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Ernest Valdez, PhD

Ernie Valdez is a Research Wildlife Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center, and works at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ernie received his doctorate degree in Biology, during 2006, at the University of New Mexico. His research interests span a variety of topics but are focused on conservation and ecology of insects and small mammals, with an emphasis on bats in temperate and tropical ecosystems. Ernie specializes in the feeding ecology and movement of insectivorous bats but also includes research on the ectoparasites of bats. His current projects include research related to white-nose syndrome, wind energy, and habitat use by bats at uranium mines in the Southwest.

Professional Experience

  • U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 1997-present

  • National Biological Survey (NBS), Albuquerque, New Mexico. 1994-1996

  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Mid-continent Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. 1991-1993

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of New Mexico (Advisor: Dr. J. Scott Altenbach)

  • M.S. in Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University (Advisor: Dr. Jerry Choate)

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Adjunct faculty member in Dept. of Biology at University of New Mexico 2007-present

  • Museum Research Associate in Division of Mammals at the Museum of Southwestern Biology 2007-present

  • Museum Research Associate in Division of Arthropods at the Museum of Southwestern Biology 2009-present

  • American Society of Mammalogists 1994-Life Member

  • Southwestern Association of Naturalists 1995-Life Member

  • Research Associate of Indiana State University Center for North American Bat Research Center and Conservation 2005 to present

  • Western Bat Working Group 2003 to present (President 2015 to present)

  • New Mexico Bat Working Group 1997 to present (co-chair 2008-2009)

  • Arizona Bat Working Group 2003 to present

  • Colorado Bat Working Group 2002 to present

  • USGS Colorado Plateau Science Strategy Team 2015

Science and Products

Nambe grasslands, New Mexico.

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station is a place-based, globally connected, ecological research group that studies ecosystem and wildlife dynamics, working with land managers, community leaders, and Tribes to deliver solutions that foster the linked health of human and natural systems. For over three decades, we have focused on shifting research needs from forest watershed health to wildlife...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station is a place-based, globally connected, ecological research group that studies ecosystem and wildlife dynamics, working with land managers, community leaders, and Tribes to deliver solutions that foster the linked health of human and natural systems. For over three decades, we have focused on shifting research needs from forest watershed health to wildlife...
Learn More
Hibernating little brown bat

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

Below are ongoing or completed research projects related to wildlife at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

Below are ongoing or completed research projects related to wildlife at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
Learn More
Dr. Craig Allen standing next to a burned tree trunk in the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico.

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

Staff associated with the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

Staff associated with the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
Learn More
Bat hanging from a cave ceiling

Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife today are changes to their environment from both natural and anthropogenic causes. Natural resource managers, planners, policy makers, industry and private landowners must make informed decisions and policies regarding management, conservation, and restoration of species, habitats, and ecosystem function in response to these changes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife today are changes to their environment from both natural and anthropogenic causes. Natural resource managers, planners, policy makers, industry and private landowners must make informed decisions and policies regarding management, conservation, and restoration of species, habitats, and ecosystem function in response to these changes.
Learn More
A bat with White-nose syndrome hanging in a cave. Photo by USFWS.

External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

White-nose syndrome (WNS) and/or Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P.d.), the causal agent, has spread westward across 26 states and 5 provinces within the eastern United States and Canada, respectively, over a short period of time. Since its discovery there has been a search to stop the spread of this disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in its wake. Recent collaborative work by FORT...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

White-nose syndrome (WNS) and/or Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P.d.), the causal agent, has spread westward across 26 states and 5 provinces within the eastern United States and Canada, respectively, over a short period of time. Since its discovery there has been a search to stop the spread of this disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in its wake. Recent collaborative work by FORT...
Learn More
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Bats are the only flying mammals that are active mostly at night and occur on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are ecologically diverse, with a range of species that specialize in feeding on fruit, nectar, blood, fish, small mammals, and insects. However, of the more than 1,100 known species of bats on Earth, the majority specialize in feeding on insects. In the United States for example, of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Bats are the only flying mammals that are active mostly at night and occur on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are ecologically diverse, with a range of species that specialize in feeding on fruit, nectar, blood, fish, small mammals, and insects. However, of the more than 1,100 known species of bats on Earth, the majority specialize in feeding on insects. In the United States for example, of...
Learn More
A lone wind turbine in a corn field in Wyoming.

Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and represents an important step toward reducing dependence on nonrenewable sources of power. However, widespread deployment of industrial wind turbines is having unprecedented adverse effects on certain species of bats that roost in trees and migrate. Bats are beneficial consumers of agricultural insect pests and migratory species...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and represents an important step toward reducing dependence on nonrenewable sources of power. However, widespread deployment of industrial wind turbines is having unprecedented adverse effects on certain species of bats that roost in trees and migrate. Bats are beneficial consumers of agricultural insect pests and migratory species...
Learn More
Little Brown Bat and Indiana Bats

Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

In 1999 and 2000, FORT conducted a survey of bats at El Malpais National Monument and adjacent lands. During this study, several species of bats were documented, including some that are known to use caves or lava-tube formations as roosts. In the winter of 2006–2007, the fungus-caused disease known as “white-nose syndrome” (WNS) began devastating populations of hibernating bat species that use...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

In 1999 and 2000, FORT conducted a survey of bats at El Malpais National Monument and adjacent lands. During this study, several species of bats were documented, including some that are known to use caves or lava-tube formations as roosts. In the winter of 2006–2007, the fungus-caused disease known as “white-nose syndrome” (WNS) began devastating populations of hibernating bat species that use...
Learn More

Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
Learn More

Percent volumes of insects consumed by the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National H Percent volumes of insects consumed by the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National H

This dataset represents the date and related identification number for each guano sample collected from the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National Historical Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Capulin Volcano...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Data related to great diversity of KSalpha genes from bat skin external microbiota, from Arizona and New Mexico, indicate novel PKSII biosynthetic gene clusters Data related to great diversity of KSalpha genes from bat skin external microbiota, from Arizona and New Mexico, indicate novel PKSII biosynthetic gene clusters

We documented the type two polyketide synthases(PKS II) gene diversity and novelty by sequencing KSalpha; genes known to synthesize bioactive small molecules. Sequences were derived from culturable bacteria isolated from bats in Arizona and New Mexico. We targeted the PKS II pathway which comprised a large proportion of the culture collection. Genomic analyses of a 16-member subset of...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Precipitation and acoustic monitoring results associated with Arizona 1 and Pinenut uranium mines collected 2015-2016 Precipitation and acoustic monitoring results associated with Arizona 1 and Pinenut uranium mines collected 2015-2016

Acoustic monitoring stations were comprised of Wildlife Acoustics SMBAT2+ bat detectors powered by a 6v 36 AH (Powersonic, Model PS-6062NB) external battery and charged by a 6v solar panel (Brunton Solarflat) with a 6/12 voltage regulator (Rogue Engineering Inc.). Detectors were programmed to turn on at 1800 hours and monitor continuously throughout the night when triggered automatically...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Radio telemetry data on nighttime movements of two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, late-summer 2004 and 2005 Radio telemetry data on nighttime movements of two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, late-summer 2004 and 2005

These bat location estimates have been reported by Bogan and others (In press) and come in the form of a GIS shape file. Three species of nectar-feeding phyllostomid bats migrate north from Mexico into deserts of the United States (U.S.) each spring and summer to feed on blooms of columnar cacti and century plants (Agave spp). However, the habitat needs of these important desert...
By
Fort Collins Science Center
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat
Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance
Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Researchers swab a bat for the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes deadly white-nose syndrome.

By
Fort Collins Science Center
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Researchers swab a bat for the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes deadly white-nose syndrome.

By
Fort Collins Science Center
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges. 

By
Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges. 

By
Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Opening of a large lava tube at El Malpais National Monument in western New Mexico and likely roost for bats, 2011.

By
Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Opening of a large lava tube at El Malpais National Monument in western New Mexico and likely roost for bats, 2011.

By
Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

Asunset photo, from El Malpais National Monument, NM. 

By
Fort Collins Science Center
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

Asunset photo, from El Malpais National Monument, NM. 

