Ecosystems

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Early fall wildfires in the western states and the smoke they generate pose a risk to birds migrating in the Pacific Flyway, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. GPS data from the 2020 wildfire season indicate that at least some migratory birds may take longer and use more energy to avoid wildfire smoke.

Ecological Pathways of Contaminant Transfer and Effects: Aquatic Insects and Insectivores

Date: October 15, 2021 from 2-2:30 p.m. eastern time

Speaker: Johanna M. Kraus, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center

Scientists detected six types of coronaviruses in numerous wild and domestic mammals sampled on and near mink farms in Utah, according to a U.S. Geological Survey-led study available today.

On September 8, 2021, Erik Beever was acknowledged in the 2021 Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards by receiving an honorable mention for his research about how species respond to contemporary climate change. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) sponsors the award.

Three studies highlight how the interactions between northern spotted owl and the invasive barred owl are intertwined. 

A new publication by USGS scientists examines wetland availability and salinity in Suisun Marsh, with particular focus on the implications for young ducklings with low salinity tolerance. The results indicated that a majority of wetland area in Suisun Marsh has salinity concentrations high enough to have detrimental effects on duckling growth and survival.

A new USGS study finds a lack of evidence to support the widely accepted introduction scenario in which the invasive lionfish originated solely from Florida and identifies alternative introduction pathways. 

A recent study of museum snake specimens shows that snake fungal disease, a skin infection threatening many important snake populations, existed in the U.S. over 50 years earlier than previously thought. 

WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior today announced the location of the newest Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), the ninth and final CASC in the national network dedicated to providing science to help managers of the country's fish and wildlife resources adapt to climate change. 

Glucocorticoid hormones associated with reduced White-tailed deer fawn survival

Date: October 1, 2021 from 2-2:30 p.m. eastern time

Speakers: Tess Gingery, PA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvania State University; Duane R. Diefenbach, U.S. Geological Survey, , PA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,...

Research Ecologist Dr. Craig Allen was recently awarded the Department of Interior Distinguished Service Award for developing a deep understanding of forests, landscape ecology