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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program

The Biological Threats Research Program delivers science to protect public safety, property, and ecosystems from invasive plants and animals and infectious fish and wildlife diseases that pose significant ecologic and economic threats to the resources of the United States.

News

Climate change and the global redistribution of biodiversity: are expected range shifts supported by the evidence?

Climate change and the global redistribution of biodiversity: are expected range shifts supported by the evidence?

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

Inaugural USGS Wildlife Health Awareness Day - April 25, 2025

Inaugural USGS Wildlife Health Awareness Day - April 25, 2025

Publications

Realizing the potential of eDNA biodiversity monitoring tools in the marine environment with application to offshore renewable energy Realizing the potential of eDNA biodiversity monitoring tools in the marine environment with application to offshore renewable energy

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches the biological diversity and distribution of species to support management, conservation, and resource use decisions. USGS scientists advance detection and monitoring technologies to assess changes in fish and wildlife populations, biodiversity, and the health of ecosystems. The United States is planning to install 30 gigawatts of offshore...
Authors
Adam Sepulveda, Cheryl Morrison, Margaret Hunter, Mona Khalil

READI-Net—Providing tools for the early detection and management of aquatic invasive species READI-Net—Providing tools for the early detection and management of aquatic invasive species

OverviewEarly detection of biological threats, such as invasive species, increases the likelihood that control efforts will be successful and cost-effective. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) sampling is an established method for the efficient and sensitive early detection of new biological threats. The Rapid eDNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) is a...
Authors
Lisa McKeon, Todd G. Wojtowicz

Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey Zebra and Quagga mussels in the United States—Dreissenid mussel research by the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) delivers high-quality data, technologies, and decision-support tools to help managers both reduce existing populations and control the spread of dreissenid mussels. The USGS researches ecology, biology, risk assessment, and early detection and rapid response methods; provides decision support; and develops and tests control measures.
Authors
Cayla R. Morningstar, Patrick M. Kočovský, Michael E. Colvin, Timothy D. Counihan, Wesley M. Daniel, Peter C. Esselman, Cathy A. Richter, Adam Sepulveda, Diane L. Waller

Science

USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS science is vital for securing the hunting and fishing traditions many Americans value. By studying wildlife populations, habitats, and health, the USGS provides essential information that helps ensure these outdoor activities can continue to thrive.
USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS science is vital for securing the hunting and fishing traditions many Americans value. By studying wildlife populations, habitats, and health, the USGS provides essential information that helps ensure these outdoor activities can continue to thrive.
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USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
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Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
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