Stephanie Romañach, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 37
Habitat Modeling for the Endangered Everglades Snail Kite and Its Prey
Joint Ecosystem Modeling (JEM) provides real-time habitat suitability models for species of interest in Everglades restoration planning, including the federally endangered Everglades snail kite.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Helper
The Sparrow Helper tool allows for the evaluation of water management scenarios by generating, plotting, and mapping hydrologic metrics across a range of time scales to predict impacts of proposed water depth changes to sparrow subpopulations.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Wader Distribution & Evaluation Modeling (WADEM)
WADEM (Wader Distribution Evaluation Modeling) is a JEM model that estimates species-specific habitat suitability across the landscape for Great Egret ( Ardea alba), White Ibis ( Eudocimus albus), and Wood Stork ( Mycteria americana).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator
Marl prairie is the most diverse freshwater vegetation community in the Greater Everglades and provides the only suitable habitat for the federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow (CSSS; Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: EverSnail
EverSnail, developed in collaboration with the University of West Florida, is an age- and size-structured spatially-explicit landscape model of native apple snails ( Pomacea paludosa).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Alligator Production Probability Model
Because the American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) is a keystone species of the Everglades ecosystem, managers need a way to quantitatively assess the effects of alternative restoration scenarios on alligators.
Natural Resources Conservation in East Africa
The U.S. Agency for International Development‘s regional mission in East Africa (USAID/EA) and contributing USAID bilateral missions in the region have partnered with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) to strategically leverage DOI expertise as it pertains to wildlife poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Assessment of Small Mammal Demographics and Communities in the Picayune Strand Restoration Area
The Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) is in the process of restoring pre-drainage hydrology to the southwest portion of the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
Assessment of Small Mammal Demographics and Communities in Everglades National Park
The decline of mammal populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) over the last 20 years is likely to influence the ecology of the Everglades system and the likelihood of successful Everglades restoration.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Greater Everglades Modeling Decision Support Tools
The Joint Ecosystem Modeling team is developing and applying ecological models and other decision support tools for Greater Everglades restoration project planning.
Socio-Ecological Conservation Targets for the Peninsular Florida Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Peninsular Florida has a high density of species and ecosystems of conservation concern, as well as many threats to the persistence of native species and their habitats. USGS worked closely with the Peninsular Florida Landscape Conservation Cooperative to define conservation targets to help meet conservation goals.
Identification of Previously Undocumented Florida Grasshopper Sparrow and Confirmation of the Current Population Status and Distribution
Population trends suggest that the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow may go extinct within five years. USGS research aims to collect demographic information to help identify the current status of the species.
Filter Total Items: 33
Ecological modeling output for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir 2020 Ecological modeling output for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir 2020
Ecological models facilitate evaluation and assessment of alternative approaches to restore the Greater Everglades ecosystem. The models of particular interest to the South Florida Water Management District for planning for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir were: (1) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator, (2) Florida apple snail (native) population model...
Synthesis of Gulf Coast Management Plans and Restoration Project Values, Stressors, and Strategies (2020-2021) Synthesis of Gulf Coast Management Plans and Restoration Project Values, Stressors, and Strategies (2020-2021)
Dataset of segments (e.g. phrases, sentences, paragraphs) associated with ecological values, human community values, stressors, or restoration strategies found within Gulf Coast state management plans and restoration project descriptions, collected 2019-2020.
EverWaders species distribution model development and output in the Greater Everglades from 2000-2009 EverWaders species distribution model development and output in the Greater Everglades from 2000-2009
Restoration of the Florida Everglades, a substantial wetland ecosystem within the United States, is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the world. Decision-makers and managers within the Everglades ecosystem rely on ecological models forecasting indicator wildlife response to changes in the management of water flows within the system. One such indicator of ecosystem health...
Small mammal captures at the Picayune Strand State Forest, October 2014 - April 2016 Small mammal captures at the Picayune Strand State Forest, October 2014 - April 2016
We used Sherman live traps to capture and mark rodents in the Picayune Strand State Forest between October 2014 and April 2016 (IACUC permit USGS/SESC 2014-12). We selected areas to trap small mammals within the major vegetative types within Picayune Strand State Forest: cypress, pine, hardwood hammock, and wet prairie. We trapped in paired "restored" and "unrestored" areas of each...
