Biosurveillance

The U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystem Mission Area plays a major role in invasive snake science across the country and the globe, ranging from research on improving snake detection to projects that enhance eradication. Our extensive science ultimately scales up to benefiting public health, energy transmission, tourism, and other key aspects of American prosperity.

Early detection equals stronger protection. DNA in the environment is the front line against invasive species.

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) is rooted in a proud tradition of service to the nation—advancing science that informs the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and habitats across the eastern United States and beyond. Our mission is clear: deliver reliable, partner-driven science that supports natural resource decisions today, while ensuring these resources remain...

The USGS is a pioneer in environmental DNA (eDNA) science, applying cutting-edge molecular tools to identify, detect, or track species, monitor ecosystems, and safeguard biodiversity.

The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is uniquely positioned in the Colorado River Basin to provide sound information, specialized expertise, and innovative tools to support the management and sustained use of natural resources on public and Tribal lands in the Southwest U.S.

Since Public Law 109-148, USGS has partnered with state and federal agencies to conduct science to support the national response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). In 2014, the first reports of HPAI in US wild birds came from USGS cause-of-death investigations confirmed by the USDA.

Due to the rapid decline in abundance of Yellow Lampmussel ( Lampsilis cariosa) and Tidewater Mucket ( Atlanticoncha ochracea), USGS and partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Central Michigan University (CMU) are conducting an assessment of genetic diversity and population structure to inform appropriate recommendations for conservation and management of each species. These...

USGS researchers are using telemetry to improve our understanding of how wild birds move throughout their environments and the potential implications for disease transmission within and to domestic poultry.

Invasive species can harm ecosystems, increase wildfires, damage forests, and outcompete native species. The US Geological Survey's Southwest Biological Science Center conducts research that provides our federal and state partners, cooperators and land managers with the tools, data and strategies to enhance biosecurity management. Scroll through the information below to read about different SBSC...

The goal of this project is to address the threat of invasive Grass Carp by developing a comprehensive understanding of seasonal movements, habitat use, and areas of aggregation to determine when and where eradication efforts would be most effective.

Grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an invasive species translocated to the United States in the 1960s due to its potential for nuisance aquatic vegetation control. Following escapes, authorized stockings, and unauthorized stockings, the grass carp range rapidly expanded in the U.S.

INHABIT is a desktop-optimized web application and decision support tool with mapped and tabular summaries of habitat suitability models for over two hundred fifty terrestrial invasive plant species of management concern across the contiguous United States. It is the product of a scientist-practitioner partnership and is designed to facilitate enhanced invasive species management actions...