Mark A Ricca
I have spent my USGS career focused on addressing science needs of resource managers and agencies across a wide range of ecosystems by integrating concepts from population, community, and ecosystem ecology.
My experience spans ecological systems ranging from desert wetlands in California to sub-arctic islands in Alaska to rangelands of the American West. I now help facilitate science production for principal investigators at FRESC.
Professional Experience
2019-present: Supervisory Biologist-Research Manager, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR
2002-2020: Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, CA
2000-2002: Biological Science Technician, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, CA
1999: Faculty Research Assistant, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
1996-1999: Graduate Research Assistant, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
1994-1996: Field Biologist, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA (2013)
M.S., Wildlife Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR (2000)
B.S. Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA (1995)
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 19
No Result Found
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 75
Irruptive dynamics of introduced caribou on Adak Island, Alaska: an evaluation of Riney-Caughley model predictions Irruptive dynamics of introduced caribou on Adak Island, Alaska: an evaluation of Riney-Caughley model predictions
Large mammalian herbivores introduced to islands without predators are predicted to undergo irruptive population and spatial dynamics, but only a few well-documented case studies support this paradigm. We used the Riney-Caughley model as a framework to test predictions of irruptive population growth and spatial expansion of caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) introduced to Adak Island in...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, Dirk H. Van Vuren, Floyd W. Weckerly, Jeffrey C. Williams, A. Keith Miles
Spatially explicit modeling of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in Nevada and northeastern California: a decision-support tool for management Spatially explicit modeling of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in Nevada and northeastern California: a decision-support tool for management
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereafter referred to as “sage-grouse”) populations are declining throughout the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystem, including millions of acres of potential habitat across the West. Habitat maps derived from empirical data are needed given impending listing decisions that will affect both sage-grouse population dynamics and human land...
Authors
Peter S. Coates, Michael L. Casazza, Brianne E. Brussee, Mark A. Ricca, K. Benjamin Gustafson, Cory T. Overton, Erika Sanchez-Chopitea, Travis Kroger, Kimberly Mauch, Lara Niell, Kristy Howe, Scott Gardner, Shawn Espinosa, David J. Delehanty
Aggression and coexistence in female caribou Aggression and coexistence in female caribou
Female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are highly gregarious, yet there has been little study of the behavioral mechanisms that foster coexistence. Quantifying patterns of aggression between male and female, particularly in the only cervid taxa where both sexes grow antlers, should provide insight into these mechanisms. We asked if patterns of aggression by male and female caribou followed...
Authors
Floyd W. Weckerly, Mark A. Ricca
Range expansion of nonindigenous caribou in the Aleutianarchipelago of Alaska Range expansion of nonindigenous caribou in the Aleutianarchipelago of Alaska
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are nonindigenous to all but the eastern-most island of the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska. In 1958–1959, caribou were intentionally introduced to Adak Island in the central archipelago, and the population has at least tripled in recent years subsequent to the closure of a naval air facility. Although dispersal of caribou to adjacent islands has been suspected...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, Floyd W. Weckerly, Adam Duarte, Jeffrey C. Williams
PCB exposure in sea otters and harlequin ducks in relation to history of contamination by the Exxon Valdez oil spill PCB exposure in sea otters and harlequin ducks in relation to history of contamination by the Exxon Valdez oil spill
Exposure to contaminants other than petroleum hydrocarbons could confound interpretation of Exxon Valdez oil spill effects on biota at Prince William Sound, Alaska. Hence, we investigated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood of sea otters and harlequin ducks sampled during 1998. PCB concentrations characterized by lower chlorinated congeners were highest in sea otters from the...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Brenda E. Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, Kimberly A. Trust
Temporal and spatial distributions of sediment mercury at salt pond wetland restoration sites, San Francisco Bay, CA, USA Temporal and spatial distributions of sediment mercury at salt pond wetland restoration sites, San Francisco Bay, CA, USA
Decommissioned agricultural salt ponds within south San Francisco Bay, California, are in the process of being converted to habitat for the benefit of wildlife as well as water management needs and recreation. Little is known of baseline levels of contaminants in these ponds, particularly mercury (Hg), which has a well established legacy in the Bay. In this study we described spatial and...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, M.A. Ricca
Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring Project Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring Project
The Salton Sea is critically important for wintering and breeding waterbirds, but faces an uncertain future due to water delivery reductions imposed by the Interstate and Federal Quantification Settlement Agreement of 2003. The current preferred alternative for wetland restoration at the Salton Sea is saline habitat impoundments created to mitigate the anticipated loss of wetland habitat...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, Mark A. Ricca, Anne Meckstroth, Sarah E. Spring
Organochlorine contaminants in fishes from coastal waters west of Amukta Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA Organochlorine contaminants in fishes from coastal waters west of Amukta Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA
Organochlorines were examined in liver and stable isotopes in muscle of fishes from the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in relation to islands or locations affected by military occupation. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and rock greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) were collected from nearshore waters at contemporary (decommissioned) and...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, Mark A. Ricca, Robert G. Anthony, James A. Estes
Use of a nesting platform by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers at the Salton Sea, California Use of a nesting platform by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers at the Salton Sea, California
In 2006, we constructed an elevated nesting platform at the Salton Sea, California, and monitored its use by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers over three subsequent breeding seasons. Black Skimmers were the first to colonize the platform with a total of five nests in 2006. In 2007 Gull-billed Terns colonized the platform with a total of 28 nests and the number of Black Skimmer nests...
