Avian conservation genetics
Haig, S.M., Avise, J.C., 1996, Avian conservation genetics In Avise, J.C., Hamrick, J.L., eds., Conservation Genetics: Case Histories From Nature: New York, NY, Chapman and Hall, p. 160-189.
Susan M Haig
Biography
Specialty
Conservation genetics, avian behavioral ecology, population connectivity, endangered species policy.
Recent Accomplishments
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellow, 1987-89, Smithsonian Institution
- Ph.D. Biology, 1987, Biology, University of North Dakota
- B.S. Biology, 1979, Northland College
Professional Studies/Experience
Mentorship/Outreach
Professional societies/affiliations/committees/editorial boards
Honors, awards, recognition, elected offices
Research Interests
Processes affecting persistence/extinction of small populations, conservation genetics, behavioral ecology of shorebirds, wetland ecology, mating systems, dispersal patterns and population connectivity throughout the annual cycle.
Personal Interests
Canoeing, birdwatching, badminton, Irish music
Scientific/Oral Presentations, Abstracts
Science and Products
Date published: November 27, 2017
Status: Active Migratory Connectivity Team (FRESC)
Migratory Connectivity is the geographic linking of individuals or populations between stages of an animal's life cycle. Migration is most often associated with birds, and each year upwards of 5 billion birds worldwide migrate to their breeding or wintering grounds, stopping along the way to eat, rest, or find cover.
Contacts: Susan M Haig
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: November 9, 2017
Status: Active Genetic and Demographic Analyses of Species at Risk
Genetic and demographic analyses are key to understanding mechanisms of population and species declines and recovery potential. They are equally important to managers assessing risk of extinction relative to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, and for establishing recovery goals and planning recovery actions. In addition to the methodologically and conceptually complex nature of...
Contacts: Susan M Haig
Date published: November 9, 2017
Status: Active Effects of Climate Change and Other Environmental Stressors on Water Birds and Their Habitats
Predicted climate impacts on arid U.S. Great Basin wetlands will alter their number, distribution, and quality (e.g., salinity). The scarcity and isolation of these wetlands make them essential not only to wildlife but to ranchers, farmers, and urban areas that rely on their ecosystem services. Great Basin wetlands are important habitats for migratory birds at high volumes, but they become...
Contacts: Susan M Haig
Date published: November 6, 2017
Status: Active Avian Movements, Monitoring, and Conservation
The Migratory Connectivity Project (MCP) is an effort to research, collect, and provide information about animal movement and full lifecycle biology, particularly for North American bird species, to agencies and NGOs interested in their conservation.
Contacts: Susan M Haig
Year Published: 2019
Geographic variation in natal dispersal of Northern Spotted Owls over 28 years
The most recent comprehensive estimates of Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) natal dispersal distances were reported in 2002. Since then, Northern Spotted Owl populations have experienced substantial demographic changes, with potential attendant changes in natal dispersal distances, including temporal or geographic trends. We...
Hollenbeck, Jeff; Haig, Susan M.; Forsman, Eric D.; Wiens, DavidAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
Year Published: 2019
Changing climates and challenges to Charadrius plover success throughout the annual cycle
The Arctic tundra, as well as coastal and inland mudflats and beaches occupied by the 63 Charadrius plover species and subspecies around the world encompass some of the habitats most threatened by current climatic challenges. The migratory habits of most plover species further intensifies these effects as the birds occupy more than one major...
Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
Year Published: 2019
Future challenges for Charadruis Plovers
Haig, Susan M.; Colwell, Mark AAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
Year Published: 2019
Changes in genetic diversity and differentiation in Red‐cockaded woodpeckers (Dryobates borealis) over the past century
Red‐cockaded woodpeckers (RCW; Dryobates borealis) declined after human activities reduced their fire‐maintained pine ecosystem to <3% of its historical range in the southeastern United States and degraded remaining habitat. An estimated 1.6 million RCW cooperative breeding groups declined to about 3,500 groups with no more than 10,000 birds by...
Miller, Mark P.; Vilstrup, Julia T.; Mullins, Thomas D.; McDearmon, Will; Walters, Jeffrey R.; Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
Year Published: 2018
A snapshot of women of the U.S. Geological Survey in STEM and related careers
IntroductionThe term “STEM” has been used to group together the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to describe education and professions related to these fields. The professional fields connected to STEM education are thought of as engineering, medicine, and computer technology. Yet these professional fields are merely...
