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R. Bruce Bury

I am a Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center. My research focuses on amphibians and reptiles.

My research interests include ecology of aquatic and forest ecosystems, conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles, the effects of perturbations on animal populations, biological invasions, and inventorying and monitoring.

 

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Zoology from University of California-Berkeley

  • MSc. Life Sciences from Calif. State Univ.-Sacramento

  • BSc. Biology from Humboldt State University

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: 52

Resource partitioning in two stream salamanders, Dicamptodon tenebrosus and Rhyacotriton cascadae, from the Oregon Cascade Mountains

We investigated the potential for resource partitioning between the Coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) and the Cascade torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton cascadae) by examining their diet and microhabitats in forest streams. Larval D. tenebrosus and R. cascadae fed primarily upon aquatic insect larvae. We found similar foods in larval and adult R. cascadae and combined these...
Authors
Wynn W. Cudmore, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

A history of herpetologists and herpetology in the U.S. Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has a long and distinguished history of employing herpetologists to conduct basic and applied research to better manage amphibian and reptile populations on public lands and even outside the boundaries of the United States. This history extends back over 125 years with roots in the U.S. Biological Survey, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau...
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Norman J. Scott, R. Bruce Bury, C. Kenneth Dodd, Roy W. McDiarmid
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Hatchlings of the western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in diet of great blue heron (Ardea herodias)

No abstract available.
Authors
Steve A. Niemela, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

The "peer" in "peer review"

No abstract available.
Authors
Gad Perry, Jaime Bertoluci, R. Bruce Bury, Robert W. Hansen, Robert Jehle, John Measey, Brad R. Moon, Erin L. Muths, Marco A.L. Zuffi
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Western pond turtle: Biology, sampling techniques, inventory and monitoring, conservation, and management: Northwest Fauna No. 7

One of only two native, freshwater turtle species in the western United States, western pond turtles are declining in portions of their original range. Declines are mostly due to habitat loss, introduction of non-native species, pollution, and lack of connectivity among populations. USGS zoologist R. Bruce Bury and colleagues from the U.S. Forest Service, California State University, and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Modifications of traps to reduce bycatch of freshwater turtles

Mortality of freshwater turtles varies among types and deployments of traps. There are few or no losses in hoop or fyke traps set where turtles may reach air, including placement in shallows, addition of floats on traps, and tying traps securely to a stake or to shore. Turtle mortality occurs when traps are set deep, traps are checked at intervals >1 day, and when turtles are captured as...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Using multilevel spatial models to understand salamander site occupancy patterns after wildfire

Studies of the distribution of elusive forest wildlife have suffered from the confounding of true presence with the uncertainty of detection. Occupancy modeling, which incorporates probabilities of species detection conditional on presence, is an emerging approach for reducing observation bias. However, the current likelihood modeling framework is restrictive for handling unexplained...
Authors
Nathan Chelgren, M. J. Adams, Larissa L. Bailey, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Low thermal tolerances of stream amphibians in the Pacific Northwest: Implications for riparian and forest management

Temperature has a profound effect on survival and ecology of amphibians. In the Pacific Northwest, timber harvest is known to increase peak stream temperatures to 24??C or higher, which has potential to negatively impact cold-water stream amphibians. I determined the Critical Thermal Maxima (CT max) for two salamanders that are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Rhyacotriton variegatus...
Authors
R.B. Bury

Science Review for the Scott Bar Salamander (Plethodon asupak) and the Siskiyou Mountains Salamander (P. stormi): Biology, Taxonomy, Habitat, and Detection Probabilities/Occupancy

The Plethodon elongatus Complex in the Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion of southern Oregon and northern California includes three species: the Del Norte salamander, Plethodon elongatus; the Siskiyou Mountains salamander, P. stormi; and the Scott Bar salamander, P. asupak. This review aims to summarize the current literature and information available on select topics for P. stormi and P. asupak...
Authors
Douglas J. DeGross, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Natural history, field ecology, conservation biology and wildlife management: Time to connect the dots

Natural history and field ecology are essential building blocks for successful conservation and management of herpetofauna. Thus, natural history and field ecology merit major infusions of funding and increased recognition of their importance in science and management. Others have stated matters well: (1) Academic training in natural history should receive high priority; (2) we need to...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Dawning of Herpetological Conservation and Biology: A special welcome to your new journal

Inception of a new journal in herpetology is a rare event. The first discussion of developing a journal with an emphasis on natural history and conservation occurred among a subset of us (McCallum, others), while at the 2005 joint annual meeting of the SSAR/HL/ASIH in Tampa, Florida. Some of the initial questions we posed for a new herpetological journal were as follows: (1) is there a...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury, Malcolm L. McCallum, Stanley E. Trauth, Raymond A. Saumure
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider). Reproduction

The natural range of Trachemys scripta elegans is centered in the south-central United States, from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its prominence in the international pet trade, the species now can be found over much of the United States, and its introduction has been documented throughout the world (Ernst et al. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian...
Authors
Matthew P. Bettelheim, R. Bruce Bury, Laura C. Patterson, Glen M. Lubcke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link
USGS science for a changing world

Ecology and Conservation of Sensitive Herpetofauna Species

Many species of amphibians and reptiles are declining or facing population threats in the West related to habitat loss, habitat alteration, introduction of non-native species, and other factors. Our work focuses on the status and trends of resident herpetofauna and how to better manage their habitats. Much of the effort is undertaken with cooperators, particularly with other agencies in the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Ecology and Conservation of Sensitive Herpetofauna Species

