The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
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
Tracking Data Releases
USGS Alaska Q&A Series
Goose Research
Q&A: Marine Ecosystems Research at the USGS Alaska Science Center
Eelgrass
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
Pacific Marine Heatwave
Landbird Research in Alaska
Avian Influenza Research
Waterfowl Research
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Q&A: USGS Alaska Science Opportunities for Alaska Pacific University Students
Data Associated With Algal Toxin Testing of Common Murres (Uria aalge) and Forage Fish in Alaska, 2015-2017
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) Microsatellite DNA Data; Alaska, Canada, Russia, 1994-2002
Laysan Teal Duck Microsatellite Data; Laysan Island 1999-2009, Midway Island 2007-2010
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Arctic geese in North America
U.S. Geological Survey Arctic ecosystem assessments
Shorebird research at the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center
Use of genetic mark-recapture to estimate breeding site fidelity and philopatry in a threatened sea duck population, Alaska-breeding Steller’s eiders
Movements and habitat use of loons for assessment of conservation buffer zones in the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska
Visualizing populations of North American sea ducks: Maps to guide research and management planning
Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres
Summary of wildlife-related research on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2002–17
Vectors, hosts, and control measures for Zika virus in the Americas
Environment and science
Surveillance for Eurasian-origin and intercontinental reassortant highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in Alaska, spring and summer 2015
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 40
Tracking Data Releases
U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, has previously released tracking data sets of polar bears and Greater White-fronted goose.USGS Alaska Q&A Series
USGS scientists and collaborators talk about their work in Alaska through a series of Questions and Answers (Q&As). The links below contain interviews, photos, and other information about the work and collaborations of the USGS Alaska Science Center.Goose Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed by...Q&A: Marine Ecosystems Research at the USGS Alaska Science Center
The USGS Alaska Science Center is a leader and collaborator in marine ecosystems research on topics ranging from ocean bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small pelagic forage fish (food for Pacific walrus, sea otters, and marine birds) to polar bears (an apex predator in the Arctic). Here, we highlight current research by the USGS Alaska Science Center that focuses on marine ecosystems of Alaska.Eelgrass
Eelgrass is the predominant aquatic plant within embayments of southwestern Alaska and provides an important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates. The USGS has conducted extensive research on the status, trends, and use of eelgrass by migratory birds in southwestern Alaska primarily at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.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.Pacific Marine Heatwave
The USGS conducts research on marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem processes to provide science to inform our partners as they make decisions relative to species status, resource use, and human activities. These studies examine impacts of severe heatwaves on marine ecosystems of the North Pacific.Landbird Research in Alaska
On this page, learn about USGS work on Beak Deformities and Boreal Partners in Flight.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...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...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...Q&A: USGS Alaska Science Opportunities for Alaska Pacific University Students
In Alaska, the USGS has its primary office located on the campus of Alaska Pacific University (APU). This co-location provides USGS staff and APU students and faculty numerous opportunities for science collaboration and training. Here, we provide more information about these opportunities and talk with USGS and APU staff who are helping to coordinate the program. - Data
Data Associated With Algal Toxin Testing of Common Murres (Uria aalge) and Forage Fish in Alaska, 2015-2017
This data set is comprised of two tables with results of algal toxin screening for saxitoxin and domoic acid. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to screen seabirds, forage fish, and marine invertebrates from the Gulf of Alaska, 2015-2017.Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) Microsatellite DNA Data; Alaska, Canada, Russia, 1994-2002
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from twelve autosomal loci (6AB, Aph02, Aph08, Aph19, Aph23, Bca10, Bca11, Hhi5, Sfi11, Smo07, Smo09, and CRG), and two Z-linked microsatellite loci (Bca4 and Smo1). A total of 111 Long-tailed Ducks were examined for this genotyping with samples coming from the two primary breeding locales within Alaska (Arctic Coastal Plain of AlaskLaysan Teal Duck Microsatellite Data; Laysan Island 1999-2009, Midway Island 2007-2010
Determine genetic diversity and quantify variation in the endangered Laysan Teal Duck (Anas laysanensis) at microsatellite loci sampled from 230 individuals at Laysan Island (1999-2009) and Midway Island (2007-2010). - Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 28USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Research ProgramUSGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Research ProgramUSGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Research Program
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat.
Chester Creek streamgageThis figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
This figure shows flow rates in Chester Creek (Anchorage, Alaska) by month for 2022 (black line) and the range of water flow rates (above and below normal flows shown by different colors) for the entire 44 years of data collection at Chester Creek.
USGS booth at the Alaska Marine Science SymposiumGoose camera class activity introduction - PDFGoose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity introduction: PDF file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity introduction - PPTGoose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity introduction: Powerpoint file
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity – Group 5 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 5
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity – Group 6 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 6
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity – Group 4 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 4
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity - Group 2 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 2
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity - Group 1 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom: Group 1
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 26 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 26
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera class activity - Camera 19 photosGoose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera photos for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 19
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center
Goose camera class activity - Camera 11 photosGoose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera activity for the purposes of using in a classroom. Camera 11
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera data sheet - PDFGoose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera data sheet - WordGoose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterGoose camera data sheet for the purposes of using in a classroom.
Educational webpage: Middle School Lesson: Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science CenterField Technician on rocky outcropTyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown, smiling, stands on a rocky outcrop at Bird ridge, Alaska with mountains in the background. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Field TechnicianTyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown is holding a GPS, where he is navigating to the next survey point. Photo taken on Bird Ridge. In the background is Turnagain Arm, Alaska. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree Brown hiking up Bird RidgeTyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown is hiking up Bird Ridge with Turnagain Arm in the background. Photo taken by Toshio Matsuoka.