Authors
Kathy C. Molina, Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Christian Schoneman
Bald eagles and sea otters in the Aleutian Archipelago: indirect effects of trophic cascades. Bald eagles and sea otters in the Aleutian Archipelago: indirect effects of trophic cascades.
Because sea otters (Enhydra lutris) exert a wide array of direct and indirect effects on coastal marine ecosystems throughout their geographic range, we investigated the potential influence of sea otters on the ecology of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA. We studied the diets, productivity, and density of breeding Bald Eagles on four islands...
Authors
R.G. Anthony, J. A. Estes, M.A. Ricca, A.K. Miles, E.D. Forsman
Sources of organochlorine contaminants and mercury in seabirds from the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska: Inferences from spatial and trophic variation Sources of organochlorine contaminants and mercury in seabirds from the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska: Inferences from spatial and trophic variation
Persistent organochlorine compounds and mercury (Hg) have been detected in numerous coastal organisms of the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska, yet sources of these contaminants are unclear. We collected glaucous-winged gulls, northern fulmars, and tufted puffins along a natural longitudinal gradient across the western and central Aleutian Islands (Buldir, Kiska, Amchitka, Adak), and an...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Robert G. Anthony
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) in the Eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) in the Eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA
Seaducks may be affected by harmful levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at seaports near the Arctic. As an indicator of exposure to PAHs, we measured hepatic enzyme 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) to determine cytochrome P4501A induction in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and Harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) from Unalaska, Popof, and Unga...
Authors
A.K. Miles, Paul L. Flint, K.A. Trust, M.A. Ricca, S.E. Spring, D.E. Arrieta, T. Hollmen, B.W. Wilson
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Science and Products
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 19
No Result Found
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 75
Irruptive dynamics of introduced caribou on Adak Island, Alaska: an evaluation of Riney-Caughley model predictions Irruptive dynamics of introduced caribou on Adak Island, Alaska: an evaluation of Riney-Caughley model predictions
Large mammalian herbivores introduced to islands without predators are predicted to undergo irruptive population and spatial dynamics, but only a few well-documented case studies support this paradigm. We used the Riney-Caughley model as a framework to test predictions of irruptive population growth and spatial expansion of caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) introduced to Adak Island in...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, Dirk H. Van Vuren, Floyd W. Weckerly, Jeffrey C. Williams, A. Keith Miles
Spatially explicit modeling of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in Nevada and northeastern California: a decision-support tool for management Spatially explicit modeling of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in Nevada and northeastern California: a decision-support tool for management
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereafter referred to as “sage-grouse”) populations are declining throughout the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystem, including millions of acres of potential habitat across the West. Habitat maps derived from empirical data are needed given impending listing decisions that will affect both sage-grouse population dynamics and human land...
Authors
Peter S. Coates, Michael L. Casazza, Brianne E. Brussee, Mark A. Ricca, K. Benjamin Gustafson, Cory T. Overton, Erika Sanchez-Chopitea, Travis Kroger, Kimberly Mauch, Lara Niell, Kristy Howe, Scott Gardner, Shawn Espinosa, David J. Delehanty
Aggression and coexistence in female caribou Aggression and coexistence in female caribou
Female caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are highly gregarious, yet there has been little study of the behavioral mechanisms that foster coexistence. Quantifying patterns of aggression between male and female, particularly in the only cervid taxa where both sexes grow antlers, should provide insight into these mechanisms. We asked if patterns of aggression by male and female caribou followed...
