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: 1952
Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation of species distributions: A case study of the swift fox in western Kansas Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation of species distributions: A case study of the swift fox in western Kansas
Accurate maps of species distributions are essential tools for wildlife research and conservation. Unfortunately, biologists often are forced to rely on maps derived from observed occurrences recorded opportunistically during observation periods of variable length. Spurious inferences are likely to result because such maps are profoundly affected by the duration and intensity of...
Authors
Glen A. Sargeant, Marsha A. Sovada, Christiane C. Slivinski, Douglas H. Johnson
Does choice of estimators influence conclusions from true metabolizable energy feeding trials? Does choice of estimators influence conclusions from true metabolizable energy feeding trials?
True metabolizable energy (TME) is a measure of avian dietary quality that accounts for metabolic fecal and endogenous urinary energy losses (EL) of non-dietary origin. The TME is calculated using a bird fed the test diet and an estimate of EL derived from another bird (Paired Bird Correction), the same bird (Self Correction), or several other birds (Group Mean Correction). We evaluated...
Authors
M. H. Sherfy, R. L. Kirkpatrick, K. E. Webb
Lesser scaup Aythya affinis Lesser scaup Aythya affinis
No abstract available.
Authors
Jane E. Austin, Christine M. Custer, Alan D. Afton
Alternative management practices of Cirsium arvense: final report Alternative management practices of Cirsium arvense: final report
No abstract available.
Authors
D.L. Larson, J.L. Larson, C. Reed
Yellowstone elk calf mortality following wolf restorations: Bears remain top summer predators Yellowstone elk calf mortality following wolf restorations: Bears remain top summer predators
Based on 151 neonate elk calves radio-tagged in YNP, bears accounted for 55-60% of deaths, coyotes, 10-15%, and wolves 10-15%. More than 70% of this predation occurred within the calves' first 15 days.
Authors
S.M. Barber, L.D. Mech, P.J. White
Inter-species variation in yolk steroid levels and a cowbird-host comparison Inter-species variation in yolk steroid levels and a cowbird-host comparison
We examined variability in yolk hormone levels among songbird species and the role of yolk steroids as a mechanism for enhanced exploitation of hosts by the parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater. Within-clutch variation in yolk steroids has been found in several avian species in single species studies, but few comparisons have been made among species. We found a large range of...
Authors
D. Caldwell Hahn, Jeffrey S. Hatfield, Mahmoud A. Abdelnabi, Julie M. Wu, Lawrence D. Igl, Mary A. Ottinger
Parental nest defense on videotape: More reality than "myth" Parental nest defense on videotape: More reality than "myth"
Predation is recognized as the primary source of nest mortality in most passerine species (e.g. Ricklefs 1969, Martin 1992a); thus, it is no surprise that parental nest defense has received considerable scientific attention (see below). By nest defense, we refer to any parental behavior that decreases the probability that a predator (or brood parasite) will harm the nest contents and...
Authors
Pamela J. Pietz, Diane A. Granfors
Does choice of estimators influence conclusions from true metabolizable energy feeding trials? Does choice of estimators influence conclusions from true metabolizable energy feeding trials?
True metabolizable energy (TME) is a measure of avian dietary quality that accounts for metabolic fecal and endogenous urinary energy losses (EL) of non-dietary origin. The TME is calculated using a bird fed the test diet and an estimate of EL derived from another bird (Paired Bird Correction), the same bird (Self Correction), or several other birds (Group Mean Correction). We evaluated...
Authors
Mark H. Sherfy, R. L. Kirkpatrick, K. E. Webb
[Book review] The quintessential companion for North American birders, by Christopher W. Leahy [Book review] The quintessential companion for North American birders, by Christopher W. Leahy
Book review: The Birdwatcher’s Companion to North American Birdlife. Christopher W. Leahy. 2004. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 1039 pages. $39.50 (cloth).
Authors
L.D. Igl
What hypothesis tests are not: a response to Colegrave and Ruxton What hypothesis tests are not: a response to Colegrave and Ruxton
No abstract available.
Authors
Douglas H. Johnson
Role of soil transformation in invasion of mixed-grass prairie Role of soil transformation in invasion of mixed-grass prairie
No abstract available.
Authors
N.R. Jordan, D.L. Larson, S.C. Huerd
Variability in vegetation effects on density and nesting success of grassland birds Variability in vegetation effects on density and nesting success of grassland birds
The structure of vegetation in grassland systems, unlike that in forest systems, varies dramatically among years on the same sites, and among regions with similar vegetation. The role of this variation in vegetation structure on bird density and nesting success of grassland birds is poorly understood, primarily because few studies have included sufficiently large temporal and spatial...
Authors
Maiken Winter, Douglas H. Johnson, Jill A. Shaffer