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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

The Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) is a USGS Ecosystems Mission Area operation serving primarily California and Nevada. WERC scientists work closely with Federal, State, academic, and other collaborators to address a diverse array of high-profile topics. Topics include research on effects of wildfire, sea level rise, drought, energy development and more on federal Trust species.

News

The 2024 Southern Sea Otter Census and Statistical Model Development

The 2024 Southern Sea Otter Census and Statistical Model Development

USGS Friday's Findings - September 27, 2024

USGS Friday's Findings - September 27, 2024

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Predicting the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Using Animal Movement Data

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Predicting the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Using Animal Movement Data

Publications

Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

The 2018 Carr Fire burned more than 90 percent of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, with much of the park burning at high severity. California yellow pine and mixed conifer forests are not well adapted to large, high-severity fires, and forest recovery after these events may be problematic. Large, high-severity fire patches pose difficulties for recruitment with interiors that are long distanc
Authors
Phillip J. van Mantgem, Micah C. Wright, Karen M. Thorne, Jill Beckmann, Kevin Buffington, Lyndsay L. Rankin, Audrey Colley, Eamon A. Engber

Occupancy dynamics of the California Gnatcatcher in southern California

Executive SummaryThe Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica: “gnatcatcher”) is a resident species restricted to coastal sage scrub habitat in southern California. Listed as federally threatened, the gnatcatcher is subject to multiple threats, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, particularly in association with the increasing frequency of large wildfi
Authors
Barbara E. Kus, Alexandra Houston, Kristine L. Preston

Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of the Least Bell's Vireo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2022 annual report

Executive SummaryThe purpose of this report is to provide the Marine Corps with an annual summary of abundance, breeding activity, demography, and habitat use of endangered Least Bell’s Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP or “Base”). Surveys for the Least Bell's Vireo were completed at MCBCP, California, between April 4 and July 12, 2022. Core survey areas and
Authors
Suellen Lynn, Michelle Treadwell, Barbara E. Kus

Science

Newly-introduced fringe-toed lizard species found in Ventura County, California

A fringe-toed lizard ( Acanthodactylus cf. boskianus ) not native to California was discovered in Ventura County, California on October 14, 2023. This is the first documented occurrence of the species outside its home range (Kraus 2009; Kraus, pers. Comm.). While the source of its introduction is yet to be confirmed, it’s suspected that it has been introduced to Ventura County via the pet trade.
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Newly-introduced fringe-toed lizard species found in Ventura County, California

A fringe-toed lizard ( Acanthodactylus cf. boskianus ) not native to California was discovered in Ventura County, California on October 14, 2023. This is the first documented occurrence of the species outside its home range (Kraus 2009; Kraus, pers. Comm.). While the source of its introduction is yet to be confirmed, it’s suspected that it has been introduced to Ventura County via the pet trade.
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California Sea Otter Surveys and Research

WERC collaborates with other research scientists to conduct annual population surveys of the southern sea otter -- a federally listed threatened species. In coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other institutions, ongoing surveys and research continues to inform the southern sea otter recovery plan for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and contributes to our...
link

California Sea Otter Surveys and Research

WERC collaborates with other research scientists to conduct annual population surveys of the southern sea otter -- a federally listed threatened species. In coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other institutions, ongoing surveys and research continues to inform the southern sea otter recovery plan for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and contributes to our...
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Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
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Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
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