Ecological modeling output for the Combined Operational Plan, Round 1 in the Greater Everglades, 2018-2019 Ecological modeling output for the Combined Operational Plan, Round 1 in the Greater Everglades, 2018-2019
Ecological models facilitate evaluation and assessment of alternative plans for restoring the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Modeling outputs were used in evaluations of alternative water control plans to be performed by the Combined Operational Plan (COP). The models used were: (1) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator in conjunction with (2) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Helper...
EverForecast hydrologic output for April 2020: a six-month water stage forecast for the Greater Everglades EverForecast hydrologic output for April 2020: a six-month water stage forecast for the Greater Everglades
Operational ecological forecasting is an emerging field that leverages ecological models in a new, cross-disciplinary way, using a real-time or nearly real-time climate forecast to project near-term ecosystem states. These applications give decision-makers lead time to anticipate and manage state changes that degrade ecosystem functions or directly impact humans. The Everglades...
Determining the habitat suitability of coastal waterbirds in New Jersey: impacts related to Hurricane Sandy Determining the habitat suitability of coastal waterbirds in New Jersey: impacts related to Hurricane Sandy
Understanding the long-term consequences of hurricane effects on wildlife and their habitats is critical to efficiently and effectively protect and restore important coastal wetland and marsh habitat. Hurricane Sandy caused widespread and substantial physical, environmental, ecological damage, likely impacting the food supplies, habitats, and reproductive success of many animal species...
Fish data collected during 2015 and 2016 at 9 sites at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. Fish data collected during 2015 and 2016 at 9 sites at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
Field sampling occurred at locations within Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on three transects along the natural salinity gradient of increasing salinity to the coastal south. We used three replicates per tier (east-west) for a total of nine sampling sites. Sites were approximately 1300 m apart in all directions. Sampling events occurred every 3-4 weeks from January to May...
Data for comparison of climate envelope models developed using expert-selected variables versus statistical selection Data for comparison of climate envelope models developed using expert-selected variables versus statistical selection
Climate envelope models are increasingly used to characterize potential future distribution of species under climate change scenarios. It is acknowledged that the use of climate envelope models comes with both strengths and limitations, and that results are sensitive to modeling assumptions, inputs, and specific methods. The selection of predictor variables, an integral modeling step, is...
Filter Total Items: 63
Joint seasonality in geographic and ecological spaces, illustrated with a partially migratory bird Joint seasonality in geographic and ecological spaces, illustrated with a partially migratory bird
As most species live in seasonal environments, considering varying conditions is essential to understand species dynamics in both geographic and ecological spaces. Both resident and migratory species need to contend with seasonality and balance settling in favorable areas with tracking favorable environmental conditions during the year. We present an exploratory framework to jointly...
Authors
Mathieu Basille, James I. Watling, Stephanie Romanach, Rena R. Borkhataria
Potential impacts of future urbanization and sea level rise on Florida’s natural resources Potential impacts of future urbanization and sea level rise on Florida’s natural resources
As urban development continues to encroach into natural systems, these ecosystems experience increasing degradation to their form and function. Losses in biodiversity and ecosystem function are further compounded by changing climatic conditions. The State of Florida is known for its biodiversity but has experienced declines in species populations and habitats because of urbanization and...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, Allison Benscoter, Saira M. Haider
Coastal marsh bird habitat selection and responses to Hurricane Sandy Coastal marsh bird habitat selection and responses to Hurricane Sandy
Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem functions such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and wildlife habitat. Avian populations are indicators of wetland health, and understanding their responses to extreme events can aid in targeting restoration efforts following disturbance. Here, we assessed the habitat selection of six coastal wetland bird species (American Bittern, Black-crowned...
