Dan Slone works with population and habitat data analyses and simulation models, generally with West Indian manatees, Florida crocodillians, and seagrasses.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Entomology, Oregon State University, 1999 [Ph.D. Dissertation: Spatial Patterns of Predaceous and Phytophagous Apple Mites (Acari: Eriophyidae, Phytoseiidae, Stigmaeidae, Tetranychidae): Intra- and Interspecific Relationships]
B.A., Biology (with honors) and B.A., Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1992
BACKGROUND
Research Ecologist, USGS Florida Integrated Science Center, Sirenia Project, Gainesville, FL: August 2004 – Present.
Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, Forest insect Research, Pineville, LA: June 2001 – August 2004.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Entomology/Nematology Dept., University of Florida: April 1999 – May 2001.
Substitute instructor for Insect Population Biology, Ent./Nem. Dept., University of Florida: March 2000.
Graduate Research Assistant, Entomology Department, Oregon State University: June 1995 - April 1999.
Instructor for Map-Making and Orienteering workshop, H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest: June 1997.
Teaching Assistant for Integrated Pest Management, Entomology Dept., Oregon State U.: Sept-Dec 1997.
Assistant instructor, computer and statistical techniques for Computers and I.P.M., Entomology Department, Oregon State University: Jan-Mar 1998.
Committee member for Ph.D Student, ECOSUR. 2007 – Present.
Committee member and thesis project advisor (not major advisor) for Ph.D Student, University of Florida Entomology Dept. 2005 – Present.
Provided graduate research assistantship, served on committee, and advised on thesis project for MS Student, University of Florida Entomology Dept. 2001 – 2005.
Provided graduate assistantship to MS student, University of Florida Fish and Wildlife Co-op unit, 2002 – 2003.
Science and Products
Health Effects and Behavioral Response of Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to Persistent Algal Bloom and Associated Loss of Seagrass Resources in Brevard County, Florida
Effects of Native and Non-native Fishes on Native Apple Snail Population Dynamics
Development of a Quantitative Risk Assessment Tool to Predict Invasiveness of Non-native Freshwater Fishes in Everglades National Park
Past and Future Modeling of Ecological Indicators for the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Manatee Distribution and Habitat Use in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Monitoring and Assessing Effects of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) on the Florida Manatee
Seagrass Beds and Manatee Foraging Areas in the Ten Thousand Islands: Mapping and Characterizing by Incorporating Manatee GPS Tracking Data and Habitat Information
Winter Manatee Foraging Behavior and the Decline of Seagrass Beds in the Northern Indian River Lagoon
How will Florida’s Biodiversity Respond to Climate Change?
Science and Products
- Publications
- Science
Health Effects and Behavioral Response of Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to Persistent Algal Bloom and Associated Loss of Seagrass Resources in Brevard County, Florida
USGS researchers are working with partners to assess the health and foraging behavior of Florida manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon and Banana River, areas that have experienced declining seagrasses due to an extended phytoplankton bloom.Effects of Native and Non-native Fishes on Native Apple Snail Population Dynamics
The Florida apple snail is a critical component of the state's wetland food webs. USGS scientists assess the effects of native and non-native fishes on the native snail populations.Development of a Quantitative Risk Assessment Tool to Predict Invasiveness of Non-native Freshwater Fishes in Everglades National Park
The introduction of non-native fishes is a problem across the United States, particularly in Florida. USGS scientists are developing a decision support tool to help natural resourece managers prioritize which species to focus prevention, detection, rapid response, and control efforts.Past and Future Modeling of Ecological Indicators for the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative
The South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) has developed a Conservation Blueprint: a “living spatial plan to conserve natural and cultural resources for future generations.” This blueprint is a data-driven plan based on terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and cross-ecosystem indicators to measure the overall health of South Atlantic ecosystems.Manatee Distribution and Habitat Use in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
USGS works with partners to assess manatee distribution and habitat use throughout the Northern Gulf of Mexico.Monitoring and Assessing Effects of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) on the Florida Manatee
Critical information predicting condition changes in manatee habitat resulting from the alteration of freshwater flows to estuaries is needed to develop the PSRP Detailed Design and PSRP Operations Plan components and complete consultation under the Endangered Species Act.Seagrass Beds and Manatee Foraging Areas in the Ten Thousand Islands: Mapping and Characterizing by Incorporating Manatee GPS Tracking Data and Habitat Information
Turbid water conditions make the delineation and characterization of benthic habitats difficult by traditional in situ and remote sensing methods. Consequently, only a small fraction of this valuable resource has been mapped or characterized.Winter Manatee Foraging Behavior and the Decline of Seagrass Beds in the Northern Indian River Lagoon
With high numbers of manatees using the Florida Power and Light power plant warm water refuge during winter, their impact on the seagrass beds in the Indian River Lagoon is considered an important indicator of the long-term capacity of the area to support the manatees. USGS is working with partners to investigate the spatial extent and intensity of manatee use of seagrass beds in the area.How will Florida’s Biodiversity Respond to Climate Change?
Florida is home to 50 endangered species, 23 National Wildlife Refuges, 9 national parks, and 119 state parks. Straddling both temperate and sub-tropical zones, the state is also unique in that it is a long and narrow peninsula, surrounded on three sides by warm water, creating a dynamic environment. The impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and severe storms, threaten the state’s uniq... - Data