By
Fort Collins Science Center
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.
The last sheath-tailed bat photo
The last sheath-tailed bat photo
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Filter Total Items: 36

Diet of Myotis ciliolabrum from six sites in the southwestern United States Diet of Myotis ciliolabrum from six sites in the southwestern United States

With bat populations declining in many parts of the world, detailed life history information will be critical for assessing vulnerabilities of bat populations and associated trophic effects. Myotis ciliolabrum (western small-footed bat) is a species of insectivorous bat distributed from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast and from British Columbia to Central Mexico. The species is...
Authors
Ashley E Loehn, Dale Sparks, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Ecology shapes the genomic and biosynthetic diversification of Streptomyces bacteria from insectivorous bats Ecology shapes the genomic and biosynthetic diversification of Streptomyces bacteria from insectivorous bats

Streptomyces are prolific producers of secondary metabolites from which many clinically useful compounds have been derived. They inhabit diverse habitats but have rarely been reported in vertebrates. Here, we aim to determine to what extent the ecological source (bat host species and cave sites) influence the genomic and biosynthetic diversity of Streptomyces bacteria. We analysed draft...
Authors
Manuela Montoya-Giraldo, Kathryn R. Piper, Odion O. Ikhimiukor, Cooper J. Park, Nicole Caimi, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Diana Northup, Cheryl P. Andam
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Great diversity of KSα sequences from bat-associated microbiota suggests novel sources of uncharacterized natural products Great diversity of KSα sequences from bat-associated microbiota suggests novel sources of uncharacterized natural products

Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are multidomain enzymes in microorganisms that synthesize complex, bioactive molecules. PKS II systems are iterative, containing only a single representative of each domain: ketosynthase alpha (KSα�⁠), ketosynthase beta and the acyl carrier protein. Any gene encoding for one of these domains is representative of an entire PKS II biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC)...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Jennifer Hathaway, Ara Winter, Nicole Caimi, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Diana Northup
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Southwestern bats and their external bacteria Southwestern bats and their external bacteria

Bat species diversity within the United States is greatest in the Southwest, with approximately 30 species present. At least 16 of these bat species hibernate and are susceptible to white-nose syndrome (WNS), which is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Since 2006, millions of bats from 35 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces have died from WNS. In previous studies of...
Authors
Ernest Valdez, Emily Johnson, Edward Strach, Patrick Lewis, William C Briggs, Nicole Caimi, Ara Winter, Diana Northup, Jennifer Hathaway
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Seasonal activity and diets of bats at uranium mines and adjacent areas near the Grand Canyon Seasonal activity and diets of bats at uranium mines and adjacent areas near the Grand Canyon

Little information exists on the habitat use and feeding ecology of insectivorous bats in arid ecosystems, especially at and near uranium mines in northern Arizona, within the Grand Canyon watershed. In 2015–2016, we conducted mist-netting, nightly acoustic monitoring (>1 year), and diet analyses of bats, as well as insect sampling, at 2 uranium mines (Pinenut and Arizona 1) with water...
Authors
Ernest Valdez, Mollie Hanttula, Jo Hinck
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Fort Collins Science Center

First record and diet of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) from Guadalupe National Park and Culberson County, Texas First record and diet of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) from Guadalupe National Park and Culberson County, Texas

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) occurs throughout the eastern United States, from Canada to south Florida and westward to eastern New Mexico, central Colorado, and western Texas. In this study, we document the first record of P. subflavus for both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Culberson County, Texas. Our record extends the range of P. subflavus into the Trans-Pecos...
Authors
Mollie Hanttula, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Streptomyces corynorhini sp. nov., isolated from Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) Streptomyces corynorhini sp. nov., isolated from Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii)

Four bacterial strains, with the capability of inhibiting Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white-nose syndrome, were isolated from male Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii, Family: Vespertilionidae) in New Mexico. Isolates AC161, AC162, AC208, and AC230T were characterised as a novel clade using morphological, phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis. A...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Nicole Caimi, Diana Northup, Ernest Valdez, Debbie Buecher, Christopher Dunlap, David Labeda, Andrea Porras-Alfaro
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Skin and fur bacterial diversity and community structure on American southwestern bats: effects of habitat, geography and bat traits Skin and fur bacterial diversity and community structure on American southwestern bats: effects of habitat, geography and bat traits

Microorganisms that reside on and in mammals, such as bats, have the potential to influence their host’s health and to provide defenses against invading pathogens. However, we have little understanding of the skin and fur bacterial microbiota on bats, or factors that influence the structure of these communities. The southwestern United States offers excellent sites for the study of...
Authors
Ara Winter, Jennifer J. M. Hathaway, Jason Kimble, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Andrea Porras-Alfaro, Jesse Young, Kaitlyn Read, Diana Northup
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Landscape movements by two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in a northern area of seasonal sympatry Landscape movements by two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in a northern area of seasonal sympatry

