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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: 1952

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

Immobilization of swift foxes with ketamine hydrochloride-xylazine hydrochloride Immobilization of swift foxes with ketamine hydrochloride-xylazine hydrochloride

There is an increasing need to develop field immobilization techniques that allow researchers to handle safely swift foxes (Vulpes velox) with minimal risk of stress or injury. We immobilized captive swift foxes to determine the safety and effectiveness of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride at different dosages. We attempted to determine appropriate dosages to immobilize...
Authors
R.L. Telesco, Marsha A. Sovada

Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Lesser Prairie-Chicken Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Lesser Prairie-Chicken

Information on the habitat requirements and effects of habitat management on grassland birds were summarized from information in more than 4,000 published and unpublished papers. A range map is provided to indicate the breeding distribution of Lesser Prairie-Chicken in the United States and southern Canada. Although birds frequently are observed outside the breeding range indicated, the...
Authors
Brent E. Jamison, Jill A. Dechant, Douglas H. Johnson, Lawrence D. Igl, Christopher M. Goldade, Betty R. Euliss

Differential use of a wolf, Canis lupus, pack territory edge and core Differential use of a wolf, Canis lupus, pack territory edge and core

Based on 418 radio-locations of a Minnesota wolf pack, wolves were found at significantly fewer locations per area in the outer 2 km of the territory than in the core. This finding supports an hypothesis that buffer zones exist between pack territories and may explain why prey survive longer there.
Authors
L.D. Mech, E. K. Harper
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