Aragon-Long, Susan C.; Burkett, Virginia R.; Weyers, Holly S.; Haig, Susan M.; Davenport, Marjorie S.; Warner, Kelly L.Attribution: Biology and Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Resources, Fish & Wildlife Disease, Washington, United States of America
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Aragon-Long, S.C., Burkett, V.R., Weyers, H.S., Haig, S.M., Davenport, M.S., and Warner, K.L., 2018, A snapshot of women of the U.S. Geological Survey in STEM and related careers: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1443, 100 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1443.
Year Published: 2018
Regional variation in drivers of connectivity for two frog species (Rana pretiosa and R. luteiventris) from the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Comparative landscape genetics has uncovered high levels of variability in which landscape factors affect connectivity among species and regions. However, the relative importance of species traits versus environmental variation for predicting landscape patterns of connectivity is unresolved. We provide evidence from a landscape genetics study of...
Robertson, Jeanne M.; Murphy, Melanie A.; Pearl, Christopher; Adams, M.J.; Paez-Vacas, Monica I.; Haig, Susan M.; Pilliod, David S.; Storfer, Andrew; Funk, W. ChrisAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
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Robertson, J.M., Murphy, M.A., Pearl, C.A., Adams, M.J., Páez-Vacas, M.I., Haig, S.M., Pilliod, D.S., Storfer, A., Funk, W., 2018, Regional variation in drivers of connectivity for two frog species (Rana pretiosa and R. luteiventris) from the U.S. Pacific Northwest: Molecular Ecology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14798.
Year Published: 2018
Isolation by distance versus landscape resistance: Understanding dominant patterns of genetic structure in Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina)
Landscape genetics investigations examine how the availability and configuration of habitat influence genetic structure of plants and animals. We used landscape genetics to evaluate the role that forest connectivity plays in determining genetic structure of the federally-threatened Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) using genotypes...
Miller, Mark P.; Davis, Raymond J.; Forsman, Eric D.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
View Citation
Miller MP, Davis RJ, Forsman ED, Mullins TD, Haig SM (2018) Isolation by distance versus landscape resistance: Understanding dominant patterns of genetic structure in Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina). PLoS ONE 13(8): e0201720. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201720
Year Published: 2018
Variation in inbreeding rates across the range of Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina): Insights from over 30 years of monitoring data
Inbreeding has been difficult to quantify in wild populations because of incomplete parentage information. We applied and extended a recently developed framework for addressing this problem to infer inbreeding rates in Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) across the Pacific Northwest, USA. Using pedigrees from 14,187 Northern Spotted...
Miller, Mark P.; Haig, Susan M.; Forsman, Eric D.; Anthony, Robert G.; Diller, Lowell; Dugger, Katie M.; Franklin, Alan B.; Fleming, Tracy L.; Gremel, Scott; Lesmeister, Damon B.; Higley, Mark; Herter, Dale R.; Sovern, Stan GAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
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Miller, M.P., Haig, S.M., Forsman, E.D., Anthony, R.G., Diller, L., Dugger, K.M., Franklin, A.B., Gremel, S.A., Lesmeister, D.B., Higley, M., Herter, D.R., Sovern, S.G., 2018, Variation in inbreeding rates across the range of Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina)- insights from over 30 years of monitoring data: The Auk: Ornithological Advances, v. 135, no. 4, p. 821-833, https://doi.org/10.1642/AUK-18-1.1.
Year Published: 2018
A simplified field protocol for genetic sampling of birds using buccal swabs
DNA sampling is an essential prerequisite for conducting population genetic studies. For many years, blood sampling has been the preferred method for obtaining DNA in birds because of their nucleated red blood cells. Nonetheless, use of buccal swabs has been gaining favor because they are less invasive yet still yield adequate amounts of DNA for...
Vilstrup, Julia T.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Miller, Mark P.; McDearman, Will; Walters, Jeffrey R.; Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
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Vilstrup, J.T., Mullins, T.D., Miller, M.P., McDearman, W., Walters, J.R., Haig, S.M., 2018, An simplified field protocol for genetic sampling of birds using buccal swabs: The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1676/16-105.1.
Year Published: 2018
Assessment of distribution and abundance estimates for Mariana swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) via examination of survey methods
We described past and present distribution and abundance data to evaluate the status of the endangered Mariana Swiftlet (Aerodramus bartschi), a little-known echolocating cave swiftlet that currently inhabits 3 of 5 formerly occupied islands in the Mariana archipelago. We then evaluated the survey methods used to attain these estimates via...
Johnson, Nathan C.; Haig, Susan M.; Mosher, Stephen M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
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Johnson, N.C., Haig, S.M., Mosher, S.M., 2018, Assessment of distribution and abundance estimates for Mariana swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) via examination of survey methods: The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1676/16-106.1.