Animals often migrate to exploit seasonally ephemeral food. Three species of nectar-feeding phyllostomid bats migrate north from Mexico into deserts of the United States each spring and summer to feed on blooms of columnar cactus and century plants (Agave spp.). However, the habitat needs of these important desert pollinators are poorly understood. We followed the nighttime movements of...
Authors
Michael Bogan, Paul Cryan, Christa Weise, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Western bats as a reservoir of novel Streptomyces species with antifungal activity Western bats as a reservoir of novel Streptomyces species with antifungal activity

At least two-thirds of commercial antibiotics today are derived from Actinobacteria, more specifically from the genus Streptomyces. Antibiotic resistance and new emerging diseases pose great challenges in the field of microbiology. Cave systems, in which actinobacteria are ubiquitous and abundant, represent new opportunities for the discovery of novel bacterial species and the study of...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Nicole Caimi, Diana Northup, Ernest Valdez, Debbie Buecher, Christopher Dunlap, David Labeda, Shiloh Lueschow, Andrea Porras-Alfaro
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility

Solar power towers produce electrical energy from sunlight at an industrial scale. Little is known about the effects of this technology on flying animals and few methods exist for automatically detecting or observing wildlife at solar towers and other tall anthropogenic structures. Smoking objects are sometimes observed co-occurring with reflected, concentrated light (“solar flux”) in...
Authors
Robert Diehl, Ernest Valdez, Todd Preston, Mike Wellik, Paul Cryan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona

Recent restrictions on uranium mining within the Grand Canyon watershed have drawn attention to scientific data gaps in evaluating the possible effects of ore extraction to human populations as well as wildlife communities in the area. Tissue contaminant concentrations, one of the most basic data requirements to determine exposure, are not available for biota from any historical or...
Authors
Jo Hinck, Greg Linder, Abigail Darrah, Charles Drost, Michael Duniway, Matthew Johnson, Francisca Mendez-Harclerode, Erika M. Nowak, Ernest Valdez, Charles van Riper, S.W. Wolff
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
FORT Science in Action, Part 16: Science for reducing invasive fine fuels to restore wildlife habitat and ensure public safety

FORT Science in Action, Part 16: Science for reducing invasive fine fuels to restore wildlife habitat and ensure public safety

FORT researchers study invasive grass biology and management, to help resource managers reduce the abundance of these fine fuels, restore wildlife...

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FORT Science in Action, Part 15: Bat science in support of food and economic security

FORT Science in Action, Part 15: Bat science in support of food and economic security

A deadly fungus is causing large declines in hibernating bats around the world. Detailed life history information can support wildlife managers in...

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FORT Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ernest Valdez to share white-nose syndrome expertise at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Southwest Conference

FORT Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ernest Valdez to share white-nose syndrome expertise at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Southwest Conference

USGS-FORT's Dr. Ernest Valdez (Research Wildlife Biologist) has been invited by the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) to share his...

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USGS researchers and collaborators organize two-day webinar series on bat acoustic data analyses for North American Native nations

USGS researchers and collaborators organize two-day webinar series on bat acoustic data analyses for North American Native nations

In collaboration with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) and Mr. Roger Rodriguez of Oregon State University (OSU), Dr. Ernest...

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Dr. Ernest Valdez (USGS-FORT) and collaborators have co-organized three bat workshops for Tribal nations from the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions

Dr. Ernest Valdez (USGS-FORT) and collaborators have co-organized three bat workshops for Tribal nations from the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions

From recent collaborations with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Dr. Valdez and his team were presented with a science need for...

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A team of USGS scientists will be participating in a new USGS Tribal Engagement Series on drought in the Colorado River Basin

A team of USGS scientists will be participating in a new USGS Tribal Engagement Series on drought in the Colorado River Basin

USGS scientists from the Rocky Mountain and Southwest Regions and beyond will participate in a USGS Open House held in Albuquerque at the Southwest...

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USGS researchers and collaborators successfully host the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats

USGS researchers and collaborators successfully host the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats

Dr. Ernest Valdez of USGS-FORT, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station along with USGS-Northwest Pacific Islands Region, Native American Fish and...

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USGS Researchers are Organizing the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats in Toppenish, WA, August 8-9, 2023.

USGS Researchers are Organizing the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats in Toppenish, WA, August 8-9, 2023.