Authors
Allison Benscoter, James Beerens, Stephanie Romanach
Targeting wildlife crime interventions through geographic profiling Targeting wildlife crime interventions through geographic profiling
Seeing an animal hanging lifelessly from a snare is a heart-wrenching experience. Knowing that most animals caught in snares are left to rot without being used for meat or any other purpose might be worse. Over an eight-year period, 2001–2009, we recorded 10,231 incidents of illegal hunting in a wildlife conservation area in southeastern Zimbabwe, the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC). Sixty...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, Sally C. Faulkner, Michael C.A. Stevens, Peter A. Lindsey, Steven C. Le Comber
Fire disturbance influences endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammopiza maritima mirabilis) relative bird count Fire disturbance influences endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammopiza maritima mirabilis) relative bird count
Periodicity of fire disturbance is a known driver of ecosystem function and is reported as important in both promoting and maintaining viable breeding habitat for the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima mirabilis; CSSS). In south Florida, the CSSS serves as a fine-scale indicator of the marl and mixed-marl prairie communities of the Florida Everglades. The CSSS...
Authors
Allison Benscoter, James Beerens, Leonard G. Pearlstine, Stephanie Romanach
A multi-indicator spatial similarity approach for evaluating ecological restoration scenarios A multi-indicator spatial similarity approach for evaluating ecological restoration scenarios
Context The greater Everglades region in Florida (USA) is an area of wetlands that has been altered and reduced to 50% of its original area and faces multiple threats. Spatial landscape analysis can help guide a large and complex ecosystem restoration process, involving billions of dollars and multiple groups of stakeholders.Objectives To guide Everglades restoration efforts, we...
Authors
Ruscena Wiederholt, Rajendara Paudel, Yogesh Khare, Stephen E. Davis, G.M. Naja, Stephanie Romanach, L. Pearlstine, Thomas Van Lent
Impacts of saltwater intrusion on wetland prey production and composition in a historically freshwater marsh Impacts of saltwater intrusion on wetland prey production and composition in a historically freshwater marsh
Sea level rise is a fundamental driver of ecosystem change and has the potential to shift the spatial distributions of habitats more rapidly than species can adapt. Rapid sea level rise and associated saltwater intrusion have negative impacts on coastal environments, including loss of habitat for species such as sea turtles and shorebirds. In Florida’s largest wetland, the Everglades...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, James M. Beerens, Brett Patton, Julia P. Chapman, Matt Hanson
Designing a protected area to safeguard imperiled species from urbanization Designing a protected area to safeguard imperiled species from urbanization
Reserve design is a process that can address ecological, social, and political factors to identify parcels of land needed to sustain wildlife populations and other natural resources. Acquisition of parcels for a large terrestrial reserve is difficult because it typically occurs over a long timeframe and thus invokes consideration of future conditions such as climate and urbanization...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, Bradley Stith, Fred A. Johnson
Managing conflicts in the River of Grass Managing conflicts in the River of Grass
Chances are, you would not pack up and move to a new home without first researching the neighborhood, reviewing your finances, and maybe investigating schools nearby. Similarly, you would not buy the first car you find on a magazine cover without first reviewing the technical specifications, exploring your options, and perhaps taking a test drive. Even when making simple purchases online...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, James M. Beerens, Larry Perez, Saira M. Haider, Leonard G. Pearlstine
Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis
Mangrove forests provide critical services around the globe to both human populations and the ecosystems they occupy. However, losses of mangrove habitat of more than 50% have been recorded in some parts of the world, and these losses are largely attributable to human activities. The importance of mangroves and the threats to their persistence have long been recognized, leading to...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, Donald L. DeAngelis, Hock Lye Koh, Yuhong Li, Su Yean Teh, Raja Sulaiman Raja Barizan, Lu Zhai
Making ecological models adequate Making ecological models adequate
Critical evaluation of the adequacy of ecological models is urgently needed to enhance their utility in developing theory and enabling environmental managers and policymakers to make informed decisions. Poorly supported management can have detrimental, costly or irreversible impacts on the environment and society. Here, we examine common issues in ecological modelling and suggest...
