Ecosystems
News
Vaccination May Help Protect Bats from Deadly Disease
A new study shows that vaccination may reduce the impact of white-nose syndrome in bats, marking a milestone in the international fight against one of the most destructive wildlife diseases in modern times.
After Hurricane Devastation, Sea Turtle Scientists Rebound, Help Rebuild
Seven months after their home base in the Florida Panhandle was demolished by Hurricane Michael, U.S. Geological Survey sea turtle researchers are headed back into the field on May 1, the start of nesting season for Florida's sea turtles.
GCMRC Updates
The Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center currently has 11 active science projects as a part of its Triennial Work Plan (FY2018-2020) for work conducted as the science provider to the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. New developments, recent publications and other current activities will be listed here. Check here to find out the latest information from the Center.
WERC Scientists Combine Bird Calls and Artificial Intelligence to Keep Tabs on the Elusive Ashy-Storm Petrel (Audubon magazine)
CALIFORNIA COAST – Artificial intelligence and acoustic sensors help scientists monitor seabirds
Burrowing owls and horned lizards thrive in ecological hot spot next to Los Angeles airport (Los Angeles Times)
LOS ANGELES -- WERC Researchers study lizards and owls at the LAX Dunes preserve
President Proposes $983 Million FY20 Budget for USGS
Budget Focuses on Priorities Supporting American Energy Enterprise, National Security, and Natural Hazard Response Efforts
Newly Hatched Invasive Grass Carp Found in Maumee River, Ohio
A genetic analysis conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey recently confirmed that larval, or newly hatched, fish collected from the Maumee River during the summer of 2018 are grass carp, one species of invasive Asian carps that threaten the Great Lakes. The Maumee River is a tributary to Lake Erie.
Genetics study reveals good news for the southern California population of the California gnatcatcher
Results of a recent study by WERC scientists are providing helpful information to resource managers as they work to protect important habitat.
Vegetation Recovery on Abandoned Oil and Gas Well Sites is Variable on Colorado Plateau
Recovery of vegetation on plugged and abandoned oil and gas well sites on the Colorado Plateau is influenced by time, moisture, nonnative plants and the type of plant community that was originally in place before well sites were constructed, according to a recently published study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
How Hurricanes Michael, Florence May Have Spread Nonnative Species
USGS’ preliminary storm trackers show potential for subtle damage in natural areas
Where Have All the Turtles Gone, and Why Should We Care?
A recently published paper on the global status of turtles and their ecological roles generated quite a bit of media interest.
Identifying Potential Contaminant Exposure to California Condors in the Pacific Northwest
Potential reintroduction of the endangered California Condor to parts of its historic range in the Pacific Northwest would benefit from information on possible threats that could challenge recovery efforts. Exposure to environmental contaminants is a key limiting factor for condor recovery in its southern range.