Michael J. Anteau serves as a research scientist and the Chief of the Wildlife and Ecosystems Branch at the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Dr. Anteau conducts large-scale research studies to provide applied information for the conservation and management of wildlife and wildlife habitat. His research focuses on evaluating implications of climate and land use changes on migratory birds, wetland and riparian dependent wildlife, and wetland ecology. Through this research focus, Anteau has developed expertise in subjects such as: wetland hydrology, habitat use and selection, nutrition and energetics, breeding ecology, migration stopover ecology, and landscape ecology. In addition to research that Dr. Anteau leads at Northern Prairie, he also serves as adjunct faculty at several Universities and advises or mentors M.S. and Ph.D. students, and Post-Doctoral Researchers.
Professional Experience
2015-Present: Wildlife and Ecosystems Branch Chief and Research Wildlife Biologist, US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND
2006-Present: Research Wildlife Biologist, US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND
1999-2005: Graduate Research Assistant, US Geological Survey, Louisiana Cooperative Research Unit, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Louisiana State University, Jan. 2006
M.S., Wildlife Biology, Louisiana State University, May 2002
B.S., Wildlife Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dec. 1997
B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dec. 1997
Affiliations and Memberships*
Adjunct Professor of Biology, North Dakota State University (since 2010)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, South Dakota State University (since 2011)
Adjunct Professor, Western Illinois University (since 2017)
Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) life member
Associate Editor for Wetlands (2010-2014)
Editorial Board for Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Technical Team Member
Science and Products
Understanding consequences of management strategies for farmed wetlands to ecosystem services in the Prairie Pothole Region
Evaluating wetland ecosystem health using real-time nutrient dynamics of ducks
Interactions of consolidation drainage and climate on water-level dynamics, wetland productivity, and waterbirds
Restoration of wetland invertebrates to improve wildlife habitat in Minnesota
Importance of wetlands in intensively farmed landscapes to duck production
Interaction of land use and wet/dry cycles on invertebrate populations of northern prairie wetlands: implications for waterbird habitat conservation
Can wetland water-management influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at National Wildlife Refuges with mercury problems?
Inventory, mapping, estimation, and monitoring of least tern and piping plover habitats on the upper Missouri River using satellite imagery
Demographic response of least terns and piping plovers to the 2011 Missouri River Flood
Metapopulation dynamics of piping plovers in the Northern Great Plains
Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska
Population demographics of least terns and piping plovers in Colorado
Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021
Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019
Least tern movements and foraging behavior on the Platte River, Nebraska, 2009-2010
Impacts of extreme environmental disturbances on survival of piping plovers breeding in the Great Plains, and wintering along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts, 2012-2019
Piping plover hatch-year survival and natal dispersal probabilities in the Northern Great Plains, USA 2014-2019
Macrophyte and amphipod surveys in prairie wetlands of Minnesota in year 2019
Experimental evaluation of predator exclosures on nest, chick, and adult survival data for the Northern Great Plains piping plover, 2014 - 2016
Hetero- and conspecifics effects on nest and chick survival for two listed species; piping plover and least tern breeding on the Missouri River, USA 2007-2016
Renesting propensity, intervals, and reproductive success data for the Northern Great Plains Piping Plover, a threatened shorebird species 2014-2016
Least tern and piping plover responses to the 2011 Missouri River flood: Nest, chick, and adult datasets
Wetland water-management may influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at a mercury hotspot data release
Factors influencing autumn–winter movements of midcontinent Mallards and consequences for harvest and habitat management
Climate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management
Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management
Conspecific density and habitat quality affect breeding habitat selection: Support for the social attraction hypothesis
Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird
Migrating ducks and submersed aquatic vegetation respond positively after invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exclusion from a freshwater coastal marsh
Wetland occupancy by duck broods in cropland-dominated landscapes of the United States Prairie Pothole Region
Potential effects of energy development on environmental resources of the Williston Basin in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—Species of conservation concern
Implications of habitat-driven survival and dispersal on recruitment in a spatially structured piping plover population
Assessing conservation and management actions with ecosystem services better communicates conservation value to the public
Protocols for collecting and processing macroinvertebrates from the benthos and water column in depressional wetlands
Reassessing perennial cover as a driver of duck nest survival in the Prairie Pothole Region
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 13
Understanding consequences of management strategies for farmed wetlands to ecosystem services in the Prairie Pothole Region
NPWRC is leading a partnership with North Dakota State University to examine ecological, social, and financial considerations of farming practices within temporarily-ponded wetlands. There has been a long history of cropping prairie pothole wetlands which are embedded within farm fields. Often wet conditions during spring or summer prevent farmers from getting a harvestable yield from these areas...Evaluating wetland ecosystem health using real-time nutrient dynamics of ducks
