Publications
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center staff publish results of their research in USGS series reports and in peer-reviewed journals. Publication links are below. Information on all USGS publications can be found at the USGS Publications Warehouse.
Filter Total Items: 1934
Post fledging behavior of ferruginous hawks in North Dakota Post fledging behavior of ferruginous hawks in North Dakota
Post-fledging activities of 18 Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis) were studied in southcentral North Dakota during July and August 1979. The post-fledging period ranged from 10 to 40 d (mean = 23.1 d; N = 16). Haylands and native prairie grasslands were the principal land use types utilized by fledglings and adults. Mortality of young during post-fledging was 11% (N = 2).
Authors
P.M. Konrad, D.S. Gilmer
An evaluation of condition indices for birds An evaluation of condition indices for birds
A Lipid Index, the ratio of fat to fat-free dry weight, is proposed as a measure of fat stores in birds. The estimation of the index from field measurements of live birds is illustrated with data on the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) and greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Of the various methods of assessing fat stores, lipid extraction is the most accurate but also the most...
Authors
Douglas H. Johnson, Gary L. Krapu, Kenneth J. Reinecke, Dennis G. Jorde
Evaluation of marked-recapture for estimating striped skunk abundance Evaluation of marked-recapture for estimating striped skunk abundance
The mark-recapture method for estimating striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) abundance was evaluated by systematically livetrapping a radio-equipped population on a 31.4-km2 study area in North Dakota during late April of 1977 and 1978. The study population was 10 females and 13 males in 1977 and 20 females and 8 males in 1978. Skunks were almost exclusively nocturnal. Males traveled...
Authors
Raymond J. Greenwood, Alan B. Sargeant, Douglas H. Johnson
American coot habitat in North Dakota American coot habitat in North Dakota
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
H.A. Kantrud
The need for accuracy in modelling: An example The need for accuracy in modelling: An example
The need for accurate information in modelling depends on the objectives of the effort, but trustworthy data are essential for a model intended for use in the management of natural resources. This point is illustrated by referring to a recently published model of canvasback ducks. We demonstrate that several key assumptions are not supported by biological evidence, and that inferences...
Authors
Douglas H. Johnson, Michael J. Conroy, James D. Nichols
Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States
This classification, to be used in a new inventory of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States, is intended to describe ecological taxa, arrange them in a system useful to resource managers, furnish units for mapping, and provide uniformity of concepts and terms. Wetlands are defined by plants (hydrophytes), soils (hydric soils), and frequency of flooding. Ecologically...
Authors
L.M. Cowardin, V. Carter, F.C. Golet, E.T. LaRoe
Recoveries of ferruginous hawks banded in south-central North Dakota Recoveries of ferruginous hawks banded in south-central North Dakota
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
D.S. Gilmer, D.L. Evans, P.M. Konrad, R. E. Stewart
Disturbance of diving ducks by boaters on a migrational staging area Disturbance of diving ducks by boaters on a migrational staging area
No abstract available.
Authors
C. E. Korschgen, L. S. George, W. L. Green
Improving waterfowl production estimates: Results of a test in the prairie pothole region Improving waterfowl production estimates: Results of a test in the prairie pothole region
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an effort to improve and standardize methods for estimating waterfowl production tested a new technique in the four-county Arrowwood Wetland Management District (WMD) for three years (1982-1984). On 14 randomly selected 10.36 km2 plots, upland and wetland habitat was mapped, classified, and digitized. Waterfowl breeding pairs were counted twice each...
Authors
P.M. Arnold, L.M. Cowardin
Fat deposition and usage by arctic-nesting sandhill cranes during spring Fat deposition and usage by arctic-nesting sandhill cranes during spring
Body weight, fat, and protein levels of arctic-nesting Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) were measured at several locations during spring migration and on the breeding grounds. Body weights of adult males and females increased by about 34% (1,129 g) and 30% (953 g) from early March at the Platte River to late April at Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan; average fat content increased from...
Authors
Gary L. Krapu, G.C. Iverson, K. J. Reinecke, C.M. Boise
Quick estimates of success rates of duck nests Quick estimates of success rates of duck nests
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
Douglas H. Johnson, A.T. Klett