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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Prevalence of pox-like lesions and malaria in forest bird communitites on leeward Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii Prevalence of pox-like lesions and malaria in forest bird communitites on leeward Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii
Introduced avian pox virus and malaria have had devastating impacts on native Hawaiian forest birds, yet little has been published about their prevalence and distribution in forest bird communities outside of windward Hawaii Island. We surveyed native and non-native forest birds for these two diseases at three different elevations on leeward Mauna Loa Volcano at the Kona Forest Unit of...
Authors
Carter T. Atkinson, Julie K. Lease, Robert J. Dusek, Michael D. Samuel
Bioeconomic analysis of selected conservation practices on soil erosion and freshwater fisheries Bioeconomic analysis of selected conservation practices on soil erosion and freshwater fisheries
Farmers can generate environmental benefits (improved water quality and fisheries and wildlife habitat), but they may not be able to quantify them. Furthermore, farmers may reduce their incomes from managing lands to produce these positive externalities but receive little monetary compensation in return. This study simulated the relationship between agricultural practices, water quality...
Authors
John Westra, J. K. H. Zimmerman, Bruce C. Vondracek
Central Arctic caribou and petroleum development: Distributional, nutritional, and reproductive implications Central Arctic caribou and petroleum development: Distributional, nutritional, and reproductive implications
We synthesize findings from cooperative research on effects of petroleum development on caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) of the Central Arctic Herd (CAH). The CAH increased from about 6000 animals in 1978 to 23000 in 1992, declined to 18 000 by 1995, and again increased to 27 000 by 2000. Net calf production was consistent with changes in herd size. In the Kuparuk Development Area (KDA...
Authors
Raymond D. Cameron, Walter T. Smith, Robert G. White, Brad Griffith
Male Texas Horned Lizards increase daily movements and area covered in spring: A mate searching strategy? Male Texas Horned Lizards increase daily movements and area covered in spring: A mate searching strategy?
Texas Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma cornutum, were tracked using fluorescent powder to determine exact daily movements. Daily linear movements and daily space use were compared between adult males and females. Lizards that traveled the greatest linear distances also covered the largest areas. In Oklahoma, adults emerge from hibernation in late April and early May and mate soon afterward...
Authors
Richard C. Stark, S. F. Fox, David Leslie
A method for trapping breeding adult American Oystercatchers A method for trapping breeding adult American Oystercatchers
We present an efficient and effective method for trapping adult, breeding American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) that minimizes disturbance to nesting birds and the risk of trapping injuries. We used a remote controlled mechanical decoy to lure territorial adults to a leg-hold noose-mat trap. We trapped 25 birds over two seasons and were successful on 54% of our trapping attempts...
Authors
Conor P. McGowan, Theodore R. Simons
Burrowing owl nesting productivity: A comparison between artificial and natural burrows on and off golf courses Burrowing owl nesting productivity: A comparison between artificial and natural burrows on and off golf courses
Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) populations are declining in many portions of their range, and lack of suitable nesting burrows is thought to be one reason for observed declines. Burrowing owls are attracted to golf courses because the birds generally nest and forage in short-grass, open areas, yet golf courses seldom have suitable nesting burrows. We examined the efficacy of...
Authors
M. D. Smith, Courtney J. Conway, L. A. Ellis
Biotic and abiotic correlates with black bullhead population characteristics in Nebraska sandhill lakes Biotic and abiotic correlates with black bullhead population characteristics in Nebraska sandhill lakes
We explored relationships among black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) population characteristics and physicochemical attributes in shallow lakes and quantified relationships between population characteristics of black bullhead and sport fishes. Lake characteristics and fisheries survey data were collected from the Sandhills region of northcentral Nebraska from May through June, 1998 and 1999...
Authors
Quinton E. Phelps, Matthew J. Ward, Craig P. Paukert, Steven R. Chipps, David W. Willis
How much is enough? The recurrent problem of setting measurable objectives in conservation How much is enough? The recurrent problem of setting measurable objectives in conservation
International agreements, environmental laws, resource management agencies, and environmental nongovernmental organizations all establish objectives that define what they hope to accomplish. Unfortunately, quantitative objectives in conservation are typically set without consistency and scientific rigor. As a result, conservationists are failing to provide credible answers to the...
Authors
Timothy Tear, Peter Kareiva, Paul L. Angermeier, P. Comer, Brian Czech, R. Kautz, L. Landon, D. Mehlman, K. Murphy, M. Ruckelshaus, J. Michael Scott, G. Wilhere
A comparison of American Oystercatcher reproductive success on barrier beach and river island habitats in coastal North Carolina A comparison of American Oystercatcher reproductive success on barrier beach and river island habitats in coastal North Carolina
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) numbers along the east coast of the United States are declining in some areas and expanding in others. Researchers have suggested that movement from traditional barrier beach habitats to novel inland habitats and coastal marshes may explain some of these changes, but few studies have documented oystercatcher reproductive success in non...
Authors
Conor P. McGowan, Theodore R. Simons, W. Golder, J. Cordes
Do wintering Harlequin Ducks forage nocturnally at high latitudes? Do wintering Harlequin Ducks forage nocturnally at high latitudes?
We monitored radio-tagged Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) to determine whether nocturnal feeding was part of their foraging strategy during winter in south-central Alaska. Despite attributes of our study site (low ambient temperatures, harsh weather, short day length) and study species (small body size, high daytime foraging rates) that would be expected to favor nocturnal...
Authors
Daniel Rizzolo, Daniel Esler, Daniel D. Roby, Robert L. Jarvis
Survival and selection of migrating salmon from capture-recapture models with individual traits Survival and selection of migrating salmon from capture-recapture models with individual traits
Capture–recapture studies are powerful tools for studying animal population dynamics, providing information on population abundance, survival rates, population growth rates, and selection for phenotypic traits. In these studies, the probability of observing a tagged individual reflects both the probability of the individual surviving to the time of recapture and the probability of...
Authors
Richard Zabel, Tyler Wagner, James Congleton, Steven G. Smith, John G. Williams
First record of the plains minnow, Hybognathus placitus, in Canada First record of the plains minnow, Hybognathus placitus, in Canada
Seven Plains Minnows, Hybognathus placitus, Family Cyprinidae, were collected on 11 June 2003 from Morgan Creek, in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. This collection is the first record of the species in Canada and extends the northern distribution limit of the species. Of 95 Hybognathus spp. collected at the site, only eight specimens were retained for positive...
Authors
R. M. Sylvester, S. E. Freeling, C. R. Berry