Year Published: 2017
Reproductive success of Mariana swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu
Mariana Swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) are federally listed as endangered, with populations currently limited to just three islands in the Mariana Islands plus an introduced population on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. Before efforts are made to reintroduce Mariana Swiftlets to other islands in the Mariana archipelago, additional information is...
Johnson, Nathan C.; Haig, Susan M.; Mosher, Stephen M.; Hollenbeck, Jeff P.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
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Johnson, N.C., Haig, S.M., Mosher, S.M., Hollenbeck, J.P., 2017, Reproductive success of Mariana swiftlets (Aerodramus bartschi) on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 88, p. 362–373, https://doi.org/10.1111/jofo.12236.
Year Published: 2017
Genetic differentiation and inferred dynamics of a hybrid zone between Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) and California Spotted Owls (S. o. occidentalis) in northern California
Genetic differentiation among Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) subspecies has been established in prior studies. These investigations also provided evidence for introgression and hybridization among taxa but were limited by a lack of samples from geographic regions where subspecies came into close contact. We analyzed new sets of samples from...
Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Forsman, Eric D.; Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Ecosystems
View Citation
Miller, M.P., Mullins, T.D., Forsman, E.D., Haig, S.M., 2017, Genetic differentiation and inferred dynamics of a hybrid zone between Northern Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) and California Spotted Owls (S. o. occidentalis) In Northern California: Ecology and Evolution, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3260.
Pre-USGS Publications
Avian species composition and movement rates in two coastal habitats near Charleston, South Carolina
Savereno, L.A., Savereno, A.J., Boettcher, R., Haig, S.M., 1996, Avian species composition and movement rates in two coastal habitats near Charleston, South Carolina: Chat, v. 60, no. Spring, p. 29-43.
Descriptive genetic studies- Applications in population management and conservation biology
Avise, J.C., Haig, S.M., Ryder, O.A., Lynch, M., Geyer, C.J., 1995, Descriptive genetic studies- Applications in population management and conservation biology In Ballou, J.D., Gilpin, M., Foose, T.J., eds., Population Management for Survival and Recovery: Analytical Methods and Strategies for Small Population Conservation: New York, NY, Columbia University Press, p. 183-244.
Estimation of lean and lipid mass in shorebirds using total-body electrical conductivity
Lyons, J.E., Haig, S.M., 1995, Estimation of lean and lipid mass in shorebirds using total-body electrical conductivity: Auk, v. 112, no. 3, p. 590-602.
Fat content and stopover ecology of spring migrant semipalmated sandpipers in South Carolina
Lyons, J.E., Haig, S.M., 1995, Fat content and stopover ecology of spring migrant semipalmated sandpipers in South Carolina: The Condor, v. 97, no. 2, p. 427-437.
Genetic diversity among two avian species formerly endemic to Guam
Haig, S.M., Ballou, J.D., 1995, Genetic diversity among two avian species formerly endemic to Guam: Auk, v. 112, no. 2, p. 445-455.
Genetic identification of kin in Micronesian kingfishers
Haig, S.M., Ballou, J.D., Casna, N.J., 1995, Genetic identification of kin in Micronesian kingfishers: Journal of Heredity, v. 86, no. 6, p. 423-431.
Habitat-related factors affecting the distribution of nonbreeding American avocets in coastal South Carolina
Boettcher, R., Haig, S.M., Bridges, W.C., 1995, Habitat-related factors affecting the distribution of nonbreeding American avocets in coastal South Carolina: The Condor, v. 97, no. 1, p. 68-81.
Conservation and Environmentalism
Haig, S.M., 1995, Piping Plover InPaehlke, R., ed., Conservation and Environmentalism: An Encyclopedia: New York, NY, Garland Publishing, Inc., p. 524.
Piping plovers
Haig, S.M., Plissner, J.H., 1995, Piping plovers In LaRoe, E.T., Farris, G.S., Puckett, C.E., Doran, P.D., Mac, M.J., eds., Our Living Resources: A Report to the Nation on the Distribution, Abundance, and Health of U.S. Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems: Washington, DC, US Department of the Interior, National Biological Service, p. 77-79.
Behavioral patterns and nearest-neighbor distances among nonbreeding American avocets
Boettcher, R., Haig, S.M., Bridges, Jr., W.C., 1994, Behavioral patterns and nearest-neighbor distances among nonbreeding American avocets: The Condor, v. 96, no. 4, p. 973-986.
Genetic evidence for monogamy in the cooperatively breeding red-cockaded woodpecker
Haig, S.M., Walters, J.R., Plissner, J.H., 1994, Genetic evidence for monogamy in the cooperatively breeding red-cockaded woodpecker: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, v. 34, no. 4, p. 295-303.
