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Denise Clark

Denise Clark is a biologist with the USGS, Western Ecological Research Center.

I am a wildlife biologist with the US Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center. I am interested in many aspects of small mammals and herpetofauna ecology. My current projects are focused on endangered species that inhabit San Diego County (Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat, Arroyo Toad, Western Pond Turtle, and Pacific Pocket Mouse).

EDUCATION

B.S. Biology with emphasis in Zoology San Diego State 2002

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Conservation biology
  • Fire Ecology
  • Herpetology
  • Mammalogy
  • Plant Ecology
  • Plant Taxonomy
  •  Species/Population management
  • Telemetry (radio and/or satellite)
  • Threatened and endangered species
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Wetland Ecology
  • Wildlife Biology

Science and Products

link
Stephens’ kangaroo rat

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Research and Monitoring Program

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) scientists provide valuable support to management agencies as they work toward recovery of the threatened Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Stephen’s kangaroo rat (SKR) occupies a limited range of habitat within southern California. WERC’s long-term monitoring of SKR at several sites has revealed local trends in distribution and abundance...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Research and Monitoring Program

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) scientists provide valuable support to management agencies as they work toward recovery of the threatened Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Stephen’s kangaroo rat (SKR) occupies a limited range of habitat within southern California. WERC’s long-term monitoring of SKR at several sites has revealed local trends in distribution and abundance...
Learn More

Vertical Profiles of Water Quality and Phytoplankton Data from Five Lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York State, 2021

This data release contains phytoplankton data and vertical profile measurements of water quality and light in oligotrophic (low nutrient) lakes within the Adirondack Park, New York State. Data were collected between June and October 2021 at five lakes. Four lake locations (Nearshore, Open Water, Layer, Bloom) were sampled representing one of four sample types (Bottom Sediment, Surface...
By
New York Water Science Center

Western Spadefoot Survey Data in Northern and Central California (2019)

Species distributions are governed by processes occurring at multiple spatial scales. For species with complex life cycles, the needs of all life stages must be met within the dispersal limitations of the species. Multi-scale processes can be particularly important for these species, where small-scale patterns in specific habitat components can affect the distribution of one life stage...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Terrestrial mammal diversity at Hansen Dam (Los Angeles, California, USA): Flood control area acts as habitat in a human-dominated landscape

Urban expansion is a prominent threat to biodiversity, particularly for terrestrial mammals, which are significantly impacted by disruptions in habitat connectivity and loss. It can also lead to increased human‑wildlife conflicts that contribute to species decline. Urban public works projects, such as flood control areas, may coincidentally preserve significant habitat, but their...
Authors
Auxenia G. Privett-Mendoza, Stella Oganesyan, Robert N. Fisher, Cynthia Joan Hitchcock, Denise Clark, Amanda J. Zellmer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

An evaluation of cyanobacterial occurrence and bloom development in Adirondack lakes

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) have occurred in many low nutrient (oligotrophic) lakes in the northeastern United States. The Adirondack Park in New York is a large, mountainous region with many low nutrient lakes. There is a gap in understanding regarding whether cyanoHAB reporting data are truly reflective of the susceptibility of lakes to develop bloom conditions. We...
Authors
Rebecca Michelle Gorney, Elizabeth A. Nystrom, Michael D. Stouder, Ann E. St. Amand, Cory Suave, Denise Clark, Erin Stelzer, Carrie E. Givens, Jennifer L. Graham
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Comparison of imaging flow cytometry and microscopy for freshwater algal bloom detection

Imaging flow cytometry (IFC) is an emerging tool that allows for rapid identification and enumeration of phytoplankton in freshwater systems. However, few studies have assessed the effects of preservation on IFC results or compared live IFC and microscopy results in freshwater systems. Understanding the effects of preservation and differences between IFC and microscopy will improve...
Authors
Sabina R. Gifford, Ann E. St. Amand, Jennifer L. Graham, Guy Foster, Cory Sauve, Denise Clark, Hannah Schroeder-Larkins
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Long-term occupancy monitoring reveals value of moderate disturbance for an open-habitat specialist, the Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi)

For species of conservation concern, long-term monitoring is vital to properly characterize changes in population distribution and abundance over time. In addition, long-term monitoring guides management decisions by informing and evaluating the efficacy of management actions. A long-term monitoring initiative for the federally threatened Stephens' Kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi, SKR)...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Philip Robert Gould, Denise Clark, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Range-wide persistence of the endangered arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus) for 20+ years following a prolonged drought