Dr. Ernest Valdez of FORT, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station along with researchers from the USGS-Northwest-Pacific Islands Region, Native American...

Read Article

Science and Products

Nambe grasslands, New Mexico.

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station is a place-based, globally connected, ecological research group that studies ecosystem and wildlife dynamics, working with land managers, community leaders, and Tribes to deliver solutions that foster the linked health of human and natural systems. For over three decades, we have focused on shifting research needs from forest watershed health to wildlife...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station

The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station is a place-based, globally connected, ecological research group that studies ecosystem and wildlife dynamics, working with land managers, community leaders, and Tribes to deliver solutions that foster the linked health of human and natural systems. For over three decades, we have focused on shifting research needs from forest watershed health to wildlife...
Learn More
Hibernating little brown bat

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

Below are ongoing or completed research projects related to wildlife at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: Wildlife Research

Below are ongoing or completed research projects related to wildlife at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
Learn More
Dr. Craig Allen standing next to a burned tree trunk in the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico.

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

Staff associated with the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

New Mexico Landscapes Field Station: People

Staff associated with the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station.
Learn More
Bat hanging from a cave ceiling

Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife today are changes to their environment from both natural and anthropogenic causes. Natural resource managers, planners, policy makers, industry and private landowners must make informed decisions and policies regarding management, conservation, and restoration of species, habitats, and ecosystem function in response to these changes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Ecology of Wildlife Disease

Some of the biggest challenges facing wildlife today are changes to their environment from both natural and anthropogenic causes. Natural resource managers, planners, policy makers, industry and private landowners must make informed decisions and policies regarding management, conservation, and restoration of species, habitats, and ecosystem function in response to these changes.
Learn More
A bat with White-nose syndrome hanging in a cave. Photo by USFWS.

External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

White-nose syndrome (WNS) and/or Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P.d.), the causal agent, has spread westward across 26 states and 5 provinces within the eastern United States and Canada, respectively, over a short period of time. Since its discovery there has been a search to stop the spread of this disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in its wake. Recent collaborative work by FORT...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

External Microbiota of Bats as Potential Bio-control Against Wildlife Diseases

White-nose syndrome (WNS) and/or Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P.d.), the causal agent, has spread westward across 26 states and 5 provinces within the eastern United States and Canada, respectively, over a short period of time. Since its discovery there has been a search to stop the spread of this disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in its wake. Recent collaborative work by FORT...
Learn More
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Bats are the only flying mammals that are active mostly at night and occur on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are ecologically diverse, with a range of species that specialize in feeding on fruit, nectar, blood, fish, small mammals, and insects. However, of the more than 1,100 known species of bats on Earth, the majority specialize in feeding on insects. In the United States for example, of...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Ecology of Insect-eating Bats

Bats are the only flying mammals that are active mostly at night and occur on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are ecologically diverse, with a range of species that specialize in feeding on fruit, nectar, blood, fish, small mammals, and insects. However, of the more than 1,100 known species of bats on Earth, the majority specialize in feeding on insects. In the United States for example, of...
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A lone wind turbine in a corn field in Wyoming.

Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and represents an important step toward reducing dependence on nonrenewable sources of power. However, widespread deployment of industrial wind turbines is having unprecedented adverse effects on certain species of bats that roost in trees and migrate. Bats are beneficial consumers of agricultural insect pests and migratory species...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Bat Fatalities at Wind Turbines—Investigating the Causes and Consequences

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and represents an important step toward reducing dependence on nonrenewable sources of power. However, widespread deployment of industrial wind turbines is having unprecedented adverse effects on certain species of bats that roost in trees and migrate. Bats are beneficial consumers of agricultural insect pests and migratory species...
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Little Brown Bat and Indiana Bats

Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

In 1999 and 2000, FORT conducted a survey of bats at El Malpais National Monument and adjacent lands. During this study, several species of bats were documented, including some that are known to use caves or lava-tube formations as roosts. In the winter of 2006–2007, the fungus-caused disease known as “white-nose syndrome” (WNS) began devastating populations of hibernating bat species that use...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

Surveillance for the Presence of White-Nose Syndrome in the Bat Community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

In 1999 and 2000, FORT conducted a survey of bats at El Malpais National Monument and adjacent lands. During this study, several species of bats were documented, including some that are known to use caves or lava-tube formations as roosts. In the winter of 2006–2007, the fungus-caused disease known as “white-nose syndrome” (WNS) began devastating populations of hibernating bat species that use...
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Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