Authors
Wayne M. Getz, Charles R. Marshall, Colin J. Carlson, Luca Giuggioli, Sadie J. Ryan, Stephanie S. Romanach, Carl Boettiger, Samuel D. Chamberlain, Laurel Larsen, Paolo D'Odorico, David O’Sullivan
A spatial approach to combatting wildlife crime A spatial approach to combatting wildlife crime
Poaching can have devastating impacts on animal and plant numbers, and in many countries has reached crisis levels, with illegal hunters employing increasingly sophisticated techniques. Here, we show how geographic profiling – a mathematical technique originally developed in criminology and recently applied to animal foraging and epidemiology – can be adapted for use in investigations of...
Authors
Sally C. Faulkner, Michael C.A. Stevens, Stephanie S. Romanach, Peter A. Lindsey, Steven C. LeComber
Non-USGS Publications**
Lindsey, P.A., Havemann, C.P., Lines, R.M., Price, A.E., Retief, T.A., Rhebergen, T., Van der Waal, C. and Romañach, S.S., 2013. Benefits of wildlife-based land uses on private lands in Namibia and limitations affecting their development. Oryx, 47(01), pp.41-53.
Romañach, S.S., Lindsey, P.A. and Woodroffe, R., 2010. Attitudes toward predators and options for their conservation in the Ewaso Ecosystem. A Chronology of Middle Missouri Plains Village Sites, 85.
Lindsey, Peter Andrew, S. S. Romanach, S. Matema, C. Matema, I. Mupamhadzi, and J. Muvengwi. "Dynamics and underlying causes of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe." Oryx 45, no. 01 (2011): 84-95.
Lindsey, Peter Andrew, S. S. Romanach, Craig J. Tambling, K. Chartier, and R. Groom. "Ecological and financial impacts of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe." Oryx 45, no. 01 (2011): 96-111.
Lindsey, P. A., S. S. Romanach, and H. T. Davies‐Mostert. "The importance of conservancies for enhancing the value of game ranch land for large mammal conservation in southern Africa." Journal of Zoology 277, no. 2 (2009): 99-105.
Lindsey, P., Romanach, S., Romanach, S.S. and Davies-Mostert, H., 2009. A synthesis of early indicators of the drivers of predator conservation on private lands in south africa. Anonymous Reintroduction of Top-Order Predators.: Wiley-Blackwell, pp.321-344.
Lindsey, P.A., du Toit, R., Pole, A. and Romañach, S., 2008. Savé Valley Conservancy: a large-scale African experiment in cooperative wildlife management. Evolution and innovation in wildlife conservation: parks and game ranches to transfrontier conservation areas, pp.163-184.
Romañach, S.S. and Lindsey, P.A., 2008. Conservation implications of prey responses to wild dogs Lycaon pictus during the denning season on wildlife ranches. Animal conservation, 11(2), pp.111-117.
Romanach, S.S., Lindsey, P.A. and Woodroffe, R., 2007. Determinants of attitudes towards predators in central Kenya and suggestions for increasing tolerance in livestock dominated landscapes. Oryx, 41(02), pp.185-195.
Romanach, S.S., Seabloom, E.W. and Reichman, O.J., 2007. Costs and benefits of pocket gopher foraging: Linking behavior and physiology. Ecology, 88(8), pp.2047-2057.
Georgiadis, N.J., Olwero, J.N. and Romañach, S.S., 2007. Savanna herbivore dynamics in a livestock-dominated landscape: I. Dependence on land use, rainfall, density, and time. Biological conservation, 137(3), pp.461-472.
Georgiadis, N.J., Ihwagi, F., Olwero, J.N. and Romañach, S.S., 2007. Savanna herbivore dynamics in a livestock-dominated landscape. II: Ecological, conservation, and management implications of predator restoration. Biological Conservation, 137(3), pp.473-483.
