Publications
Browse publications authored by our scientists. Publications available are: USGS-authored journal articles, series reports, book chapters, other government publications, and more.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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Interactions of raptors and Lesser Prairie-Chickens at leks in the Texas Southern High Plains Interactions of raptors and Lesser Prairie-Chickens at leks in the Texas Southern High Plains
We examined behavioral interactions of raptors, Chihuahuan Ravens (Corvus cryptoleucus), and Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) at leks in the Texas Southern High Plains. Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) and Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) were the most common raptors observed at leks. Only 15 of 61 (25%) raptor encounters at leks (0.09/hr) resulted in a capture...
Authors
Adam C. Behney, Clint W. Boal, Heather A. Whitlaw, Duane R. Lucia
Misidentification of freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia:Unionidae): Contributing factors, management implications, and potential solutions Misidentification of freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia:Unionidae): Contributing factors, management implications, and potential solutions
Surveys of freshwater mussel populations are used frequently to inform conservation decisions by providing information about the status and distribution of species. It is generally accepted that not all mussels or species are collected during surveys, and incomplete detection of individuals and species can bias data and can affect inferences. However, considerably less attention has been...
Authors
Colin P. Shea, James T. Peterson, Jason M. Wisniewski, Nathan A. Johnson
Molecular systematics of Sander, and hybridization between walleye and sauger Molecular systematics of Sander, and hybridization between walleye and sauger
n/a
Authors
Neil Billington, Brian L. Sloss
Turning students into problem solvers: integrating adaptive management into wildlife curricula Turning students into problem solvers: integrating adaptive management into wildlife curricula
No abstract available.
Authors
Larkin A. Powell, Andrew J. Tyre, Michael J. Conroy, James T. Peterson, B. Ken Williams
Trends in marine debris in the U.S. Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, 1996-2003 Trends in marine debris in the U.S. Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, 1996-2003
Marine debris is a widespread and globally recognized problem. Sound information is necessary to understand the extent of the problem and to inform resource managers and policy makers about potential mitigation strategies. Although there are many short-term studies on marine debris, a longer-term perspective and the ability to compare among regions has heretofore been missing in the U.S...
Authors
Christine Ribic, Seba B. Sheavly, David J. Rugg
Interrelationships between fish tissue mercury concentrations and water quality for South Dakota natural lakes and impoundments Interrelationships between fish tissue mercury concentrations and water quality for South Dakota natural lakes and impoundments
The purpose of this study was to determine whether water quality parameters commonly associated with primary productivity may be used to predict the susceptibility of a specific water body to exceed proposed fish consumption advisory limitation of 0.3 mg kg−1. South Dakota currently has nine lakes and impoundments that exceed fish tissue mercury advisory limits of 1.0 mg kg−1 total...
Authors
Steven R. Chipps, Larry Stetler, James J. Stone, Cindy M. McCutcheon
Mechanisms influencing changes in lake area in Alaskan boreal forest Mechanisms influencing changes in lake area in Alaskan boreal forest
During the past ∼50 years, the number and area of lakes have declined in several regions in boreal forests. However, there has been substantial finer-scale heterogeneity; some lakes decreased in area, some showed no trend, and others increased. The objective of this study was to identify the primary mechanisms underlying heterogeneous trends in closed-basin lake area. Eight lake...
Authors
Jennifer K. Roach, Brad Griffith, David Verbyla, Jeremy B. Jones
Social network models predict movement and connectivity in ecological landscapes Social network models predict movement and connectivity in ecological landscapes
Network analysis is on the rise across scientific disciplines because of its ability to reveal complex, and often emergent, patterns and dynamics. Nonetheless, a growing concern in network analysis is the use of limited data for constructing networks. This concern is strikingly relevant to ecology and conservation biology, where network analysis is used to infer connectivity across...
Authors
Robert J. Fletcher, M.A. Acevedo, Brian E. Reichert, Kyle E. Pias, Wiley M. Kitchens
Use of early-successional managed northern forest by mature-forest species during the post-fledging period Use of early-successional managed northern forest by mature-forest species during the post-fledging period
In eastern North America, after the young fledge, both adult and juvenile mature-forest birds may use regenerating clearcuts, although which species frequent early-successional forest and during which life stages is not well documented. To assess whether birds nesting in mature forest in north-central Minnesota use regenerating clearcuts 2–10 years old, we netted after birds fledged...
Authors
Henry M. Streby, Sean M. Peterson, Tara L. McAllister, David E. Andersen
Common loon nest defense against an American mink Common loon nest defense against an American mink
We describe a successful nest defense strategy of an adult Gavia immer (Common Loon) during an attempted predation event by a Nevison vison (American Mink) at Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, NH. It is suspected that mink occasionally depredate loon nests, but defense strategies have not been described previously.
Authors
Kyle P. McCarthy, Stephen DeStefano
Evaluation of hypotheses for explaining temporal trends in Atlantic salmon parr densities in Northeast U.S. Rivers Evaluation of hypotheses for explaining temporal trends in Atlantic salmon parr densities in Northeast U.S. Rivers
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in the USA have declined dramatically and their persistence is heavily dependent on stocking juvenile fish, predominantly fry. The success of stocking hatchery fry is evaluated annually throughout New England by electrofishing surveys targeting age-1 parr. The objective of this study was to examine temporal trends in Atlantic salmon parr densities throughout...
Authors
Tyler Wagner, John A. Sweka
Movement and spawning of American shad transported above dams on the Roanoke River, North Carolina and Virginia Movement and spawning of American shad transported above dams on the Roanoke River, North Carolina and Virginia
American shad Alosa sapidissima are in decline throughout much of their native range as a result of overfishing, pollution, and habitat alteration in coastal rivers where they spawn. One approach to restoration in regulated rivers is to provide access to historical spawning habitat above dams through a trap-and-transport program. We examined the initial survival, movement patterns...
Authors
Julianne E. Harris, Joseph E. Hightower