Prolonged drought due to climate change has negatively impacted amphibians in southern California, U.S.A. Due to the severity and length of the current drought, agencies and researchers had growing concern for the persistence of the arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), an endangered endemic amphibian in this region. Range-wide surveys for this species had not been conducted for at least...
Authors
Cynthia Joan Hitchcock, Elizabeth Gallegos, Adam R. Backlin, Russell Barabe, Peter H. Bloom, Kimberly Boss, Cheryl S. Brehme, Chris W. Brown, Denise Clark, Elizabeth R. Clark, Kevin Cooper, Julie Donnell, Edward L. Ervin, Peter Famolaro, Kim M. Guilliam, Jaquelyn Hancock, Nicholas Hess, Steven Howard, Valerie Hubbartt, Patrick Lieske, Robert E. Lovich, Tritia A. Matsuda, Katherin Meyer-Wilkins, Kamarul Muri, Barry Nerhus, Jeffrey A. Nordland, Brock Ortega, Robert H. Packard, Ruben Ramirez, Sam C. IV Stewart, Samuel Sweet, Manna L. Warburton, Jeffrey Wells, Ryan Winkleman, Kirsten Winter, Brian Zitt, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Multi-scale patterns in occurrence of an ephemeral pool-breeding amphibian

Species distributions are governed by processes occurring at multiple spatial scales. For species with complex life cycles, the needs of all life stages must be met within the dispersal limitations of the species. Multi-scale processes can be particularly important for these species, where small-scale patterns in specific habitat components can affect the distribution of one life stage...
Authors
Brian Halstead, Jonathan P. Rose, Denise Clark, Patrick M. Kleeman, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Track tube construction and field protocol for small mammal surveys with emphasis on the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus)

Track tubes are used to identify small animals by their tracks. Animals that are small enough to fit into the tubes walk over ink pads and onto cardstock paper to obtain bait within the tube, leaving their footprints. The tracking tubes described in this document are designed to be set on the ground with free access and exit at either end with additional design components for stability...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Tritia A. Matsuda, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Denise Clark, Jeremy B. Sebes, Melanie Anne T. Burlaza, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Wildfires alter rodent community structure across four vegetation types in southern California, USA

We surveyed burned and unburned plots across four habitat reserves in San Diego County, California, USA, in 2005 and 2006, to assess the effects of the 2003 wildfires on the community structure and relative abundance of rodent species. The reserves each contained multiple vegetation types (coastal sage scrub, chaparral, woodland, and grassland) and spanned from 250 m to 1078 m in...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Denise Clark, Carlton J. Rochester, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Science and Products

link
Stephens’ kangaroo rat

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Research and Monitoring Program

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) scientists provide valuable support to management agencies as they work toward recovery of the threatened Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Stephen’s kangaroo rat (SKR) occupies a limited range of habitat within southern California. WERC’s long-term monitoring of SKR at several sites has revealed local trends in distribution and abundance...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Research and Monitoring Program

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) scientists provide valuable support to management agencies as they work toward recovery of the threatened Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Stephen’s kangaroo rat (SKR) occupies a limited range of habitat within southern California. WERC’s long-term monitoring of SKR at several sites has revealed local trends in distribution and abundance...
Learn More

Vertical Profiles of Water Quality and Phytoplankton Data from Five Lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York State, 2021

This data release contains phytoplankton data and vertical profile measurements of water quality and light in oligotrophic (low nutrient) lakes within the Adirondack Park, New York State. Data were collected between June and October 2021 at five lakes. Four lake locations (Nearshore, Open Water, Layer, Bloom) were sampled representing one of four sample types (Bottom Sediment, Surface...
By
New York Water Science Center

Western Spadefoot Survey Data in Northern and Central California (2019)

Species distributions are governed by processes occurring at multiple spatial scales. For species with complex life cycles, the needs of all life stages must be met within the dispersal limitations of the species. Multi-scale processes can be particularly important for these species, where small-scale patterns in specific habitat components can affect the distribution of one life stage...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse
Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific pocket mouse

By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Terrestrial mammal diversity at Hansen Dam (Los Angeles, California, USA): Flood control area acts as habitat in a human-dominated landscape

Urban expansion is a prominent threat to biodiversity, particularly for terrestrial mammals, which are significantly impacted by disruptions in habitat connectivity and loss. It can also lead to increased human‑wildlife conflicts that contribute to species decline. Urban public works projects, such as flood control areas, may coincidentally preserve significant habitat, but their...
Authors
Auxenia G. Privett-Mendoza, Stella Oganesyan, Robert N. Fisher, Cynthia Joan Hitchcock, Denise Clark, Amanda J. Zellmer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