Lindsey, P.A., Roulet, P.A. and Romanach, S.S., 2007. Economic and conservation significance of the trophy hunting industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological conservation, 134(4), pp.455-469.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 37
Habitat Modeling for the Endangered Everglades Snail Kite and Its Prey
Joint Ecosystem Modeling (JEM) provides real-time habitat suitability models for species of interest in Everglades restoration planning, including the federally endangered Everglades snail kite.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Helper
The Sparrow Helper tool allows for the evaluation of water management scenarios by generating, plotting, and mapping hydrologic metrics across a range of time scales to predict impacts of proposed water depth changes to sparrow subpopulations.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Wader Distribution & Evaluation Modeling (WADEM)
WADEM (Wader Distribution Evaluation Modeling) is a JEM model that estimates species-specific habitat suitability across the landscape for Great Egret ( Ardea alba), White Ibis ( Eudocimus albus), and Wood Stork ( Mycteria americana).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator
Marl prairie is the most diverse freshwater vegetation community in the Greater Everglades and provides the only suitable habitat for the federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow (CSSS; Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: EverSnail
EverSnail, developed in collaboration with the University of West Florida, is an age- and size-structured spatially-explicit landscape model of native apple snails ( Pomacea paludosa).
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Alligator Production Probability Model
Because the American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) is a keystone species of the Everglades ecosystem, managers need a way to quantitatively assess the effects of alternative restoration scenarios on alligators.
Natural Resources Conservation in East Africa
The U.S. Agency for International Development‘s regional mission in East Africa (USAID/EA) and contributing USAID bilateral missions in the region have partnered with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program (DOI-ITAP) to strategically leverage DOI expertise as it pertains to wildlife poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Assessment of Small Mammal Demographics and Communities in the Picayune Strand Restoration Area
The Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP) is in the process of restoring pre-drainage hydrology to the southwest portion of the Greater Everglades ecosystem.
Assessment of Small Mammal Demographics and Communities in Everglades National Park
The decline of mammal populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) over the last 20 years is likely to influence the ecology of the Everglades system and the likelihood of successful Everglades restoration.
Joint Ecosystem Modeling: Greater Everglades Modeling Decision Support Tools
The Joint Ecosystem Modeling team is developing and applying ecological models and other decision support tools for Greater Everglades restoration project planning.
Socio-Ecological Conservation Targets for the Peninsular Florida Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Peninsular Florida has a high density of species and ecosystems of conservation concern, as well as many threats to the persistence of native species and their habitats. USGS worked closely with the Peninsular Florida Landscape Conservation Cooperative to define conservation targets to help meet conservation goals.
Identification of Previously Undocumented Florida Grasshopper Sparrow and Confirmation of the Current Population Status and Distribution
Population trends suggest that the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow may go extinct within five years. USGS research aims to collect demographic information to help identify the current status of the species.
Filter Total Items: 33
Ecological modeling output for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir 2020 Ecological modeling output for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir 2020
Ecological models facilitate evaluation and assessment of alternative approaches to restore the Greater Everglades ecosystem. The models of particular interest to the South Florida Water Management District for planning for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir were: (1) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator, (2) Florida apple snail (native) population model...
Synthesis of Gulf Coast Management Plans and Restoration Project Values, Stressors, and Strategies (2020-2021) Synthesis of Gulf Coast Management Plans and Restoration Project Values, Stressors, and Strategies (2020-2021)
Dataset of segments (e.g. phrases, sentences, paragraphs) associated with ecological values, human community values, stressors, or restoration strategies found within Gulf Coast state management plans and restoration project descriptions, collected 2019-2020.
EverWaders species distribution model development and output in the Greater Everglades from 2000-2009 EverWaders species distribution model development and output in the Greater Everglades from 2000-2009
Restoration of the Florida Everglades, a substantial wetland ecosystem within the United States, is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the world. Decision-makers and managers within the Everglades ecosystem rely on ecological models forecasting indicator wildlife response to changes in the management of water flows within the system. One such indicator of ecosystem health...
Small mammal captures at the Picayune Strand State Forest, October 2014 - April 2016 Small mammal captures at the Picayune Strand State Forest, October 2014 - April 2016
We used Sherman live traps to capture and mark rodents in the Picayune Strand State Forest between October 2014 and April 2016 (IACUC permit USGS/SESC 2014-12). We selected areas to trap small mammals within the major vegetative types within Picayune Strand State Forest: cypress, pine, hardwood hammock, and wet prairie. We trapped in paired "restored" and "unrestored" areas of each...
