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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: 1930

Responses of dabbling ducks to wetland conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region Responses of dabbling ducks to wetland conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region

The relationships between wetland water conditions and breeding numbers of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), Blue-winged Teal (A. discors), and Northern Shoveler (A. clypeata) during May of 1992-1995, were examined on twelve study areas in the eastern Prairie Pothole Region. Data were collected on water levels (by wetland class [temporary, seasonal, semipermanent...
Authors
J. E. Austin

Indicators of wetland condition for the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States Indicators of wetland condition for the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States

We describe a study designed to evaluate the performance ofwetland condition indicators of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR)of the north central United States. Basin and landscape scaleindicators were tested in 1992 and 1993 to determine theirability to discriminate between the influences of grasslanddominated and cropland dominated landscapes in the PPR. Pairedplots were selected from...
Authors
Glenn R. Guntenspergen, S.A. Peterson, S.G. Leibowitz, L.M. Cowardin

Alpha1-antitrypsin polymorphism and systematics of eastern North American wolves Alpha1-antitrypsin polymorphism and systematics of eastern North American wolves

We used data on the polymorphic status of α1-antitrypsin (α1AT) to study the relationship of Minnesota wolves to the gray wolf (Canis lupus), which was thought to have evolved in Eurasia, and to red wolves (Canis rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), which putatively evolved in North America. Recent evidence had indicated that Minnesota wolves might be more closely related to red wolves...
Authors
L. David Mech, Nicholas E. Federoff

Leadership behavior in relation to dominance and reproductive status in gray wolves, Canis lupus Leadership behavior in relation to dominance and reproductive status in gray wolves, Canis lupus

We analyzed the leadership behavior of breeding and nonbreeding gray wolves (Canis lupus) in three packs during winter in 1997–1999. Scent-marking, frontal leadership (time and frequency in the lead while traveling), initiation of activity, and nonfrontal leadership were recorded during 499 h of ground-based observations in Yellowstone National Park. All observed scent-marking (N = 158)...
Authors
Rolf O. Peterson, Amy K. Jacobs, Thomas D. Drummer, L. David Mech, Douglas W. Smith

Using an electronic compass to determine telemetry azimuths Using an electronic compass to determine telemetry azimuths

Researchers typically collect azimuths from known locations to estimate locations of radiomarked animals. Mobile, vehicle-mounted telemetry receiving systems frequently are used to gather azimuth data. Use of mobile systems typically involves estimating the vehicle's orientation to grid north (vehicle azimuth), recording an azimuth to the transmitter relative to the vehicle azimuth from...
Authors
R. R. Cox, J.D. Scalf, B.E. Jamison, R.S. Lutz

Monitoring black-tailed prairie dog colonies with high-resolution satellite imagery Monitoring black-tailed prairie dog colonies with high-resolution satellite imagery

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) warrants listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Central to any conservation planning for the black-tailed prairie dog is an appropriate detection and monitoring technique. Because coarse-resolution satellite imagery is not adequate to detect black...
Authors
John G. Sidle, Douglas H. Johnson, B.R. Euliss, M. Tooze

Scaup migration patterns in North Dakota relative to temperatures and water conditions Scaup migration patterns in North Dakota relative to temperatures and water conditions

Greater (Aythya marila) and lesser scaup (A. affinis) have protracted spring migrations. Migrants may still be present on southern breeding areas when the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Surveys (WBPHS) are being conducted. Understanding factors affecting the chronology and rate of spring migration is important for the interpretation of data from annual population...
Authors
J. E. Austin, D. A. Granfors, M. A. Johnson, S. C. Kohn

Invertebrate biomass: associations with lesser prairie-chicken habitat use and sand sagebrush density in southwestern Kansas Invertebrate biomass: associations with lesser prairie-chicken habitat use and sand sagebrush density in southwestern Kansas

Invertebrates are important food sources for lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) adults and broods. We compared invertebrate biomass in areas used and not used by lesser prairie-chicken adults and broods. We used radiotelemetry to determine use and non-use areas in sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) prairie in southwestern Kansas and sampled invertebrate populations...
Authors
B. Jamison, R.J. Robel, J.S. Pontius, R.D. Applegate
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