Assessing Impacts to Ecosystems from Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region

The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
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Percent volumes of insects consumed by the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National H Percent volumes of insects consumed by the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National H

This dataset represents the date and related identification number for each guano sample collected from the western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) captured at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Pecos National Historical Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Capulin Volcano...
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Fort Collins Science Center

Data related to great diversity of KSalpha genes from bat skin external microbiota, from Arizona and New Mexico, indicate novel PKSII biosynthetic gene clusters Data related to great diversity of KSalpha genes from bat skin external microbiota, from Arizona and New Mexico, indicate novel PKSII biosynthetic gene clusters

We documented the type two polyketide synthases(PKS II) gene diversity and novelty by sequencing KSalpha; genes known to synthesize bioactive small molecules. Sequences were derived from culturable bacteria isolated from bats in Arizona and New Mexico. We targeted the PKS II pathway which comprised a large proportion of the culture collection. Genomic analyses of a 16-member subset of...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Precipitation and acoustic monitoring results associated with Arizona 1 and Pinenut uranium mines collected 2015-2016 Precipitation and acoustic monitoring results associated with Arizona 1 and Pinenut uranium mines collected 2015-2016

Acoustic monitoring stations were comprised of Wildlife Acoustics SMBAT2+ bat detectors powered by a 6v 36 AH (Powersonic, Model PS-6062NB) external battery and charged by a 6v solar panel (Brunton Solarflat) with a 6/12 voltage regulator (Rogue Engineering Inc.). Detectors were programmed to turn on at 1800 hours and monitor continuously throughout the night when triggered automatically...
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Fort Collins Science Center

Radio telemetry data on nighttime movements of two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, late-summer 2004 and 2005 Radio telemetry data on nighttime movements of two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in Hidalgo County, New Mexico, late-summer 2004 and 2005

These bat location estimates have been reported by Bogan and others (In press) and come in the form of a GIS shape file. Three species of nectar-feeding phyllostomid bats migrate north from Mexico into deserts of the United States (U.S.) each spring and summer to feed on blooms of columnar cacti and century plants (Agave spp). However, the habitat needs of these important desert...
By
Fort Collins Science Center
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat
Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance
Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Researchers swab a bat for the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes deadly white-nose syndrome.

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Fort Collins Science Center
hands in purple gloves hold a bat, hand in black glove uses Q-tip to swab the bat

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Swabbing a bat during white-nose syndrome surveillance

Researchers swab a bat for the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes deadly white-nose syndrome.

By
Fort Collins Science Center
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges. 

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Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges.

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected bat guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body parts

Dissected guano pellet showing antennae, eyes, and body fragments of midges. 

By
Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Opening of a large lava tube at El Malpais National Monument in western New Mexico and likely roost for bats, 2011.

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Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Lava tube opening/possible bat roost with pine forest above.

Opening of a large lava tube at El Malpais National Monument in western New Mexico and likely roost for bats, 2011.

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Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

Asunset photo, from El Malpais National Monument, NM. 

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Fort Collins Science Center
a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

a sunset photo, both from El Malpais National Monument

Asunset photo, from El Malpais National Monument, NM. 

By
Fort Collins Science Center
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.
The last sheath-tailed bat photo
The last sheath-tailed bat photo
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

The last sheath-tailed bat photo

This photo of a Pacific sheath-tailed bat is the last good photo of this bat from Aguiguan in existence.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Filter Total Items: 36

Diet of Myotis ciliolabrum from six sites in the southwestern United States Diet of Myotis ciliolabrum from six sites in the southwestern United States

With bat populations declining in many parts of the world, detailed life history information will be critical for assessing vulnerabilities of bat populations and associated trophic effects. Myotis ciliolabrum (western small-footed bat) is a species of insectivorous bat distributed from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast and from British Columbia to Central Mexico. The species is...
Authors
Ashley E Loehn, Dale Sparks, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Ecology shapes the genomic and biosynthetic diversification of Streptomyces bacteria from insectivorous bats Ecology shapes the genomic and biosynthetic diversification of Streptomyces bacteria from insectivorous bats