Ecological modeling output for the Combined Operational Plan, Round 1 in the Greater Everglades, 2018-2019 Ecological modeling output for the Combined Operational Plan, Round 1 in the Greater Everglades, 2018-2019
Ecological models facilitate evaluation and assessment of alternative plans for restoring the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Modeling outputs were used in evaluations of alternative water control plans to be performed by the Combined Operational Plan (COP). The models used were: (1) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Marl Prairie Indicator in conjunction with (2) Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Helper...
EverForecast hydrologic output for April 2020: a six-month water stage forecast for the Greater Everglades EverForecast hydrologic output for April 2020: a six-month water stage forecast for the Greater Everglades
Operational ecological forecasting is an emerging field that leverages ecological models in a new, cross-disciplinary way, using a real-time or nearly real-time climate forecast to project near-term ecosystem states. These applications give decision-makers lead time to anticipate and manage state changes that degrade ecosystem functions or directly impact humans. The Everglades...
Determining the habitat suitability of coastal waterbirds in New Jersey: impacts related to Hurricane Sandy Determining the habitat suitability of coastal waterbirds in New Jersey: impacts related to Hurricane Sandy
Understanding the long-term consequences of hurricane effects on wildlife and their habitats is critical to efficiently and effectively protect and restore important coastal wetland and marsh habitat. Hurricane Sandy caused widespread and substantial physical, environmental, ecological damage, likely impacting the food supplies, habitats, and reproductive success of many animal species...
Fish data collected during 2015 and 2016 at 9 sites at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. Fish data collected during 2015 and 2016 at 9 sites at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
Field sampling occurred at locations within Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on three transects along the natural salinity gradient of increasing salinity to the coastal south. We used three replicates per tier (east-west) for a total of nine sampling sites. Sites were approximately 1300 m apart in all directions. Sampling events occurred every 3-4 weeks from January to May...
Data for comparison of climate envelope models developed using expert-selected variables versus statistical selection Data for comparison of climate envelope models developed using expert-selected variables versus statistical selection
Climate envelope models are increasingly used to characterize potential future distribution of species under climate change scenarios. It is acknowledged that the use of climate envelope models comes with both strengths and limitations, and that results are sensitive to modeling assumptions, inputs, and specific methods. The selection of predictor variables, an integral modeling step, is...
Filter Total Items: 63
Joint seasonality in geographic and ecological spaces, illustrated with a partially migratory bird Joint seasonality in geographic and ecological spaces, illustrated with a partially migratory bird
As most species live in seasonal environments, considering varying conditions is essential to understand species dynamics in both geographic and ecological spaces. Both resident and migratory species need to contend with seasonality and balance settling in favorable areas with tracking favorable environmental conditions during the year. We present an exploratory framework to jointly...
Authors
Mathieu Basille, James I. Watling, Stephanie Romanach, Rena R. Borkhataria
Potential impacts of future urbanization and sea level rise on Florida’s natural resources Potential impacts of future urbanization and sea level rise on Florida’s natural resources
As urban development continues to encroach into natural systems, these ecosystems experience increasing degradation to their form and function. Losses in biodiversity and ecosystem function are further compounded by changing climatic conditions. The State of Florida is known for its biodiversity but has experienced declines in species populations and habitats because of urbanization and...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, Allison Benscoter, Saira M. Haider
Coastal marsh bird habitat selection and responses to Hurricane Sandy Coastal marsh bird habitat selection and responses to Hurricane Sandy
Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem functions such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and wildlife habitat. Avian populations are indicators of wetland health, and understanding their responses to extreme events can aid in targeting restoration efforts following disturbance. Here, we assessed the habitat selection of six coastal wetland bird species (American Bittern, Black-crowned...