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) leads a collaborative effort, spanning several studies, with the objective of improving techniques to assess the quality of spring migration habitat for ducks. Spring is a critical time in in the life cycle of migratory ducks because during migration they experience peak energetic needs at a time when food resources are often at their scarcest...Interactions of consolidation drainage and climate on water-level dynamics, wetland productivity, and waterbirds
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) recently completed a project aimed at understanding the impacts of wetland drainage on wetlands that receive drainage water. The biological communities of prairie pothole wetlands evolved in a hydrologically dynamic system due to periodic wet and dry conditions. NPWRC research indicates that relative to wetlands in undrained landscapes, wetlands...Restoration of wetland invertebrates to improve wildlife habitat in Minnesota
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) is investigating limitations to restoring abundant aquatic macroinvertebrate populations to Minnesota wetlands and shallow lakes. Recent research on larger more permanent wetlands in Minnesota indicates that there have been decreases in quality of wetlands of use by ducks. That research also describes a decline in abundance of amphipods, a shrimp...Importance of wetlands in intensively farmed landscapes to duck production
The Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains annually hosts 50–80% of North America’s ducks during the breeding season. Accordingly, there are significant government and private funds that go to conservation for the purposes of improving duck production in the region. The Prairie Pothole Region ecosystem has a number of stressors, intensive agriculture being chief among them. The...Interaction of land use and wet/dry cycles on invertebrate populations of northern prairie wetlands: implications for waterbird habitat conservation
This effort is aimed at understanding how productivity of larger and more permanent wetlands is influenced by a combination of inter-annual hydrological dynamics and land-use impacts. Historically, aquatic-invertebrates productivity and abundance was driven by inter-annual hydrological dynamics because drying periods allow for nutrient cycling and a subsequent pulse of productivity when wet...Can wetland water-management influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at National Wildlife Refuges with mercury problems?
During summer 2017, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) initiated a collaborative research study focused on understanding if water-level management of wetlands at refuges can influence mercury bioaccumulation in wetland-dependent migratory birds. Birds are susceptible to the effects of mercury and can serve as indicators of contamination in ecosystems. We examined mercury...Inventory, mapping, estimation, and monitoring of least tern and piping plover habitats on the upper Missouri River using satellite imagery
Emergent sandbar maps of the Missouri River produced by Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center continue to be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor and manage critical breeding habitat for the endangered Interior population of least terns and the threatened Northern Great Plains population of piping plovers. These maps have been created and...Demographic response of least terns and piping plovers to the 2011 Missouri River Flood
The largest recorded flood event on the Missouri River occurred during 2011. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center recently concluded a study that evaluated effects of that flood on least tern and piping plover breeding populations. These federally-listed species nest on riverine sandbars and reservoir shorelines. Since construction of the dams on the Missouri River there have been few floods...Metapopulation dynamics of piping plovers in the Northern Great Plains
NPWRC is leading a multi-agency study to understand metapopulation dynamics of piping plovers in the Northern Great Plains. Piping plovers are a federally listed species that nests on riverine sandbars and shorelines of wetlands and reservoirs. These habitats are dynamic in response to climate and water-management regimes of the Missouri River. The US Army Corps of Engineers manages the Missouri...Breeding ecology and demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River, Nebraska
The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) partnered with Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) to study demographics of least terns and piping plovers at the Central Platte River in Nebraska. Due to water management and other alterations, riverine habitat for least terns and piping plovers has become degraded. Least terns and piping plovers, however, have begun breeding...Population demographics of least terns and piping plovers in Colorado
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) is helping to improve the monitoring of federally listed least terns and piping plovers by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at John Martin Reservoir in Southeastern Colorado. NPWRC is providing information to the USACE aimed to improve their habitat management and productivity monitoring. NPWRC is also providing the capability to mark adults and... - Data
Piping plover nesting habitat distribution maps for the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region, 2000–2021
These maps were developed to support an effort to understand the spatial characteristics of piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nesting habitats. The maps show the expected nesting habitat distributions and piping plover intensity between 2000 and 2021 in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region.Spatial characteristics of Piping Plover nest sites in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region data, 2000-2019