Tyree brown in forest on Bird RidgeTyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Tyree brown is recording a GPS point of a survey point in the middle of a mixed deciduous and evergreen forest on Bird Ridge, Alaska. The survey marker is the shiny metal disk on the tree on the right side of the frame. Photo by Toshio Matsuoka
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the publicIntern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the publicIntern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Intern designs graphic showing how USGS collects and releases bird species checklist data to the public
linkThis is a graphical abstract depicting the process that the USGS Alaska Science Center uses for compiling and releasing bird species checklist data to the public via USGS and eBird. Scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center regularly work in remote field camps, often for days or weeks at a time.
Keychain in Inupiaq for USGS outreach activities about bird bandingKeychain in Inupiaq for USGS outreach activities about bird bandingKeychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
Keychain developed for USGS outreach activities about bird banding and reporting in Inupiaq and English. Inupiaq translation provided by Qaiyaan and Jana Harcharek.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 81
Arctic geese in North America
Multiple species of geese spend part of their annual cycle in the circumpolar Arctic and serve as a source of nutrition and cultural affirmation for many peoples. Arctic geese function as important indicators of environmental changes and some species also have the potential to alter ecosystem processes when they become overabundant. In 2022, despite an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenzaAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Josh Dooley, Vijay P. Patil, Todd L. Sformo, Bryan Daniels, Andy Greene, Jim LeafloorU.S. Geological Survey Arctic ecosystem assessments
The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) conducts natural hazard and resource assessments of the Earth’s ecosystems and the response of those ecosystems to environmental change, human activities, and land use. 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. DepAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Caroline R. Van HemertShorebird research at the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center
Shorebirds—which include sandpipers, plovers, and oystercatchers—are perhaps best known by their presence on sandy beaches, running along the water’s edge while they probe for food. But they are probably less recognized for their impressive long-distance migrations. Millions of individuals travel from across the globe to breed throughout Alaska each spring, making these birds a familiar and importAuthorsDan Ruthrauff, T. Lee Tibbitts, John PearceUse of genetic mark-recapture to estimate breeding site fidelity and philopatry in a threatened sea duck population, Alaska-breeding Steller’s eiders
The Steller’s eider (Polysticta stelleri) is a sea duck that breeds in Arctic tundra regions of Russia and Alaska. The Alaska-breeding population is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act because of a perceived contraction of their breeding range in North America. Understanding demographic rates of the listed population is critical for determining and evaluating measures thatAuthorsDavid Safine, Mark S. Lindberg, Kate Martin, Sandra L. Talbot, Ted Swem, John M. Pearce, Neesha Stellrecht, Kevin Sage, Ann E. Riddle, Kyrstal Fales, Tuula E. HollmenMovements and habitat use of loons for assessment of conservation buffer zones in the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska
Oil and gas development in the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska, may pose threats to wildlife. Management guidelines within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska dictate buffer zones for coastal wildlife habitat and for breeding and foraging sites of yellow-billed loons (YBLOs; Gavia adamsii), a species of conservation concern. However, few data exist to assess the value of these buffer zones for YBAuthorsSharon Poessel, Brian D. Uher-Koch, John M. Pearce, Joel A. Schmutz, Todd E. Katzner, David C. Douglas, Vanessa R. von Biela, Autumn-Lynne HarrisonVisualizing populations of North American sea ducks: Maps to guide research and management planning
North American sea ducks generally breed in mid- to northern-latitude regions and nearly all rely upon marine habitats for much of their annual cycle. Most sea duck species remained poorly studied until the 1990s when declines were noted in several species and populations. Subsequent research, much of which was funded by the Sea Duck Joint Venture, began in the late 1990s with an emphasis on definAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, Mary E. Whalen, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Josh Stiller, Vijay P. Patil, Timothy D. Bowman, Sean Boyd, Shannon S. Badzinski, H.G. Gilchrist, Scott G. Gilliland, Christine Lepage, Pam Loring, Daniel McAuley, Nic McLellan, Jason Osenkowski, Eric T. Reed, Anthony J. Roberts, Myra Robertson, Tom Rothe, David E. Safine, Emily D. Silverman, Kyle A. SpragensAlgal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of Common Murres
Elevated seawater temperatures are linked to the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs), which pose a growing threat to marine birds and other wildlife. During late 2015 and early 2016, a massive die-off of Common Murres (Uria algae; hereafter, murres) was observed in the Gulf of Alaska coincident with a strong marine heat wave. Previous studies have documented illness and death among seabirdsAuthorsCaroline R. Van Hemert, Sarah K. Schoen, R. Wayne Litaker, Matthew M. Smith, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, John F. Piatt, William C. Holland, Ransom Hardison, John M. PearceSummary 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 maritAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, Todd C. Atwood, David C. Douglas, Layne G. Adams, Heather E. Johnson, Stephen M. Arthur, Christopher J. LattyVectors, 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 transmissAuthorsSarah J. Thompson, John M. Pearce, Andrew M. RameyEnvironment 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 prospectorAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Sandra L. TalbotSurveillance 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 coAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jennifer Dobson, Brian Lefferts, Kyle A. Spragens, David E. StallknechtU.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 cAuthorsM. Camille Harris, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, C. LeAnn White, A. Keith Miles, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Christopher J. Brand, James P. Cronin, Susan De La Cruz, Christine L. Densmore, Thomas W. Doyle, Robert J. Dusek, Joseph P. Fleskes, Paul L. Flint, Gerald F. Guala, Jeffrey S. Hall, Laura E. Hubbard, Randall J. Hunt, Hon S. Ip, Rachel A. Katz, Kevin W. Laurent, Mark P. Miller, Mark D. Munn, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin D. Richards, Robin E. Russell, Joel P. Stokdyk, John Y. Takekawa, Daniel P. Walsh - News