Streptomyces are prolific producers of secondary metabolites from which many clinically useful compounds have been derived. They inhabit diverse habitats but have rarely been reported in vertebrates. Here, we aim to determine to what extent the ecological source (bat host species and cave sites) influence the genomic and biosynthetic diversity of Streptomyces bacteria. We analysed draft...
Authors
Manuela Montoya-Giraldo, Kathryn R. Piper, Odion O. Ikhimiukor, Cooper J. Park, Nicole Caimi, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Diana Northup, Cheryl P. Andam
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Great diversity of KSα sequences from bat-associated microbiota suggests novel sources of uncharacterized natural products Great diversity of KSα sequences from bat-associated microbiota suggests novel sources of uncharacterized natural products

Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are multidomain enzymes in microorganisms that synthesize complex, bioactive molecules. PKS II systems are iterative, containing only a single representative of each domain: ketosynthase alpha (KSα�⁠), ketosynthase beta and the acyl carrier protein. Any gene encoding for one of these domains is representative of an entire PKS II biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC)...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Jennifer Hathaway, Ara Winter, Nicole Caimi, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Diana Northup
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Southwestern bats and their external bacteria Southwestern bats and their external bacteria

Bat species diversity within the United States is greatest in the Southwest, with approximately 30 species present. At least 16 of these bat species hibernate and are susceptible to white-nose syndrome (WNS), which is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Since 2006, millions of bats from 35 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces have died from WNS. In previous studies of...
Authors
Ernest Valdez, Emily Johnson, Edward Strach, Patrick Lewis, William C Briggs, Nicole Caimi, Ara Winter, Diana Northup, Jennifer Hathaway
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Seasonal activity and diets of bats at uranium mines and adjacent areas near the Grand Canyon Seasonal activity and diets of bats at uranium mines and adjacent areas near the Grand Canyon

Little information exists on the habitat use and feeding ecology of insectivorous bats in arid ecosystems, especially at and near uranium mines in northern Arizona, within the Grand Canyon watershed. In 2015–2016, we conducted mist-netting, nightly acoustic monitoring (>1 year), and diet analyses of bats, as well as insect sampling, at 2 uranium mines (Pinenut and Arizona 1) with water...
Authors
Ernest Valdez, Mollie Hanttula, Jo Hinck
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Fort Collins Science Center

First record and diet of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) from Guadalupe National Park and Culberson County, Texas First record and diet of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) from Guadalupe National Park and Culberson County, Texas

The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) occurs throughout the eastern United States, from Canada to south Florida and westward to eastern New Mexico, central Colorado, and western Texas. In this study, we document the first record of P. subflavus for both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Culberson County, Texas. Our record extends the range of P. subflavus into the Trans-Pecos...
Authors
Mollie Hanttula, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Streptomyces corynorhini sp. nov., isolated from Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii) Streptomyces corynorhini sp. nov., isolated from Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii)

Four bacterial strains, with the capability of inhibiting Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white-nose syndrome, were isolated from male Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii, Family: Vespertilionidae) in New Mexico. Isolates AC161, AC162, AC208, and AC230T were characterised as a novel clade using morphological, phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis. A...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Nicole Caimi, Diana Northup, Ernest Valdez, Debbie Buecher, Christopher Dunlap, David Labeda, Andrea Porras-Alfaro
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Skin and fur bacterial diversity and community structure on American southwestern bats: effects of habitat, geography and bat traits Skin and fur bacterial diversity and community structure on American southwestern bats: effects of habitat, geography and bat traits

Microorganisms that reside on and in mammals, such as bats, have the potential to influence their host’s health and to provide defenses against invading pathogens. However, we have little understanding of the skin and fur bacterial microbiota on bats, or factors that influence the structure of these communities. The southwestern United States offers excellent sites for the study of...
Authors
Ara Winter, Jennifer J. M. Hathaway, Jason Kimble, Debbie Buecher, Ernest Valdez, Andrea Porras-Alfaro, Jesse Young, Kaitlyn Read, Diana Northup
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Landscape movements by two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in a northern area of seasonal sympatry Landscape movements by two species of migratory nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) in a northern area of seasonal sympatry

Animals often migrate to exploit seasonally ephemeral food. Three species of nectar-feeding phyllostomid bats migrate north from Mexico into deserts of the United States each spring and summer to feed on blooms of columnar cactus and century plants (Agave spp.). However, the habitat needs of these important desert pollinators are poorly understood. We followed the nighttime movements of...
Authors
Michael Bogan, Paul Cryan, Christa Weise, Ernest Valdez
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Western bats as a reservoir of novel Streptomyces species with antifungal activity Western bats as a reservoir of novel Streptomyces species with antifungal activity