This data is a companion to the manuscript titled "Data integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird". Advances in both remote sensing and analytical tools for spatial data have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution models. We developed a spatiotemporal model of breeding habitat use and density for a fedeLeast tern movements and foraging behavior on the Platte River, Nebraska, 2009-2010
This data set is part of a data release as a companion to a manuscript titled "Foraging movements and colony attendance of least terns (Sternula antillarum) on the central Platte River". This data release includes three tabular digital data file representing movement patterns, behaviors, and foraging success of least terns that nested on sandpits near the Platte River during 2009 and 2010. MovemenImpacts of extreme environmental disturbances on survival of piping plovers breeding in the Great Plains, and wintering along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts, 2012-2019
We present one tabular data file to evaluate piping plover (Charadrius melodus) seasonal (breeding and nonbreeding) adult survival. These data were part of a study to examine adult (n = 3474) survival during 2012-2019 at breeding regions within the Northern Great Plains and nonbreeding regions in the Gulf and southern Atlantic Coasts of North America. This file includes USGS-funded data and not thPiping plover hatch-year survival and natal dispersal probabilities in the Northern Great Plains, USA 2014-2019
We present a tabular data set representing values to estimate apparent hatch-year survival to adulthood and natal dispersal probabilities between two breeding groups of the Northern Great Plains piping plover (Charadrius melodus) used in a multievent capture-mark-resight model from 2014-2019. Focusing on the Northern Missouri River and U.S. Alkali Wetlands breeding groups. In addition, several covMacrophyte and amphipod surveys in prairie wetlands of Minnesota in year 2019
This dataset provides wetland information for 49 semi-permanent wetlands in Minnesota, with target variables of amphipods, water quality variables, and aquatic macrophytes.Experimental evaluation of predator exclosures on nest, chick, and adult survival data for the Northern Great Plains piping plover, 2014 - 2016
This dataset presents four tabular data files that evaluate the effect of predator exclosures around piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nests on plover nest, chick, within-season, and annual adult survival. During 2014-2016, we designed an experiment to examine nest (n = 418), chick (n = 453), and adult (n = 367) survival at alkaline wetlands of the Northern Great Plains. Alkaline wetlands were diHetero- and conspecifics effects on nest and chick survival for two listed species; piping plover and least tern breeding on the Missouri River, USA 2007-2016
We present two tabular digital data files representing values related how the presence of hetero- and conspecifics influence nest and chick survival for two listed migratory species breeding on the Missouri River; piping plover (Charadrius melodus) and least tern (Sternula antillarum). We followed 2,507 piping plover nests, 3,251 uniquely banded piping plover chicks, 1,060 least tern nests, and 1,Renesting propensity, intervals, and reproductive success data for the Northern Great Plains Piping Plover, a threatened shorebird species 2014-2016
This data set is part of a data release as a companion to a published manuscript titled "Low renesting propensity and reproductive success make renesting unproductive for the Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus." The Condor: Ornithological Applications. Upon reproductive failure, many bird species may make a secondary attempt at nesting. This data set includes four tabular digital data files represeLeast tern and piping plover responses to the 2011 Missouri River flood: Nest, chick, and adult datasets
This data release includes nest, chick, and adult survival data that were analyzed to evaluate effects of the 2011 Missouri River flood on endangered least terns and threatened piping plovers.Wetland water-management may influence mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks at a mercury hotspot data release
We examined the role of wetland water-management on mercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and ducks. This database contains records of mercury concentrations in blood of wetland-foraging songbirds (80 common yellowthroats [Geothlypis trichas] and 14 Nelson's sparrows [Ammospiza nelsoni]) and eggs of upland-nesting ducks (28 gadwall [Mareca strepera], 19 blue-winged teal [Spatula discors], and 13 no - Multimedia
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Filter Total Items: 61
Factors influencing autumn–winter movements of midcontinent Mallards and consequences for harvest and habitat management
Annual phenology and distributions of migratory wildlife have been noticeably influenced by climate change, leading to concerns about sustainable populations. Recent studies exploring conditions influencing autumn migration departure have provided conflicting insights regarding factors influencing the movements of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), a popular game species. We determined factors affectiAuthorsAaron T. Pearse, M. Szymanski, Cynthia A. Anchor, Michael J. Anteau, Rocco Murano, David A. Brandt, Joshua D. StaffordClimate-induced shifts in grassland bird nesting phenology have implications for grassland management
Grasslands are among the most impacted ecosystems globally. In the midcontinent of North America, a > 80% loss of grasslands has made their conservation a major priority for resource managers. Grassland ecosystems evolved under periodic disturbances; consequently, grassland management often involves regular actions such as grazing, haying, or burning to maintain ecosystem integrity. The timing ofAuthorsMichael J. Anteau, Kristen S. Ellis, Garrett John MacDonald, Lawrence Igl, Neal D. Niemuth, Josh VestEstimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management