Authors
Floyd W. Weckerly, Mark A. Ricca
Range expansion of nonindigenous caribou in the Aleutianarchipelago of Alaska Range expansion of nonindigenous caribou in the Aleutianarchipelago of Alaska
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are nonindigenous to all but the eastern-most island of the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska. In 1958–1959, caribou were intentionally introduced to Adak Island in the central archipelago, and the population has at least tripled in recent years subsequent to the closure of a naval air facility. Although dispersal of caribou to adjacent islands has been suspected...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, Floyd W. Weckerly, Adam Duarte, Jeffrey C. Williams
PCB exposure in sea otters and harlequin ducks in relation to history of contamination by the Exxon Valdez oil spill PCB exposure in sea otters and harlequin ducks in relation to history of contamination by the Exxon Valdez oil spill
Exposure to contaminants other than petroleum hydrocarbons could confound interpretation of Exxon Valdez oil spill effects on biota at Prince William Sound, Alaska. Hence, we investigated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood of sea otters and harlequin ducks sampled during 1998. PCB concentrations characterized by lower chlorinated congeners were highest in sea otters from the...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Brenda E. Ballachey, James L. Bodkin, Daniel Esler, Kimberly A. Trust
Temporal and spatial distributions of sediment mercury at salt pond wetland restoration sites, San Francisco Bay, CA, USA Temporal and spatial distributions of sediment mercury at salt pond wetland restoration sites, San Francisco Bay, CA, USA
Decommissioned agricultural salt ponds within south San Francisco Bay, California, are in the process of being converted to habitat for the benefit of wildlife as well as water management needs and recreation. Little is known of baseline levels of contaminants in these ponds, particularly mercury (Hg), which has a well established legacy in the Bay. In this study we described spatial and...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, M.A. Ricca
Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring Project Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring Project
The Salton Sea is critically important for wintering and breeding waterbirds, but faces an uncertain future due to water delivery reductions imposed by the Interstate and Federal Quantification Settlement Agreement of 2003. The current preferred alternative for wetland restoration at the Salton Sea is saline habitat impoundments created to mitigate the anticipated loss of wetland habitat...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, Mark A. Ricca, Anne Meckstroth, Sarah E. Spring
Organochlorine contaminants in fishes from coastal waters west of Amukta Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA Organochlorine contaminants in fishes from coastal waters west of Amukta Pass, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA
Organochlorines were examined in liver and stable isotopes in muscle of fishes from the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in relation to islands or locations affected by military occupation. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and rock greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) were collected from nearshore waters at contemporary (decommissioned) and...
Authors
A. Keith Miles, Mark A. Ricca, Robert G. Anthony, James A. Estes
Use of a nesting platform by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers at the Salton Sea, California Use of a nesting platform by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers at the Salton Sea, California
In 2006, we constructed an elevated nesting platform at the Salton Sea, California, and monitored its use by Gull-billed Terns and Black Skimmers over three subsequent breeding seasons. Black Skimmers were the first to colonize the platform with a total of five nests in 2006. In 2007 Gull-billed Terns colonized the platform with a total of 28 nests and the number of Black Skimmer nests...
Authors
Kathy C. Molina, Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Christian Schoneman
Bald eagles and sea otters in the Aleutian Archipelago: indirect effects of trophic cascades. Bald eagles and sea otters in the Aleutian Archipelago: indirect effects of trophic cascades.
Because sea otters (Enhydra lutris) exert a wide array of direct and indirect effects on coastal marine ecosystems throughout their geographic range, we investigated the potential influence of sea otters on the ecology of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA. We studied the diets, productivity, and density of breeding Bald Eagles on four islands...
Authors
R.G. Anthony, J. A. Estes, M.A. Ricca, A.K. Miles, E.D. Forsman
Sources of organochlorine contaminants and mercury in seabirds from the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska: Inferences from spatial and trophic variation Sources of organochlorine contaminants and mercury in seabirds from the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska: Inferences from spatial and trophic variation
Persistent organochlorine compounds and mercury (Hg) have been detected in numerous coastal organisms of the Aleutian archipelago of Alaska, yet sources of these contaminants are unclear. We collected glaucous-winged gulls, northern fulmars, and tufted puffins along a natural longitudinal gradient across the western and central Aleutian Islands (Buldir, Kiska, Amchitka, Adak), and an...
Authors
Mark A. Ricca, A. Keith Miles, Robert G. Anthony
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) in the Eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) in the Eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA
Seaducks may be affected by harmful levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at seaports near the Arctic. As an indicator of exposure to PAHs, we measured hepatic enzyme 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (EROD) to determine cytochrome P4501A induction in Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and Harlequin ducks (Histronicus histronicus) from Unalaska, Popof, and Unga...
Authors
A.K. Miles, Paul L. Flint, K.A. Trust, M.A. Ricca, S.E. Spring, D.E. Arrieta, T. Hollmen, B.W. Wilson
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.