Population differentiation in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA of red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis)
Haig, S.M., Rhymer, J.M., Heckel, D.G., 1994, Population differentiation in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA of red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis): Molecular Ecology, v. 3, p. 581-595.
Review of "The Migration of Knots," T. Piersma and N. Davidson, editors
Haig, S.M., 1994, Review of "The Migration of Knots," T. Piersma and N. Davidson, editors: Auk, v. 111, no. 4, p. 1028-1029.
The 1991 International Piping Plover Census in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean - breeding and winter populations
Haig, S.M., Plissner, J.H., 1994, The 1991 International Piping Plover Census in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean - breeding and winter populations In Plissner, J.H., ed., The 1991 International Piping Plover Census in Canada: Occasional Paper No. 82, Ottawa, Ontario, Canadian Wildlife Service, p. 48-51.
Distribution and abundance of piping plovers - Results and implications of the 1991 International Census
Haig, S.M., Plissner, J.H., 1993, Distribution and abundance of piping plovers - Results and implications of the 1991 International Census: The Condor, v. 95, no. 1, p. 145-156.
Examination of population structure in red-cockaded woodpeckers using DNA profiles
Haig, S.M., Belthoff, J.R., Allen, D.H., 1993, Examination of population structure in red-cockaded woodpeckers using DNA profiles: Evolution, v. 47, no. 1, p. 185-194.
Population viability analysis for a small population of red-cockaded woodpeckers and an evaluation of enhancement strategies
Haig, S.M., Belthoff, J.R., Allen, D.H., 1993, Population viability analysis for a small population of red-cockaded woodpeckers and an evaluation of enhancement strategies: Conservation Biology, v. 7, no. 2, p. 289-301.
Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)
Haig, S.M., 1992, Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) In Poole, A., Stettenheim, P., Gill, F., eds., The Birds of North America, No. 2: Washington, DC, The American Ornitologists' Union, p. 1-18.
Distribution and dispersal in the piping plover
Haig, S.M., Oring, L.W., 1988, Distribution and dispersal in the piping plover: Auk, v. 105, p. 630-638.
Genetic differentiation of Piping Plovers across North America
Haig, S.M., Oring, L.W., 1988, Genetic differentiation of Piping Plovers across North America: Auk, v. 105, p. 260-267.
Mate, site, and territory fidelity in piping plovers
Haig, S.M., Oring, L.W., 1988, Mate, site, and territory fidelity in piping plovers: Auk, v. 105, p. 268-277.
Distribution and status of the piping plover throughout the annual cycle
Haig, S.M., Oring, L.W., 1985, Distribution and status of the piping plover throughout the annual cycle: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 56, no. 4, p. 334-345.
May 19, 2011
Who's Your Mama? Conservation Genetics and At-Risk Species
USGS science supports management, conservation, and restoration of imperiled, at-risk, and endangered species. Endangered Species Day is commemorated in May, and we’re taking some time to find out just how one goes about studying at-risk species and what part cutting-edge technologies can play in helping us do the science that informs managers and policy makers. Catherine
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: April 12, 2019
Effects of Red-cockaded Woodpecker Bottleneck and Current Management on Genetic Diversity
The red-cockaded woodpecker is a federally listed species that declined in the southeastern United States from approximately 1.6 million cooperative breeding groups historically to less than 3,500 groups by 1978 due to loss and degradation of habitat and fire suppression.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: August 10, 2018
Drivers of connectivity for two frog species from the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Landscape genetics illustrate how landscape features influence species connectivity and can provide insights for species conservation efforts;however, factors that influence connectivity vary considerably, even among species occupying similar landscapes.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: August 2, 2018
Forest Connectivity and Patterns of Genetic Structure in Northern Spotted Owls
Federal researchers used landscape genetics to evaluate the role that forest connectivity plays in determining genetic connectivity for the federally-threatened northern spotted owl.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: July 9, 2018
Inbreeding in Northern Spotted Owls - Insights From Over 30 Years of Monitoring Data
In a study led by the USGS, researchers developed a framework to infer inbreeding rates of Northern Spotted Owls when incomplete parentage information exists.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: June 18, 2018
Geographic Variation in Natal Dispersal of Northern Spotted Owls over 28 Years
USGS and U.S. Forest Service researchers analyzed northern spotted owl natal dispersal, or the distance from natal site to first breeding site, from 1985 – 2012 in Oregon and Washington to examine how barred owls affect northern spotted owls’ movement.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Date published: March 2, 2018
A Simplified Field Protocol for Genetic Sampling of Birds Using Buccal Swabs
Population genetic studies are driven by DNA sampling, and blood sampling has historically been the preferred method for obtaining DNA.
Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center