native amphibians and 1 introduced anuran (Rana catesbeiana) that represent 133AuthorsM. J. Adams, R. Bruce Bury, Scott A. Swarts