Gordon H Rodda
Gordon Rodda is a Scientist Emeritus at USGS Fort Collins Science Center.
His area of professional expertise is the ecology and management of invasive reptiles, beginning with Brown Treesnakes on Guam in 1987. Upon retirement in 2012 he shifted focus to preventing new invasions by screening prospective invaders using natural history traits. He is compiling the natural history traits of all lizards, which resulted in publication of Lizards of the World.
Professional Studies/Experience
- 2012-present: Natural history traits of actual and potential invasive lizards (library research)
- 1987-2012: Brown Treesnakes (Guam), Giant constrictors (Florida, Puerto Rico), Wolf Snakes (Mauritius)
- 1982-1987: Green Iguana social behavior (Venezuela)
- 1978-1981: American Alligator navigation (Florida), American Crocodile (Panama)
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Behavioral Biology, Cornell Univ. 1982
B.A. Organismic Biology, Univ. of Colorado - Boulder, 1975
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 67
A field test of attractant traps for invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in southern Florida A field test of attractant traps for invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in southern Florida
Context: Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are established over thousands of square kilometres of southern Florida, USA, and consume a wide range of native vertebrates. Few tools are available to control the python population, and none of the available tools have been validated in the field to assess capture success as a proportion of pythons available to be captured...
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Kristen Hart, Gordon Rodda, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ray Snow, Michael Cherkiss, Rondald Rozar, Scott Goetz
Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor
Giant Constrictors' Climate Space The giant constrictors' climate space data set represents the information needed to recreate the climate space and climate matching analyses in Reed and Rodda (2009). A detailed methodology and results are included in that report. The data include locations for nine species of large constrictors including Python molurus, Broghammerus reticulatus, P...
Authors
C. S. Jarnevich, G.H. Rodda, R.N. Reed
Burmese Pythons and other giant constrictors Burmese Pythons and other giant constrictors
No abstract available.
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by crab Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by crab
No abstract available.
Authors
B.A. Lardner, J. Savidge, T.J. Hinkle, E. Wostl, S.R. Siers, R.N. Reed, G.H. Rodda
Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by praying mantis Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by praying mantis
No abstract available.
Authors
Bjorn Lardner, Julie A. Savidge, Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Challenges in identifying sites climatically matched to the native ranges of animal invaders Challenges in identifying sites climatically matched to the native ranges of animal invaders
Background: Species distribution models are often used to characterize a species' native range climate, so as to identify sites elsewhere in the world that may be climatically similar and therefore at risk of invasion by the species. This endeavor provoked intense public controversy over recent attempts to model areas at risk of invasion by the Indian Python (Python molurus). We...
Authors
G.H. Rodda, C. S. Jarnevich, R.N. Reed
Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts
Estimating the detection probability of introduced organisms during the pre-monitoring phase of an eradication effort can be extremely helpful in informing eradication and post-eradication monitoring efforts, but this step is rarely taken. We used data collected during 11 nights of mark-recapture sampling on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to estimate introduced kiore (Rattus exulans Peale)...
Authors
A.A.Y. Adams, J.W. Stanford, A.S. Wiewel, G.H. Rodda
Effectiveness of bait tubes for brown treesnake control on Guam Effectiveness of bait tubes for brown treesnake control on Guam
A bait tube is a device with which a toxicant inserted in a dead mouse (Mus musculus) can be delivered to invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) with low risk of non-target bait take. We tested two bait tube designs in a 5ha snake enclosure where the identity of virtually every snake is known. Instead of using toxicants, we implanted radio transmitters in small (6.6±1.4 g) and...
Authors
B. Lardner, J. Savidge, G.H. Rodda, R.N. Reed, A. A. Yackel Adams, C.S. Clark
Scented guide ropes as a method to enhance brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) trap capture success on Guam Scented guide ropes as a method to enhance brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) trap capture success on Guam
Current methods for controlling the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on Guam include a modified minnow trap with a live mouse lure. We investigated the effects on capture success of augmenting these traps with scented guide ropes leading to trap entrances. Initial screening of scent preferences was based on time spent in scented and unscented arms of a Y-maze. Preferences of...
Authors
L.C. Mason, J. Savidge, G.H. Rodda, A. A. Yackel Adams
Is the Northern African Python (Python sebae) Established in Southern Florida? Is the Northern African Python (Python sebae) Established in Southern Florida?
No abstract available.
Authors
R.N. Reed, K.L. Krysko, S. Snow, G.H. Rodda
Modelling detection probabilities to evaluate management and control tools for an invasive species Modelling detection probabilities to evaluate management and control tools for an invasive species
For most ecologists, detection probability (p) is a nuisance variable that must be modelled to estimate the state variable of interest (i.e. survival, abundance, or occupancy). However, in the realm of invasive species control, the rate of detection and removal is the rate-limiting step for management of this pervasive environmental problem. For strategic planning of an eradication...
Authors
M.T. Christy, A. A. Yackel Adams, G.H. Rodda, J. Savidge, C.L. Tyrrell
Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor
Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor, estimates the ecological risks associated with colonization of the United States by nine large constrictors. The nine include the world's four largest snake species (Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus; Indian or Burmese Python...
