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
Year Published: 2017
Estimating inbreeding rates in natural populations: Addressing the problem of incomplete pedigrees
Understanding and estimating inbreeding is essential for managing threatened and endangered wildlife populations. However, determination of inbreeding rates in natural populations is confounded by incomplete parentage information. We present an approach for quantifying inbreeding rates for populations with incomplete parentage information. The...
Miller, Mark P.; Haig, Susan M.; Ballou, Jonathan D.; Steel, E. AshleyView Citation
Miller, M.P., Haig, S.M., Ballou, J.D., Steel, E.A., 2017, Estimating inbreeding rates in natural populations- addressing the problem of incomplete pedigrees: Journal of Heredity, p. online.
Year Published: 2017
Polygamy slows down population divergence in shorebirds
Sexual selection may act as a promotor of speciation since divergent mate choice and competition for mates can rapidly lead to reproductive isolation. Alternatively, sexual selection may also retard speciation since polygamous individuals can access additional mates by increased breeding dispersal. High breeding dispersal should hence increase...
Jackson, Josephine D'Urban; dos Remedios, Natalie; Maher, Kathryn; Zefania, Sama; Haig, Susan M.; Oyler-McCance, Sara J.; Blomqvist, Donald; Burke, Terry; Bruford, Michael W.; Székely, Tamás; Küpper, ClemensView Citation
D’Urban Jackson, J., dos Remedios, N., Maher, K., Zefania, S., Haig, S.M., Oyler-McCance, S.J., Blomqvist, D., Burke, T., Bruford, M.W., Székely, T., Küpper, C., 2017, Polygamy slows down population divergence in shorebirds: Evolution, p. online, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/evo.13212.
Year Published: 2016
Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck
Critically endangered species that have undergone severe population bottlenecks often have little remaining genetic variation, making it difficult to reconstruct population histories to apply in reintroduction and recovery strategies. By using ancient DNA techniques, it is possible to combine genetic evidence from the historical population with...
D'Elia, Jesse; Haig, Susan M.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Miller, Mark P.
Year Published: 2016
Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California— Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations
Executive SummaryWe present results of population genetic analyses performed on Oregon silverspot butterflies (OSB; Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California. We used DNA sequences from a 561-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for a dataset comprised of 112 S. z. hippolyta...
Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Miller, M.P., Mullins, T.D., and Haig, S.M., 2016, Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California—Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016-1162, 23 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161162.
Year Published: 2016
Response to Smith et al. 18 February 2016
Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Environmental Health, , Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America
View Citation
Haig, S.M., 2016, Response to Smith et al. 18 February 2016: Evolutionary Applications, v. 9, no. 5, p. 638-639.
Year Published: 2016
Breeding sites and winter site fidelity of Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas, a previously unknown major wintering area
Most of the known wintering areas of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) are along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and into Mexico, and in the Caribbean. However, 1066 threatened/endangered Piping Plovers were recently found wintering in The Bahamas, an area not previously known to be important for the species. Although...
Gratto-Trevor, Cheri; Haig, Susan M.; Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Maddock, Sidney; Roche, Erin A.; Moore, Predensa
Year Published: 2016
The conservation genetics juggling act: Integrating genetics and ecology, science and policy
The field of conservation genetics, when properly implemented, is a constant juggling act integrating molecular genetics, ecology, and demography with applied aspects concerning managing declining species or implementing conservation laws and policies. This young field has grown substantially since the 1980’s following development of the...
Haig, Susan M.; Miller, Mark P.; Bellinger, Renee; Draheim, Hope M.; Mercer, Dacey; Mullins, Thomas D.View Citation
Haig, S.M., Miller, M., Bellinger, R.M., Draheim, H.M., Mercer, D.M., Mullins, T.D., 2015, The Conservation Genetics Juggling Act- Integrating Genetics and Ecology, Science and Policy. DOI- 10.1111/eva.12337: Evolutionary Applications, p. online.
