Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

John M. Pearce, Ph.D.

I am the Program Manager for marine and terrestrial ecosystems research at the USGS Alaska Science Center.  I also coordinate the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative and provide outreach to the public about our research.  I have been a research biologist in Alaska for 25 plus years studying migratory birds, avian disease, and population genetics.

Professional Experience

  • 2011 - Present  Associate Center Director for Ecosystems, USGS Alaska Science Center

  • 1999 - 2011     Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center

  • 1997 - 1999    Geneticist, USGS Alaska Biological Science Center

  • 1990 - 1997    Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Biological Service

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D.  2008   University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK     Biology

  • M.S.   1996    University of Idaho, Moscow, ID    Zoology

  • B.S.   1990     Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR       Biology

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 32
link
Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border

Terrestrial Ecosystems

The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Terrestrial Ecosystems

The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
Learn More
link
Caribou grazing near the Dalton Highway in the northern part of Alaska.

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Environments Program, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Learn More
link
A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is

Landbird Research in Alaska

On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
link

Landbird Research in Alaska

On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
Learn More
link
Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Waterfowl Research

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
Learn More
link
Duck with various brown colored feathers

Avian Influenza Research

Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Avian Influenza Research

Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...
Learn More
link
Man releasing duck in Japan. He wears a face mask for protection from disease

Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
Learn More
link
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

Broad-scale Research Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of Alaska

Selected Bibliography of Broad-scale Research Involving USGS and Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of AlaskaCompiled as of 12/17/2018
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Broad-scale Research Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of Alaska

Selected Bibliography of Broad-scale Research Involving USGS and Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of AlaskaCompiled as of 12/17/2018
Learn More
link
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

Research Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPRA)

Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
By
Energy & Wildlife, Alaska Science Center
link

Research Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPRA)

Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
Learn More
link
A stream flowing from a small lake on the Arctic Coastal Plain

Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)

Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
By
Alaska Science Center
link

Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)

Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
Learn More
link
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

USGS Coastal Plain and NPR-A Research Bibliography

Selected Bibliography of USGS Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area) and/or the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPRA)Compiled as of 12/18/2018
By
Alaska Science Center
link

USGS Coastal Plain and NPR-A Research Bibliography

Selected Bibliography of USGS Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area) and/or the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPRA)Compiled as of 12/18/2018
Learn More
link
Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

Sea Duck Research

USGS research on sea ducks is designed to anticipate and address priority information needs of management agencies. Additionally, work is focused on individual species biology, migration and population status and trends because until just recently, very little was known about sea ducks in Alaska.
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Sea Duck Research

USGS research on sea ducks is designed to anticipate and address priority information needs of management agencies. Additionally, work is focused on individual species biology, migration and population status and trends because until just recently, very little was known about sea ducks in Alaska.
Learn More
link
Two Black Brant in a wetland near the Colville River Delta

Science Informing the Status and Trends of Migratory Birds

Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) Initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is informing key resource management decisions by better understanding how wildlife populations of special interest to the Department of the Interior (DOI) are responding to rapid physical changes in the Arctic. Below are some examples of how CAE research is informing decision-making on the status and trends...
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Science Informing the Status and Trends of Migratory Birds

Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) Initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is informing key resource management decisions by better understanding how wildlife populations of special interest to the Department of the Interior (DOI) are responding to rapid physical changes in the Arctic. Below are some examples of how CAE research is informing decision-making on the status and trends...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 81

Environment and science

Alaska is part of an international circumpolar North, which makes the United States an Arctic nation. Alaska is a place of Indigenous ingenuity and adaptation, a place where environmental extremes challenge the ways of living. In its more recent history, Alaska has been a place of resources and influx-a land known best for what it provides. This frontier persona, with its sourdoughs and prospector
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Vectors, hosts, and control measures for Zika virus in the Americas

We examine Zika virus (ZIKV) from an ecological perspective and with a focus on the Americas. We assess (1) the role of wildlife in ZIKV disease ecology, (2) how mosquito behavior and biology influence disease dynamics, and (3) how nontarget species and ecosystems may be impacted by vector control programs. Our review suggests that free-ranging, non-human primates may be involved in ZIKV transmiss
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Summary of wildlife-related research on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2002–17

We summarize recent (2002–17) publicly available information from studies within the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as terrestrial and coastal ecosystems elsewhere on the Arctic Coastal Plain that are relevant to the 1002 Area. This report provides an update on earlier research summaries on caribou (Rangifer tarandus), forage quality and quantity, polar bears (Ursus marit
By
Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Alaska Science Center

Surveillance for Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in Alaska, spring and summer 2015

Background: Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) were first detected in North America in wild, captive, and domestic birds during November–December 2014. Detections of HP viruses in wild birds in the contiguous United States and southern Canadian provinces continued into winter and spring of 2015 raising concerns that migratory birds co
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)

IntroductionThrough the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife hosts in a c
By
Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Wild bird surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in North America

It is unknown how the current Asian origin highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses arrived, but these viruses are now poised to become endemic in North America. Wild birds harbor these viruses and have dispersed them at regional scales. What is unclear is how the viruses may be moving from the wild bird reservoir into poultry holdings. Active surveillance of live wild birds is likely the best
By
Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Evidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails

We compared migration movements and chronology between Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) marked with dorsally mounted satellite transmitters and pintails marked only with tarsus rings. During weekly intervals of spring and autumn migration between their wintering area in Japan and nesting areas in Russia, the mean distance that ringed pintails had migrated was up to 1000 km farther than the mean dist
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?

Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska is a key study area within the USGS CAE initiative. This region has experienced a warming trend over
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

USGS highly pathogenic avian influenza research strategy

Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect p
By
Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

USGS role and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect p
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Conceptual data modeling of wildlife response indicators to ecosystem change in the Arctic

Large research studies are often challenged to effectively expose and document the types of information being collected and the reasons for data collection across what are often a diverse cadre of investigators of differing disciplines. We applied concepts from the field of information or data modeling to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative to prototype an
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

Forecasting wildlife response to rapid warming in the Alaskan Arctic

Arctic wildlife species face a dynamic and increasingly novel environment because of climate warming and the associated increase in human activity. Both marine and terrestrial environments are undergoing rapid environmental shifts, including loss of sea ice, permafrost degradation, and altered biogeochemical fluxes. Forecasting wildlife responses to climate change can facilitate proactive decision
By
Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
link

USGS Alaska Science Center Develops New 5-year Arctic Research Plan

The USGS Alaska Science Center is now embarking on the next 5-year (FY2020 – 2024) research plan of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative.

Read Article
link

Movements and Habitat Use of Loons for Assessment of Conservation Buffer Zones in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Northern Alaska

Few data exist to assess the value of National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska management buffer zones for conservation-reliant yellow-billed loons or...

Read Article
link

Story Map on Pacific Marine Heatwave and Seabird Die-off

A story map, developed by the National Park Service, is based on a published article by John Piatt, Sarah Schoen and Mayumi Arimitsu at the U.S...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    Filter Total Items: 32
    link
    Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border

    Terrestrial Ecosystems

    The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
    By
    Alaska Science Center
    link

    Terrestrial Ecosystems

    The USGS conducts research on trust Department of Interior migratory bird and mammal species and their habitats to inform agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service in their natural resource management decisions.
    Learn More
    link
    Caribou grazing near the Dalton Highway in the northern part of Alaska.

    Changing Arctic Ecosystems

    Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Environments Program, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Changing Arctic Ecosystems

    Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
    Learn More
    link
    A Black-capped Chickadee with a severely deformed beak where the upper beak is elongated and curved down while the lower beak is

    Landbird Research in Alaska

    On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Landbird Research in Alaska

    On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.
    Learn More
    link
    Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

    Waterfowl Research

    Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Waterfowl Research

    Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the...
    Learn More
    link
    Duck with various brown colored feathers

    Avian Influenza Research

    Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Avian Influenza Research

    Since 2006, the USGS Alaska Science Center has been part of the State and Federal interagency team for the detection and response to highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses in North America. Avian influenza or "bird flu" is a viral disease that primarily infects domestic poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These...
    Learn More
    link
    Man releasing duck in Japan. He wears a face mask for protection from disease

    Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

    Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska

    Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
    Learn More
    link
    Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

    Broad-scale Research Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of Alaska

    Selected Bibliography of Broad-scale Research Involving USGS and Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of AlaskaCompiled as of 12/17/2018
    By
    Alaska Science Center
    link

    Broad-scale Research Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of Alaska

    Selected Bibliography of Broad-scale Research Involving USGS and Conducted Across the 1002 Area and the NPR-A of AlaskaCompiled as of 12/17/2018
    Learn More
    link
    Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

    Research Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPRA)

    Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
    By
    Energy & Wildlife, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Research Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPRA)

    Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
    Learn More
    link
    A stream flowing from a small lake on the Arctic Coastal Plain

    Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)

    Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
    By
    Alaska Science Center
    link

    Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)

    Selected Bibliography of Research Involving USGS and Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area)Compiled as of 12/17/2018
    Learn More
    link
    Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska

    USGS Coastal Plain and NPR-A Research Bibliography

    Selected Bibliography of USGS Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area) and/or the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPRA)Compiled as of 12/18/2018
    By
    Alaska Science Center
    link

    USGS Coastal Plain and NPR-A Research Bibliography

    Selected Bibliography of USGS Research Conducted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Coastal Plain (1002 Area) and/or the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPRA)Compiled as of 12/18/2018
    Learn More
    link
    Spectacled eider male and female flying near the Colville River in 2013.