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Non-USGS Publications**
Rodda, G.H. 2003. Biology and reproduction of Iguana iguana in the wild. In: Biology, husbandry, and medicine of the green iguana. Malabar, Florida: Kreiger Publishing. 1-27.
Rodda, G.H. 1984. The orientation and navigation of juvenile alligators: evidence of magnetic sensitivity. Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 154(5): 649-658.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 67
A field test of attractant traps for invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in southern Florida A field test of attractant traps for invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in southern Florida
Context: Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are established over thousands of square kilometres of southern Florida, USA, and consume a wide range of native vertebrates. Few tools are available to control the python population, and none of the available tools have been validated in the field to assess capture success as a proportion of pythons available to be captured...
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Kristen Hart, Gordon Rodda, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ray Snow, Michael Cherkiss, Rondald Rozar, Scott Goetz
Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor
Giant Constrictors' Climate Space The giant constrictors' climate space data set represents the information needed to recreate the climate space and climate matching analyses in Reed and Rodda (2009). A detailed methodology and results are included in that report. The data include locations for nine species of large constrictors including Python molurus, Broghammerus reticulatus, P...
Authors
C. S. Jarnevich, G.H. Rodda, R.N. Reed
Burmese Pythons and other giant constrictors Burmese Pythons and other giant constrictors
No abstract available.
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by crab Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by crab
No abstract available.
Authors
B.A. Lardner, J. Savidge, T.J. Hinkle, E. Wostl, S.R. Siers, R.N. Reed, G.H. Rodda
Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by praying mantis Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake). Predation attempt by praying mantis
No abstract available.
Authors
Bjorn Lardner, Julie A. Savidge, Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Challenges in identifying sites climatically matched to the native ranges of animal invaders Challenges in identifying sites climatically matched to the native ranges of animal invaders
Background: Species distribution models are often used to characterize a species' native range climate, so as to identify sites elsewhere in the world that may be climatically similar and therefore at risk of invasion by the species. This endeavor provoked intense public controversy over recent attempts to model areas at risk of invasion by the Indian Python (Python molurus). We...
Authors
G.H. Rodda, C. S. Jarnevich, R.N. Reed
Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts Modelling detectability of kiore (Rattus exulans) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to inform possible eradication and monitoring efforts
Estimating the detection probability of introduced organisms during the pre-monitoring phase of an eradication effort can be extremely helpful in informing eradication and post-eradication monitoring efforts, but this step is rarely taken. We used data collected during 11 nights of mark-recapture sampling on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands, to estimate introduced kiore (Rattus exulans Peale)...
Authors
A.A.Y. Adams, J.W. Stanford, A.S. Wiewel, G.H. Rodda
Effectiveness of bait tubes for brown treesnake control on Guam Effectiveness of bait tubes for brown treesnake control on Guam
A bait tube is a device with which a toxicant inserted in a dead mouse (Mus musculus) can be delivered to invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) with low risk of non-target bait take. We tested two bait tube designs in a 5ha snake enclosure where the identity of virtually every snake is known. Instead of using toxicants, we implanted radio transmitters in small (6.6±1.4 g) and...
Authors
B. Lardner, J. Savidge, G.H. Rodda, R.N. Reed, A. A. Yackel Adams, C.S. Clark
Scented guide ropes as a method to enhance brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) trap capture success on Guam Scented guide ropes as a method to enhance brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) trap capture success on Guam
Current methods for controlling the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on Guam include a modified minnow trap with a live mouse lure. We investigated the effects on capture success of augmenting these traps with scented guide ropes leading to trap entrances. Initial screening of scent preferences was based on time spent in scented and unscented arms of a Y-maze. Preferences of...
Authors
L.C. Mason, J. Savidge, G.H. Rodda, A. A. Yackel Adams
Is the Northern African Python (Python sebae) Established in Southern Florida? Is the Northern African Python (Python sebae) Established in Southern Florida?
No abstract available.
Authors
R.N. Reed, K.L. Krysko, S. Snow, G.H. Rodda
Modelling detection probabilities to evaluate management and control tools for an invasive species Modelling detection probabilities to evaluate management and control tools for an invasive species
For most ecologists, detection probability (p) is a nuisance variable that must be modelled to estimate the state variable of interest (i.e. survival, abundance, or occupancy). However, in the realm of invasive species control, the rate of detection and removal is the rate-limiting step for management of this pervasive environmental problem. For strategic planning of an eradication...
Authors
M.T. Christy, A. A. Yackel Adams, G.H. Rodda, J. Savidge, C.L. Tyrrell
Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor
Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor, estimates the ecological risks associated with colonization of the United States by nine large constrictors. The nine include the world's four largest snake species (Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus; Indian or Burmese Python...
Authors
Robert N. Reed, Gordon Rodda
Non-USGS Publications**
Rodda, G.H. 2003. Biology and reproduction of Iguana iguana in the wild. In: Biology, husbandry, and medicine of the green iguana. Malabar, Florida: Kreiger Publishing. 1-27.
Rodda, G.H. 1984. The orientation and navigation of juvenile alligators: evidence of magnetic sensitivity. Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 154(5): 649-658.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.