An evaluation of cyanobacterial occurrence and bloom development in Adirondack lakes

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) have occurred in many low nutrient (oligotrophic) lakes in the northeastern United States. The Adirondack Park in New York is a large, mountainous region with many low nutrient lakes. There is a gap in understanding regarding whether cyanoHAB reporting data are truly reflective of the susceptibility of lakes to develop bloom conditions. We...
Authors
Rebecca Michelle Gorney, Elizabeth A. Nystrom, Michael D. Stouder, Ann E. St. Amand, Cory Suave, Denise Clark, Erin Stelzer, Carrie E. Givens, Jennifer L. Graham
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Comparison of imaging flow cytometry and microscopy for freshwater algal bloom detection

Imaging flow cytometry (IFC) is an emerging tool that allows for rapid identification and enumeration of phytoplankton in freshwater systems. However, few studies have assessed the effects of preservation on IFC results or compared live IFC and microscopy results in freshwater systems. Understanding the effects of preservation and differences between IFC and microscopy will improve...
Authors
Sabina R. Gifford, Ann E. St. Amand, Jennifer L. Graham, Guy Foster, Cory Sauve, Denise Clark, Hannah Schroeder-Larkins
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Long-term occupancy monitoring reveals value of moderate disturbance for an open-habitat specialist, the Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi)

For species of conservation concern, long-term monitoring is vital to properly characterize changes in population distribution and abundance over time. In addition, long-term monitoring guides management decisions by informing and evaluating the efficacy of management actions. A long-term monitoring initiative for the federally threatened Stephens' Kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi, SKR)...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Philip Robert Gould, Denise Clark, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Range-wide persistence of the endangered arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus) for 20+ years following a prolonged drought

Prolonged drought due to climate change has negatively impacted amphibians in southern California, U.S.A. Due to the severity and length of the current drought, agencies and researchers had growing concern for the persistence of the arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), an endangered endemic amphibian in this region. Range-wide surveys for this species had not been conducted for at least...
Authors
Cynthia Joan Hitchcock, Elizabeth Gallegos, Adam R. Backlin, Russell Barabe, Peter H. Bloom, Kimberly Boss, Cheryl S. Brehme, Chris W. Brown, Denise Clark, Elizabeth R. Clark, Kevin Cooper, Julie Donnell, Edward L. Ervin, Peter Famolaro, Kim M. Guilliam, Jaquelyn Hancock, Nicholas Hess, Steven Howard, Valerie Hubbartt, Patrick Lieske, Robert E. Lovich, Tritia A. Matsuda, Katherin Meyer-Wilkins, Kamarul Muri, Barry Nerhus, Jeffrey A. Nordland, Brock Ortega, Robert H. Packard, Ruben Ramirez, Sam C. IV Stewart, Samuel Sweet, Manna L. Warburton, Jeffrey Wells, Ryan Winkleman, Kirsten Winter, Brian Zitt, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Multi-scale patterns in occurrence of an ephemeral pool-breeding amphibian

Species distributions are governed by processes occurring at multiple spatial scales. For species with complex life cycles, the needs of all life stages must be met within the dispersal limitations of the species. Multi-scale processes can be particularly important for these species, where small-scale patterns in specific habitat components can affect the distribution of one life stage...
Authors
Brian Halstead, Jonathan P. Rose, Denise Clark, Patrick M. Kleeman, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Track tube construction and field protocol for small mammal surveys with emphasis on the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus)

Track tubes are used to identify small animals by their tracks. Animals that are small enough to fit into the tubes walk over ink pads and onto cardstock paper to obtain bait within the tube, leaving their footprints. The tracking tubes described in this document are designed to be set on the ground with free access and exit at either end with additional design components for stability...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Tritia A. Matsuda, Devin T. Adsit-Morris, Denise Clark, Jeremy B. Sebes, Melanie Anne T. Burlaza, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Wildfires alter rodent community structure across four vegetation types in southern California, USA

We surveyed burned and unburned plots across four habitat reserves in San Diego County, California, USA, in 2005 and 2006, to assess the effects of the 2003 wildfires on the community structure and relative abundance of rodent species. The reserves each contained multiple vegetation types (coastal sage scrub, chaparral, woodland, and grassland) and spanned from 250 m to 1078 m in...
Authors
Cheryl S. Brehme, Denise Clark, Carlton J. Rochester, Robert N. Fisher
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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