At least two-thirds of commercial antibiotics today are derived from Actinobacteria, more specifically from the genus Streptomyces. Antibiotic resistance and new emerging diseases pose great challenges in the field of microbiology. Cave systems, in which actinobacteria are ubiquitous and abundant, represent new opportunities for the discovery of novel bacterial species and the study of...
Authors
Paris Hamm, Nicole Caimi, Diana Northup, Ernest Valdez, Debbie Buecher, Christopher Dunlap, David Labeda, Shiloh Lueschow, Andrea Porras-Alfaro
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility Evaluating the effectiveness of wildlife detection and observation technologies at a solar power tower facility

Solar power towers produce electrical energy from sunlight at an industrial scale. Little is known about the effects of this technology on flying animals and few methods exist for automatically detecting or observing wildlife at solar towers and other tall anthropogenic structures. Smoking objects are sometimes observed co-occurring with reflected, concentrated light (“solar flux”) in...
Authors
Robert Diehl, Ernest Valdez, Todd Preston, Mike Wellik, Paul Cryan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona

Recent restrictions on uranium mining within the Grand Canyon watershed have drawn attention to scientific data gaps in evaluating the possible effects of ore extraction to human populations as well as wildlife communities in the area. Tissue contaminant concentrations, one of the most basic data requirements to determine exposure, are not available for biota from any historical or...
Authors
Jo Hinck, Greg Linder, Abigail Darrah, Charles Drost, Michael Duniway, Matthew Johnson, Francisca Mendez-Harclerode, Erika M. Nowak, Ernest Valdez, Charles van Riper, S.W. Wolff
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
FORT Science in Action, Part 16: Science for reducing invasive fine fuels to restore wildlife habitat and ensure public safety

FORT Science in Action, Part 16: Science for reducing invasive fine fuels to restore wildlife habitat and ensure public safety

FORT researchers study invasive grass biology and management, to help resource managers reduce the abundance of these fine fuels, restore wildlife...

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FORT Science in Action, Part 15: Bat science in support of food and economic security

FORT Science in Action, Part 15: Bat science in support of food and economic security

A deadly fungus is causing large declines in hibernating bats around the world. Detailed life history information can support wildlife managers in...

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FORT Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ernest Valdez to share white-nose syndrome expertise at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Southwest Conference

FORT Wildlife Biologist Dr. Ernest Valdez to share white-nose syndrome expertise at the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Southwest Conference

USGS-FORT's Dr. Ernest Valdez (Research Wildlife Biologist) has been invited by the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) to share his...

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USGS researchers and collaborators organize two-day webinar series on bat acoustic data analyses for North American Native nations

USGS researchers and collaborators organize two-day webinar series on bat acoustic data analyses for North American Native nations

In collaboration with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) and Mr. Roger Rodriguez of Oregon State University (OSU), Dr. Ernest...

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Dr. Ernest Valdez (USGS-FORT) and collaborators have co-organized three bat workshops for Tribal nations from the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions

Dr. Ernest Valdez (USGS-FORT) and collaborators have co-organized three bat workshops for Tribal nations from the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions

From recent collaborations with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Dr. Valdez and his team were presented with a science need for...

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A team of USGS scientists will be participating in a new USGS Tribal Engagement Series on drought in the Colorado River Basin

A team of USGS scientists will be participating in a new USGS Tribal Engagement Series on drought in the Colorado River Basin

USGS scientists from the Rocky Mountain and Southwest Regions and beyond will participate in a USGS Open House held in Albuquerque at the Southwest...

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USGS researchers and collaborators successfully host the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats

USGS researchers and collaborators successfully host the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats

Dr. Ernest Valdez of USGS-FORT, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station along with USGS-Northwest Pacific Islands Region, Native American Fish and...

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USGS Researchers are Organizing the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats in Toppenish, WA, August 8-9, 2023.

USGS Researchers are Organizing the first Pacific Northwest Native American Workshop on Bats in Toppenish, WA, August 8-9, 2023.

Dr. Ernest Valdez of FORT, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station along with researchers from the USGS-Northwest-Pacific Islands Region, Native American...

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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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