Authors
Allison Benscoter, James Beerens, Stephanie Romanach
Targeting wildlife crime interventions through geographic profiling Targeting wildlife crime interventions through geographic profiling
Seeing an animal hanging lifelessly from a snare is a heart-wrenching experience. Knowing that most animals caught in snares are left to rot without being used for meat or any other purpose might be worse. Over an eight-year period, 2001–2009, we recorded 10,231 incidents of illegal hunting in a wildlife conservation area in southeastern Zimbabwe, the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC). Sixty...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, Sally C. Faulkner, Michael C.A. Stevens, Peter A. Lindsey, Steven C. Le Comber
Fire disturbance influences endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammopiza maritima mirabilis) relative bird count Fire disturbance influences endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammopiza maritima mirabilis) relative bird count
Periodicity of fire disturbance is a known driver of ecosystem function and is reported as important in both promoting and maintaining viable breeding habitat for the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima mirabilis; CSSS). In south Florida, the CSSS serves as a fine-scale indicator of the marl and mixed-marl prairie communities of the Florida Everglades. The CSSS...
Authors
Allison Benscoter, James Beerens, Leonard G. Pearlstine, Stephanie Romanach
A multi-indicator spatial similarity approach for evaluating ecological restoration scenarios A multi-indicator spatial similarity approach for evaluating ecological restoration scenarios
Context The greater Everglades region in Florida (USA) is an area of wetlands that has been altered and reduced to 50% of its original area and faces multiple threats. Spatial landscape analysis can help guide a large and complex ecosystem restoration process, involving billions of dollars and multiple groups of stakeholders.Objectives To guide Everglades restoration efforts, we...
Authors
Ruscena Wiederholt, Rajendara Paudel, Yogesh Khare, Stephen E. Davis, G.M. Naja, Stephanie Romanach, L. Pearlstine, Thomas Van Lent
Impacts of saltwater intrusion on wetland prey production and composition in a historically freshwater marsh Impacts of saltwater intrusion on wetland prey production and composition in a historically freshwater marsh
Sea level rise is a fundamental driver of ecosystem change and has the potential to shift the spatial distributions of habitats more rapidly than species can adapt. Rapid sea level rise and associated saltwater intrusion have negative impacts on coastal environments, including loss of habitat for species such as sea turtles and shorebirds. In Florida’s largest wetland, the Everglades...
Authors
Stephanie Romanach, James M. Beerens, Brett Patton, Julia P. Chapman, Matt Hanson
Designing a protected area to safeguard imperiled species from urbanization Designing a protected area to safeguard imperiled species from urbanization
Reserve design is a process that can address ecological, social, and political factors to identify parcels of land needed to sustain wildlife populations and other natural resources. Acquisition of parcels for a large terrestrial reserve is difficult because it typically occurs over a long timeframe and thus invokes consideration of future conditions such as climate and urbanization...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, Bradley Stith, Fred A. Johnson
Managing conflicts in the River of Grass Managing conflicts in the River of Grass
Chances are, you would not pack up and move to a new home without first researching the neighborhood, reviewing your finances, and maybe investigating schools nearby. Similarly, you would not buy the first car you find on a magazine cover without first reviewing the technical specifications, exploring your options, and perhaps taking a test drive. Even when making simple purchases online...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, James M. Beerens, Larry Perez, Saira M. Haider, Leonard G. Pearlstine
Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis Conservation and restoration of mangroves: Global status, perspectives, and prognosis
Mangrove forests provide critical services around the globe to both human populations and the ecosystems they occupy. However, losses of mangrove habitat of more than 50% have been recorded in some parts of the world, and these losses are largely attributable to human activities. The importance of mangroves and the threats to their persistence have long been recognized, leading to...
Authors
Stephanie S. Romanach, Donald L. DeAngelis, Hock Lye Koh, Yuhong Li, Su Yean Teh, Raja Sulaiman Raja Barizan, Lu Zhai
Making ecological models adequate Making ecological models adequate
Critical evaluation of the adequacy of ecological models is urgently needed to enhance their utility in developing theory and enabling environmental managers and policymakers to make informed decisions. Poorly supported management can have detrimental, costly or irreversible impacts on the environment and society. Here, we examine common issues in ecological modelling and suggest...
