Brian Uher-Koch
Brian is a Wildlife Biologist for the Alaska Science Center.
Professional Experience
2011 - Present Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
2008 - 2010 Biological Science Technician, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
Education and Certifications
M.S. 2013 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia Wildlife Ecology
B.S. 2009 Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska Environmental Science
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 23
Counts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017 Counts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017
These data are in two tables related to surveys conducted on wintering Emperor Geese in Alaska. Surveys counting the number of wintering Emperor Geese were conducted on Shemya Island in 2003 and 2016, and on Adak Island in 2016-2017. Data on abdominal profile indices (body condition) of Emperor Geese were collected on Shemya Island in 2016, on Adak Island in 2016-2017, and on Kodiak...
Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica) Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica)
This data release includes 1 child item with tracking data for Pacific Loons, a species that breeds throughout much of Alaska and winters throughout the Pacific Ocean basin, along the coasts of East Asia and North America. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite...
Tracking data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) Tracking data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Red-throated Loons, a species that breeds in coastal areas throughout Alaska and winters along the Pacific coasts of North America and Eurasia. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite transmitters. Child...
Tracking data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii) Tracking data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Yellow-billed loons, a species that breeds in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and adjacent regions of Russia and Canada. This species winters along the Pacific coasts of North America and Eurasia. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii) - Processed Data" -- Quality
Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016 Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016
This data set contains one table of the habitat classifications from imagery captured during aerial photographic surveys at the five primary Pacific black brant colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in western Alaska from 1993-2016.
Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska
Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor...
Filter Total Items: 25
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 31
Ecosystem scale loss of grazing habitat impacted by abundance of dominant herbivores Ecosystem scale loss of grazing habitat impacted by abundance of dominant herbivores
Grazing lawns, patches of grazing tolerant plants with high nutrient value, provide important habitat for herbivores, and changes in abundance can impact herbivore populations. Grazing lawns are maintained in quality and quantity by repeated grazing and are a result of a positive feedback since the availability of grazing lawn can increase herbivore populations and increased herbivore...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joel A. Schmutz, Heather M. Wilson, R Michael Anthony, Thomas L Day, Thomas F Fondell, Brian T. Person, James S. Sedinger
Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are exposed to a diversity of influenza A viruses, are infected during the non-breeding period and contribute to intercontinental viral dispersal Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are exposed to a diversity of influenza A viruses, are infected during the non-breeding period and contribute to intercontinental viral dispersal
Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are endemic to coastal areas within Beringia and have previously been found to have antibodies to or to be infected with influenza A viruses (IAVs) in Alaska. In this study, we use virological, serological and tracking data to further elucidate the role of emperor geese in the ecology of IAVs in Beringia during the non‐breeding period. Specifically, we...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Andrew B. Reeves, Joel A. Schmutz, Rebecca L. Poulson, David E. Stallknecht
Changes in behavior are unable to disrupt a trophic cascade involving a specialist herbivore and its food plant Changes in behavior are unable to disrupt a trophic cascade involving a specialist herbivore and its food plant
Changes in ecological conditions can induce changes in behavior and demography of wild organisms, which in turn may influence population dynamics. Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) nesting in colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) in western Alaska have declined substantially (~50%) since the turn of the century. Pacific black brant are herbivores that rely heavily on...
Authors
Madeleine G Lohman, Thomas V. Riecke, Cheyenne R Acevedo, Brian T. Person, Joel A. Schmutz, Brian D. Uher-Koch, James S. Sedinger
Serologic evidence for influenza A virus exposure in three loon species (Gavia spp.) breeding in Alaska Serologic evidence for influenza A virus exposure in three loon species (Gavia spp.) breeding in Alaska
Limited information exists about exposure to influenza A viruses (IAVs) in many wild waterbird species, including loons. We analyzed serum samples from breeding adult Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Red-throated (Gavia stellata), and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons sampled at three locations along the coast of Alaska, US from 2008 to 2017 to gain a better understanding of the potential...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Timothy J. Spivey, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Joel A. Schmutz, Kaijun Jiang, Xiu-Feng Wan, Andrew M. Ramey
Survey of Arctic Alaskan wildlife for influenza A antibodies: Limited evidence for exposure of mammals Survey of Arctic Alaskan wildlife for influenza A antibodies: Limited evidence for exposure of mammals
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are maintained in wild waterbirds and have the potential to infect a broad range of species, including wild mammals. The Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska supports a diverse suite of species, including waterfowl that are common hosts of IAVs. Mammals co-occur with geese and other migratory waterbirds during the summer breeding season, providing a plausible...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Timothy J. Spivey, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Todd C. Atwood, David R. Sinnett, Brandt W. Meixell, Jerry W. Hupp, Kaijun Jiang, Layne G. Adams, David D. Gustine, Andrew M. Ramey, Xiu-Feng Wan
Comparative nest survival of three sympatric loon species breeding in the Arctic Comparative nest survival of three sympatric loon species breeding in the Arctic
Identifying factors influencing nest survival among sympatric species is important for understanding and managing sources of variation in population dynamics of individual species. Three species of loons nest sympatrically in northern Alaska and differ in body size, life history characteristics, and population trends. We tested the effects of competition, nest site selection, and water...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joshua C. Koch, Kenneth G. Wright, Joel A. Schmutz
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 23
Counts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017 Counts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017
These data are in two tables related to surveys conducted on wintering Emperor Geese in Alaska. Surveys counting the number of wintering Emperor Geese were conducted on Shemya Island in 2003 and 2016, and on Adak Island in 2016-2017. Data on abdominal profile indices (body condition) of Emperor Geese were collected on Shemya Island in 2016, on Adak Island in 2016-2017, and on Kodiak...
Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica) Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica)
This data release includes 1 child item with tracking data for Pacific Loons, a species that breeds throughout much of Alaska and winters throughout the Pacific Ocean basin, along the coasts of East Asia and North America. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Pacific Loons (Gavia pacifica) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite...
Tracking data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) Tracking data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Red-throated Loons, a species that breeds in coastal areas throughout Alaska and winters along the Pacific coasts of North America and Eurasia. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite transmitters. Child...
Tracking data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii) Tracking data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Yellow-billed loons, a species that breeds in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and adjacent regions of Russia and Canada. This species winters along the Pacific coasts of North America and Eurasia. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Yellow-billed Loons (Gavia adamsii) - Processed Data" -- Quality
Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016 Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016
This data set contains one table of the habitat classifications from imagery captured during aerial photographic surveys at the five primary Pacific black brant colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in western Alaska from 1993-2016.
Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska
Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor...
Filter Total Items: 25
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 31
Ecosystem scale loss of grazing habitat impacted by abundance of dominant herbivores Ecosystem scale loss of grazing habitat impacted by abundance of dominant herbivores
Grazing lawns, patches of grazing tolerant plants with high nutrient value, provide important habitat for herbivores, and changes in abundance can impact herbivore populations. Grazing lawns are maintained in quality and quantity by repeated grazing and are a result of a positive feedback since the availability of grazing lawn can increase herbivore populations and increased herbivore...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joel A. Schmutz, Heather M. Wilson, R Michael Anthony, Thomas L Day, Thomas F Fondell, Brian T. Person, James S. Sedinger
Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are exposed to a diversity of influenza A viruses, are infected during the non-breeding period and contribute to intercontinental viral dispersal Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are exposed to a diversity of influenza A viruses, are infected during the non-breeding period and contribute to intercontinental viral dispersal
Emperor geese (Anser canagicus) are endemic to coastal areas within Beringia and have previously been found to have antibodies to or to be infected with influenza A viruses (IAVs) in Alaska. In this study, we use virological, serological and tracking data to further elucidate the role of emperor geese in the ecology of IAVs in Beringia during the non‐breeding period. Specifically, we...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Andrew B. Reeves, Joel A. Schmutz, Rebecca L. Poulson, David E. Stallknecht
Changes in behavior are unable to disrupt a trophic cascade involving a specialist herbivore and its food plant Changes in behavior are unable to disrupt a trophic cascade involving a specialist herbivore and its food plant
Changes in ecological conditions can induce changes in behavior and demography of wild organisms, which in turn may influence population dynamics. Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) nesting in colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) in western Alaska have declined substantially (~50%) since the turn of the century. Pacific black brant are herbivores that rely heavily on...
Authors
Madeleine G Lohman, Thomas V. Riecke, Cheyenne R Acevedo, Brian T. Person, Joel A. Schmutz, Brian D. Uher-Koch, James S. Sedinger
Serologic evidence for influenza A virus exposure in three loon species (Gavia spp.) breeding in Alaska Serologic evidence for influenza A virus exposure in three loon species (Gavia spp.) breeding in Alaska
Limited information exists about exposure to influenza A viruses (IAVs) in many wild waterbird species, including loons. We analyzed serum samples from breeding adult Pacific (Gavia pacifica), Red-throated (Gavia stellata), and Yellow-billed (Gavia adamsii) loons sampled at three locations along the coast of Alaska, US from 2008 to 2017 to gain a better understanding of the potential...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Timothy J. Spivey, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Joel A. Schmutz, Kaijun Jiang, Xiu-Feng Wan, Andrew M. Ramey
Survey of Arctic Alaskan wildlife for influenza A antibodies: Limited evidence for exposure of mammals Survey of Arctic Alaskan wildlife for influenza A antibodies: Limited evidence for exposure of mammals
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are maintained in wild waterbirds and have the potential to infect a broad range of species, including wild mammals. The Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska supports a diverse suite of species, including waterfowl that are common hosts of IAVs. Mammals co-occur with geese and other migratory waterbirds during the summer breeding season, providing a plausible...
Authors
Caroline R. Van Hemert, Timothy J. Spivey, Brian D. Uher-Koch, Todd C. Atwood, David R. Sinnett, Brandt W. Meixell, Jerry W. Hupp, Kaijun Jiang, Layne G. Adams, David D. Gustine, Andrew M. Ramey, Xiu-Feng Wan
Comparative nest survival of three sympatric loon species breeding in the Arctic Comparative nest survival of three sympatric loon species breeding in the Arctic
Identifying factors influencing nest survival among sympatric species is important for understanding and managing sources of variation in population dynamics of individual species. Three species of loons nest sympatrically in northern Alaska and differ in body size, life history characteristics, and population trends. We tested the effects of competition, nest site selection, and water...
Authors
Brian D. Uher-Koch, Joshua C. Koch, Kenneth G. Wright, Joel A. Schmutz