Brian Halstead
Biography
Dr. Brian Halstead's research focuses on conservation of reptiles and amphibians, particularly applications of population ecology to species conservation. In particular, he combines field methods like capture-mark-recapture and radio telemetry with flexible Bayesian hierarchical models to learn about demographic parameters and the individual, biotic, and environmental variables that affect them. Central themes of his research include the influence of land use, climate, and biotic interactions on species distributions and demographic rates; the behavioral response of individuals to habitat change; and providing relevant information for wildlife conservation to resource managers and private landowners. Currently, Dr. Halstead's research focuses on the effects of water availability on the distribution, behavior, and demography of giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas); the response of San Francisco gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) to grazing and management of aquatic invasive species; and the influence of abiotic and biotic variables on the distribution and demography of amphibian populations in northern California. Additional research projects include the distribution, growth, and demography of island night lizards (Xantusia riversiana) on San Nicolas Island and monitoring Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) maternal colonies at Point Reyes National Seashore.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Population Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Herpetology
- Bayesian Statistics
EDUCATION
- B.S. in Biology, Carroll College (Waukesha, WI), 1999
- Ph.D. in Biology, University of South Florida, 2008
Science and Products
Ecology and Conservation of Reptiles
This project improves our understanding of the ecology of reptiles in California and evaluates methods of managing landscapes and these imperiled species. In particular, Dr. Brian Halstead examines the distribution and demography of reptiles to understand factors that affect where they are found and how populations change. He further explores the relationships of reptiles with their abiotic...
Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians in Northern California
This project improves our understanding of the ecology of amphibians in northern California and evaluates methods of managing landscapes and these imperiled species. In particular, Dr. Brian Halstead examines the distribution and demography of amphibians to understand factors that affect where amphibians are found and how populations change. He further explores the relationships of amphibians...
Bat Research in California
The primary goal of this bat research program is to develop projects that increase our understanding of basic ecology and natural history of western bat species, while simultaneously providing needed data to inform conservation measures and management decisions in the West. Dr. Brian Halstead, together with Gabriel Reyes, studies the habitat and resource selection, movement ecology, demography...
Dixon Field Station
WERC scientists at the Dixon Field Station conduct studies from the San Francisco Bay-Delta in California to the Great Basin spanning California and Nevada.
USGS Science in Point Reyes National Seashore (California)
Interviews with staff at Point Reyes National Seashore tell how this National Park Service unit uses USGS science to educate visitors, and manage the park.
WERC Scientists Find that Threatened Snakes Depend on Agriculture (TWS Wildlife News)
SACRAMENTO – A new study shows how giant gartersnakes use Central Valley rice fields
A Unified Research Strategy for Disease Management
As wildlife diseases increase globally, an understanding of host-pathogen relationships can elucidate avenues for management and improve conservation efficacy. Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of wildlife, and disease is a major factor in global amphibian declines.