Authors
Wayne M. Getz, Charles R. Marshall, Colin J. Carlson, Luca Giuggioli, Sadie J. Ryan, Stephanie S. Romanach, Carl Boettiger, Samuel D. Chamberlain, Laurel Larsen, Paolo D'Odorico, David O’Sullivan
A spatial approach to combatting wildlife crime A spatial approach to combatting wildlife crime
Poaching can have devastating impacts on animal and plant numbers, and in many countries has reached crisis levels, with illegal hunters employing increasingly sophisticated techniques. Here, we show how geographic profiling – a mathematical technique originally developed in criminology and recently applied to animal foraging and epidemiology – can be adapted for use in investigations of...
Authors
Sally C. Faulkner, Michael C.A. Stevens, Stephanie S. Romanach, Peter A. Lindsey, Steven C. LeComber
Non-USGS Publications**
Lindsey, P.A., Havemann, C.P., Lines, R.M., Price, A.E., Retief, T.A., Rhebergen, T., Van der Waal, C. and Romañach, S.S., 2013. Benefits of wildlife-based land uses on private lands in Namibia and limitations affecting their development. Oryx, 47(01), pp.41-53.
Romañach, S.S., Lindsey, P.A. and Woodroffe, R., 2010. Attitudes toward predators and options for their conservation in the Ewaso Ecosystem. A Chronology of Middle Missouri Plains Village Sites, 85.
Lindsey, Peter Andrew, S. S. Romanach, S. Matema, C. Matema, I. Mupamhadzi, and J. Muvengwi. "Dynamics and underlying causes of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe." Oryx 45, no. 01 (2011): 84-95.
Lindsey, Peter Andrew, S. S. Romanach, Craig J. Tambling, K. Chartier, and R. Groom. "Ecological and financial impacts of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe." Oryx 45, no. 01 (2011): 96-111.
Lindsey, P. A., S. S. Romanach, and H. T. Davies‐Mostert. "The importance of conservancies for enhancing the value of game ranch land for large mammal conservation in southern Africa." Journal of Zoology 277, no. 2 (2009): 99-105.
Lindsey, P., Romanach, S., Romanach, S.S. and Davies-Mostert, H., 2009. A synthesis of early indicators of the drivers of predator conservation on private lands in south africa. Anonymous Reintroduction of Top-Order Predators.: Wiley-Blackwell, pp.321-344.
Lindsey, P.A., du Toit, R., Pole, A. and Romañach, S., 2008. Savé Valley Conservancy: a large-scale African experiment in cooperative wildlife management. Evolution and innovation in wildlife conservation: parks and game ranches to transfrontier conservation areas, pp.163-184.
Romañach, S.S. and Lindsey, P.A., 2008. Conservation implications of prey responses to wild dogs Lycaon pictus during the denning season on wildlife ranches. Animal conservation, 11(2), pp.111-117.
Romanach, S.S., Lindsey, P.A. and Woodroffe, R., 2007. Determinants of attitudes towards predators in central Kenya and suggestions for increasing tolerance in livestock dominated landscapes. Oryx, 41(02), pp.185-195.
Romanach, S.S., Seabloom, E.W. and Reichman, O.J., 2007. Costs and benefits of pocket gopher foraging: Linking behavior and physiology. Ecology, 88(8), pp.2047-2057.
Georgiadis, N.J., Olwero, J.N. and Romañach, S.S., 2007. Savanna herbivore dynamics in a livestock-dominated landscape: I. Dependence on land use, rainfall, density, and time. Biological conservation, 137(3), pp.461-472.
Georgiadis, N.J., Ihwagi, F., Olwero, J.N. and Romañach, S.S., 2007. Savanna herbivore dynamics in a livestock-dominated landscape. II: Ecological, conservation, and management implications of predator restoration. Biological Conservation, 137(3), pp.473-483.
Lindsey, P.A., Roulet, P.A. and Romanach, S.S., 2007. Economic and conservation significance of the trophy hunting industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological conservation, 134(4), pp.455-469.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.