Year Published: 2015
Activity-specific ecological niche models for planning reintroductions of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus)
Ecological niche models can be a useful tool to identify candidate reintroduction sites for endangered species but have been infrequently used for this purpose. In this paper, we (1) develop activity-specific ecological niche models (nesting, roosting, and feeding) for the critically endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) to aid in...
D'Elia, Jesse; Haig, Susan M.; Johnson, Matthew J.; Marcot, Bruce G.; Young, RichardView Citation
D'Elia, J.D., Haig, S.M., Johnson, M.J., Marcot, B.G., Young, R., 2015, Activity-specific ecological niche models for planning reintroductions of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus). DOI-10.1016/j.biocon.2015.01.002: Biological Conservation, v. 184, no. April 2015, p. 90-99.
Year Published: 2015
Genetic structure, diversity, and interisland dispersal in the endangered Mariana Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami)
The Mariana Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami) is a highly endangered taxon, with fewer than 300 individuals estimated to occur in the wild. The subspecies is believed to have undergone population declines attributable to loss of wetland habitats on its native islands in the Mariana Islands. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)...
Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.; Takano, Leilani L.; Garcia, KarlaAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Environmental Health, , Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America
View Citation
Miller, M., Mullins, T.D., Haig, S.M., Takano, L.L., Garcia, K., 2015, Genetic structure, diversity, and interisland migration in the endangered Mariana Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami): The Condor, v. 117, p. 660-669.
Year Published: 2015
Data from the 2011 International Piping Plover Census
This report provides results from the 2011 International Census of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus). Distribution and abundance data for wintering and breeding Piping Plovers are summarized in tabular format. An appendix provides census data for every site surveyed in every state, province, and island. The 2011 winter census resulted in the...
Elliott-Smith, Elise; Bidwell, Mark T.; Holland, Amanda E.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Elliott-Smith, E., Bidwell, M., Holland, A.E., and Haig, S.M., 2015, Data from the 2011 International Piping Plover Census: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 922, 296 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ds922.
Year Published: 2015
Intercontinental genetic structure and gene flow in Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a potential vector of avian influenza
Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of influenza A viruses. Due to their migratory behavior, some may transmit disease over long distances. Migratory connectivity studies can link breeding and nonbreeding grounds while illustrating potential interactions among populations that may spread...
Miller, Mark P.; Haig, Susan M.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Ruan, Luzhang; Casler, Bruce; Dondua, Alexei; Gates, H. River; Johnson, J. Matthew; Kendall, Steven J.; Tomkovich, Pavel S.; Tracy, Diane; Valchuk, Olga P.; Lanctot, Richard B.Attribution: Environmental Health, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America
View Citation
Miller, M.P., Haig, S.M., Mullins, T.D., Ruan, L., Casler, B., Dondua, A., Gates, R.H., Johnson, J.M., Kendall, S.J., Tomkovich, P.S., Tracy, D., Valchuk, O.P., Lanctot, R.B., 2015, Intercontinental genetic structure and gene flow in Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a potential vector of avian influenza: Evolutionary Applications, v. 8, no. 2, p. 149-171
Year Published: 2014
The persistent problem of lead poisoning in birds from ammunition and fishing tackle
Lead (Pb) is a metabolic poison that can negatively influence biological processes, leading to illness and mortality across a large spectrum of North American avifauna (>120 species) and other organisms. Pb poisoning can result from numerous sources, including ingestion of bullet fragments and shot pellets left in animal carcasses, spent...
Haig, Susan M.; D'Elia, Jesse; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Fair, Jeanne M.; Gervais, Jennifer; Herring, Garth; Rivers, James W.; Schulz, John H.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Environmental Health, , Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America
View Citation
The persistent problem of lead poisoning in birds from ammunition and fishing tackle; 2014; Article; Journal; The Condor; Haig, Susan M.; D'Elia, Jesse; Eagles-Smith, Collin; Fair, Jeanne M.; Gervais, Jennifer; Herring, Garth; Rivers, James W.; Schulz, John H.
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.