    Sea Duck Research

    USGS research on sea ducks is designed to anticipate and address priority information needs of management agencies. Additionally, work is focused on individual species biology, migration and population status and trends because until just recently, very little was known about sea ducks in Alaska.
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Sea Duck Research

    USGS research on sea ducks is designed to anticipate and address priority information needs of management agencies. Additionally, work is focused on individual species biology, migration and population status and trends because until just recently, very little was known about sea ducks in Alaska.
    Learn More
    link
    Two Black Brant in a wetland near the Colville River Delta

    Science Informing the Status and Trends of Migratory Birds

    Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) Initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is informing key resource management decisions by better understanding how wildlife populations of special interest to the Department of the Interior (DOI) are responding to rapid physical changes in the Arctic. Below are some examples of how CAE research is informing decision-making on the status and trends...
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Science Informing the Status and Trends of Migratory Birds

    Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) Initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is informing key resource management decisions by better understanding how wildlife populations of special interest to the Department of the Interior (DOI) are responding to rapid physical changes in the Arctic. Below are some examples of how CAE research is informing decision-making on the status and trends...
    Learn More
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 81

    Environment and science

    Alaska is part of an international circumpolar North, which makes the United States an Arctic nation. Alaska is a place of Indigenous ingenuity and adaptation, a place where environmental extremes challenge the ways of living. In its more recent history, Alaska has been a place of resources and influx-a land known best for what it provides. This frontier persona, with its sourdoughs and prospector
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    Vectors, hosts, and control measures for Zika virus in the Americas

    We examine Zika virus (ZIKV) from an ecological perspective and with a focus on the Americas. We assess (1) the role of wildlife in ZIKV disease ecology, (2) how mosquito behavior and biology influence disease dynamics, and (3) how nontarget species and ecosystems may be impacted by vector control programs. Our review suggests that free-ranging, non-human primates may be involved in ZIKV transmiss
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    Summary of wildlife-related research on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2002–17

    We summarize recent (2002–17) publicly available information from studies within the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as terrestrial and coastal ecosystems elsewhere on the Arctic Coastal Plain that are relevant to the 1002 Area. This report provides an update on earlier research summaries on caribou (Rangifer tarandus), forage quality and quantity, polar bears (Ursus marit
    By
    Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Alaska Science Center

    Surveillance for Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in Alaska, spring and summer 2015

    Background: Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) were first detected in North America in wild, captive, and domestic birds during November–December 2014. Detections of HP viruses in wild birds in the contiguous United States and southern Canadian provinces continued into winter and spring of 2015 raising concerns that migratory birds co
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)

    IntroductionThrough the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife hosts in a c
    By
    Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

    Wild bird surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in North America

    It is unknown how the current Asian origin highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses arrived, but these viruses are now poised to become endemic in North America. Wild birds harbor these viruses and have dispersed them at regional scales. What is unclear is how the viruses may be moving from the wild bird reservoir into poultry holdings. Active surveillance of live wild birds is likely the best
    By
    Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

    Evidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails

    We compared migration movements and chronology between Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) marked with dorsally mounted satellite transmitters and pintails marked only with tarsus rings. During weekly intervals of spring and autumn migration between their wintering area in Japan and nesting areas in Russia, the mean distance that ringed pintails had migrated was up to 1000 km farther than the mean dist
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?

    Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska is a key study area within the USGS CAE initiative. This region has experienced a warming trend over
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    USGS highly pathogenic avian influenza research strategy

    Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect p
    By
    Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

    USGS role and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza

    Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds such as ducks, geese, swans, and gulls. These viruses generally do not cause illness in wild birds, however, when spread to poultry they can be highly pathogenic and cause illness and death in backyard and commercial farms. Outbreaks may cause devastating agricultural economic losses and some viral strains have the potential to infect p
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    Conceptual data modeling of wildlife response indicators to ecosystem change in the Arctic

    Large research studies are often challenged to effectively expose and document the types of information being collected and the reasons for data collection across what are often a diverse cadre of investigators of differing disciplines. We applied concepts from the field of information or data modeling to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative to prototype an
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center

    Forecasting wildlife response to rapid warming in the Alaskan Arctic

    Arctic wildlife species face a dynamic and increasingly novel environment because of climate warming and the associated increase in human activity. Both marine and terrestrial environments are undergoing rapid environmental shifts, including loss of sea ice, permafrost degradation, and altered biogeochemical fluxes. Forecasting wildlife responses to climate change can facilitate proactive decision
    By
    Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center
  • News
    link

    USGS Alaska Science Center Develops New 5-year Arctic Research Plan

    The USGS Alaska Science Center is now embarking on the next 5-year (FY2020 – 2024) research plan of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative.

    Read Article
    link

    Movements and Habitat Use of Loons for Assessment of Conservation Buffer Zones in the Arctic Coastal Plain of Northern Alaska

    Few data exist to assess the value of National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska management buffer zones for conservation-reliant yellow-billed loons or...

    Read Article
    link

    Story Map on Pacific Marine Heatwave and Seabird Die-off

    A story map, developed by the National Park Service, is based on a published article by John Piatt, Sarah Schoen and Mayumi Arimitsu at the U.S...

    Read Article