Many species of amphibians and reptiles are declining or facing population threats in the West related to habitat loss, habitat alteration, introduction of non-native species, and other factors. Our work focuses on the status and trends of resident herpetofauna and how to better manage their habitats. Much of the effort is undertaken with cooperators, particularly with other agencies in the...
Learn More

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: 52

Resource partitioning in two stream salamanders, Dicamptodon tenebrosus and Rhyacotriton cascadae, from the Oregon Cascade Mountains

We investigated the potential for resource partitioning between the Coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) and the Cascade torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton cascadae) by examining their diet and microhabitats in forest streams. Larval D. tenebrosus and R. cascadae fed primarily upon aquatic insect larvae. We found similar foods in larval and adult R. cascadae and combined these...
Authors
Wynn W. Cudmore, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

A history of herpetologists and herpetology in the U.S. Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has a long and distinguished history of employing herpetologists to conduct basic and applied research to better manage amphibian and reptile populations on public lands and even outside the boundaries of the United States. This history extends back over 125 years with roots in the U.S. Biological Survey, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau...
Authors
Jeffrey E. Lovich, Norman J. Scott, R. Bruce Bury, C. Kenneth Dodd, Roy W. McDiarmid
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Hatchlings of the western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in diet of great blue heron (Ardea herodias)

No abstract available.
Authors
Steve A. Niemela, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

The "peer" in "peer review"

No abstract available.
Authors
Gad Perry, Jaime Bertoluci, R. Bruce Bury, Robert W. Hansen, Robert Jehle, John Measey, Brad R. Moon, Erin L. Muths, Marco A.L. Zuffi
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Western pond turtle: Biology, sampling techniques, inventory and monitoring, conservation, and management: Northwest Fauna No. 7

One of only two native, freshwater turtle species in the western United States, western pond turtles are declining in portions of their original range. Declines are mostly due to habitat loss, introduction of non-native species, pollution, and lack of connectivity among populations. USGS zoologist R. Bruce Bury and colleagues from the U.S. Forest Service, California State University, and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Modifications of traps to reduce bycatch of freshwater turtles

Mortality of freshwater turtles varies among types and deployments of traps. There are few or no losses in hoop or fyke traps set where turtles may reach air, including placement in shallows, addition of floats on traps, and tying traps securely to a stake or to shore. Turtle mortality occurs when traps are set deep, traps are checked at intervals >1 day, and when turtles are captured as...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Using multilevel spatial models to understand salamander site occupancy patterns after wildfire

Studies of the distribution of elusive forest wildlife have suffered from the confounding of true presence with the uncertainty of detection. Occupancy modeling, which incorporates probabilities of species detection conditional on presence, is an emerging approach for reducing observation bias. However, the current likelihood modeling framework is restrictive for handling unexplained...
Authors
Nathan Chelgren, M. J. Adams, Larissa L. Bailey, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Low thermal tolerances of stream amphibians in the Pacific Northwest: Implications for riparian and forest management

Temperature has a profound effect on survival and ecology of amphibians. In the Pacific Northwest, timber harvest is known to increase peak stream temperatures to 24??C or higher, which has potential to negatively impact cold-water stream amphibians. I determined the Critical Thermal Maxima (CT max) for two salamanders that are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Rhyacotriton variegatus...
Authors
R.B. Bury

Science Review for the Scott Bar Salamander (Plethodon asupak) and the Siskiyou Mountains Salamander (P. stormi): Biology, Taxonomy, Habitat, and Detection Probabilities/Occupancy

The Plethodon elongatus Complex in the Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion of southern Oregon and northern California includes three species: the Del Norte salamander, Plethodon elongatus; the Siskiyou Mountains salamander, P. stormi; and the Scott Bar salamander, P. asupak. This review aims to summarize the current literature and information available on select topics for P. stormi and P. asupak...
Authors
Douglas J. DeGross, R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Natural history, field ecology, conservation biology and wildlife management: Time to connect the dots

Natural history and field ecology are essential building blocks for successful conservation and management of herpetofauna. Thus, natural history and field ecology merit major infusions of funding and increased recognition of their importance in science and management. Others have stated matters well: (1) Academic training in natural history should receive high priority; (2) we need to...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Dawning of Herpetological Conservation and Biology: A special welcome to your new journal

Inception of a new journal in herpetology is a rare event. The first discussion of developing a journal with an emphasis on natural history and conservation occurred among a subset of us (McCallum, others), while at the 2005 joint annual meeting of the SSAR/HL/ASIH in Tampa, Florida. Some of the initial questions we posed for a new herpetological journal were as follows: (1) is there a...
Authors
R. Bruce Bury, Malcolm L. McCallum, Stanley E. Trauth, Raymond A. Saumure
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider). Reproduction

The natural range of Trachemys scripta elegans is centered in the south-central United States, from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its prominence in the international pet trade, the species now can be found over much of the United States, and its introduction has been documented throughout the world (Ernst et al. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian...
Authors
Matthew P. Bettelheim, R. Bruce Bury, Laura C. Patterson, Glen M. Lubcke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link
USGS science for a changing world

Ecology and Conservation of Sensitive Herpetofauna Species

Many species of amphibians and reptiles are declining or facing population threats in the West related to habitat loss, habitat alteration, introduction of non-native species, and other factors. Our work focuses on the status and trends of resident herpetofauna and how to better manage their habitats. Much of the effort is undertaken with cooperators, particularly with other agencies in the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Ecology and Conservation of Sensitive Herpetofauna Species

Many species of amphibians and reptiles are declining or facing population threats in the West related to habitat loss, habitat alteration, introduction of non-native species, and other factors. Our work focuses on the status and trends of resident herpetofauna and how to better manage their habitats. Much of the effort is undertaken with cooperators, particularly with other agencies in the...
Learn More
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