One challenge in wildlife conservation is understanding how various threats and management actions may influence long-term population viability. This is particularly evident when there is considerable uncertainty regarding population structure and vital rates. Reassessment of current knowledge and population trends is necessary for listed species to improve management actions that benefit conservaAuthorsRose J. Swift, Michael J. Anteau, Kristen S. Ellis, Garrett John MacDonald, Megan Ring, Mark H. Sherfy, Dustin L. ToyConspecific density and habitat quality affect breeding habitat selection: Support for the social attraction hypothesis
Breeding habitat selection is a critical component of the annual cycle because of its effect on fitness. Multiple theories of habitat selection can be differentiated by their responses to the quantity of habitat, conspecific density, and habitat quality. Here, we use network analysis to understand the characteristics of fine-scale breeding habitat selected by both immigrant and returning adult pipAuthorsRose J. Swift, Michael J. Anteau, Kristen S. Ellis, Megan Ring, Mark H. Sherfy, Dustin L. ToyData integration reveals dynamic and systematic patterns of breeding habitat use by a threatened shorebird
Incorporating species distributions into conservation planning has traditionally involved long-term representations of habitat use where temporal variation is averaged to reveal habitats that are most suitable across time. Advances in remote sensing and analytical tools have allowed for the integration of dynamic processes into species distribution modeling. Our objective was to develop a spatioteAuthorsKristen S. Ellis, Michael J. Anteau, Garrett John MacDonald, Rose J. Swift, Megan Ring, Dustin L. Toy, Mark H. Sherfy, Max Post van der BurgMigrating ducks and submersed aquatic vegetation respond positively after invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exclusion from a freshwater coastal marsh
Invasive carp can negatively affect waterbirds through habitat degradation, including removal of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV). At a freshwater coastal marsh of great ecological and cultural significance, we excluded invasive common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with the goal of restoring the marsh to historical conditions to support fall-migrating waterfowl. We used a multi-pronged approach to asseAuthorsLauren E Bortolotti, Robert B Emery, Paige D Kowal, Llwellyn M Armstrong, Vanessa B Harriman, Howard Singer, Michael J. Anteau, Frank B Baldwin, Cameron Meuckon, Dale A WrubleskiWetland occupancy by duck broods in cropland-dominated landscapes of the United States Prairie Pothole Region
The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is globally important for breeding waterfowl but has been altered via wetland drainage and grassland conversion to accommodate agricultural land use. Thus, understanding the ecology of waterfowl in these highly modified landscapes is essential for their conservation. Brood occurrence is the cumulative outcome of key life-history events including pair formation andAuthorsBlake J Mitchell, Catrina V Terry, Kevin M Ringelman, Kaylan M Kemink, Michael J. Anteau, Adam K. JankePotential effects of energy development on environmental resources of the Williston Basin in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—Species of conservation concern
The ecosystems of the Williston Basin provide direct and indirect benefits to society. These benefits include carbon sequestration, flood control, nutrient rich soils for agricultural productivity, and habitat for wildlife. This chapter’s main focus is on the effects of energy development on species that occupy the ecosystems in the Williston Basin. We compiled a list of documented species of consAuthorsMax Post van der Burg, Amy J. Symstad, Lawrence D. Igl, David M. Mushet, Diane L. Larson, Glen A. Sargeant, David D. Harper, Aïda M. Farag, Brian A. Tangen, Michael J. AnteauImplications of habitat-driven survival and dispersal on recruitment in a spatially structured piping plover population
Natal survival and dispersal have important consequences for populations through the movement of genes and individuals. Metapopulation theory predicts either balanced natal dispersal among regions or source–sink dynamics, which can dramatically change population structure. For species reliant on dynamic, early-successional habitats, availability and location of habitat will shift from year to yearAuthorsRose J. Swift, Michael J. Anteau, Kristen S. Ellis, Megan Ring, Mark H. Sherfy, Dustin L. Toy, David N. KoonsAssessing conservation and management actions with ecosystem services better communicates conservation value to the public
Fish and wildlife populations are under unprecedented threats from changes in land use and climate. With increasing threats comes a need for an expanded constituency that can contribute to the public support and financial capital needed for habitat conservation and management. Using an ecosystem services approach can provide a framework for a more holistic accounting of conservation benefits. OurAuthorsDavid M. Mushet, Max Post van der Burg, Michael J. AnteauProtocols for collecting and processing macroinvertebrates from the benthos and water column in depressional wetlands
Freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates are key links in food webs and nutrient cycles, and thus often serve as biological indicators of ecosystem health. Macroinvertebrate investigations in research and monitoring require consistent and reliable field and laboratory procedures. Comprehensive standard operating procedures for sampling macroinvertebrates from depressional wetlands, which can range frAuthorsBreanna R. Keith, Jake D. Carleen, Danelle M. Larson, Michael J. Anteau, Megan J. FitzpatrickReassessing perennial cover as a driver of duck nest survival in the Prairie Pothole Region
Conservation plans designed to sustain North American duck populations prominently feature a key hypothesis stating that the amount of the landscape in perennial cover surrounding upland duck nests positively influences nest survival rates. Recent conflicting research testing this hypothesis creates ambiguity regarding which management actions to pursue and where to prioritize conservation deliverAuthorsAaron T. Pearse, Michael J. Anteau, Max Post van der Burg, Mark H. Sherfy, Thomas K. Buhl, Terry L. Shaffer - News
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government