Susan M Haig
Biography
Education
Postdoctoral Fellow, 1987-89, Smithsonian Institution
Ph.D. Biology, 1987, Biology, University of North Dakota
B.S. Biology, 1979, Northland College
Specialty
Conservation genetics, avian behavioral ecology, population connectivity, endangered species policy.
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
Science and Products
Spatial genetic structure and regional demography in the southern torrent salamander: Implications for conservation and management
The Southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) was recently found not warranted for listing under the US Endangered Species Act due to lack of information regarding population fragmentation and gene flow. Found in small-order streams associated with late-successional coniferous forests of the US Pacific Northwest, threats to their...
Miller, Mark P.; Haig, Susan M.; Wagner, R.S.A complete species census and evidence for regional declines in piping plovers
Complete population estimates for widely distributed species are rarely possible. However, for the third time in 10 years, an International Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Breeding and Winter Census was conducted throughout the species range in 2001. Nearly 1,400 participants from 32 U.S. states and Puerto Rico; 9 Canadian provinces; St. Pierre...
Haig, Susan M.; Ferland, C.L.; Cuthbert, F.J.; Dingledine, J.; Hecht, A.; McPhillips, N.Conflicting patterns of genetic structure produced by nuclear and mitochondrial markers in the Oregon Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti): implications for conservation efforts and species management
Endemic to Oregon in the northwestern US, the Oregon slender salamander (Batrachoseps wrighti) is a terrestrial plethodontid found associated with late successional mesic forests. Consequently, forest management practices such as timber harvesting may impact their persistence. Therefore, to infer possible future effects of these practices on...
Miller, Mark; Haig, Susan M.; Wagner, R.S.Geographic variation, genetic structure and conservation unit designation in the larch mountain salamander( Plethodon larselli)
The Larch Mountain salamander (Plethodon larselli Burns, 1954) is an endemic species in the Pacific northwestern United States facing threats related to habitat destruction. To facilitate development of conservation strategies, we used DNA sequences and RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNA) to examine differences among populations of this...
Wagner, R.S.; Miller, Mark P.; Crisafulli, Charles; Haig, Susan M.Microclimate and nest-site selection in Micronesian Kingfishers
We studied the relationship between microclimate and nest-site selection in the Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfisher (Todiramphus cinnamominus reichenbachii) which excavates nest cavities from the mudlike nest structures of arboreal termites (Nasutitermes sp.) or termitaria. Mean daily high temperatures at termitaria were cooler and daily low...
Kesler, Dylan C.; Haig, Susan M.Selection of arboreal termitaria for nesting by cooperatively breeding Micronesian Kingfishers Todiramphus cinnamominus reichenbachii
Limited nest-site availability appears to be an important factor in the evolution of delayed dispersal and cooperative breeding in some cavity-nesting species. The cooperatively breeding Pohnpei subspecies of Micronesian Kingfisher Todiramphus cinnamominus reichenbachii excavates nest cavities from the nests of arboreal termites Nasutitermes spp...
Kesler, Dylan C.; Haig, Susan M.Taxonomic relationships among Phenacomys voles as inferred by cytochrome b
Taxonomic relationships among red tree voles (Phenacomys longicaudus longicaudus, P. l. silvicola), the Sonoma tree vole (P. pomo), the white-footed vole (P. albipes), and the heather vole (P. intermedius) were examined using 664 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results indicate specific differences among red tree voles, Sonoma...
Bellinger, M.R.; Haig, S.M.; Forsman, E.D.; Mullins, T.D.The value of agricultural wetlands as invertebrate resources for wintering shorebirds
Agricultural landscapes have received little recognition for the food resources they provide to wintering waterbirds. In the Willamette Valley of Oregon, modest yet significant populations of wintering shorebirds (Charadriiformes) regularly use hundreds of dispersed wetlands on agricultural lands. Benthic invertebrates are a critical resource for...
Taft, Oriane W.; Haig, Susan M.Distribution and abundance of the Mariana subspecies of the Common Moorhen
Island-wide surveys for the endangered Mariana subspecies of the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami) were conducted on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from May through September 2001. Based on these counts, the total adult moorhen population is estimated to be 287, with 154, 41, 2, and 90 adult moorhens on Saipan,...
Takano, Leilani L.; Haig, Susan M.Genetic identification of spotted owls, barred owls, and their hybrids: Legal implications of hybrid identity
Recent population expansion of Barred Owls ( Strix varia) into western North America has led to concern that they may compete with and further harm the Northern Spotted Owl ( S. occidentalis caurina), which is already listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Because they hybridize, there is a legal need under the ESA for...
Haig, Susan M.; Wennerberg, Liv; Mullins, Thomas D.; Forsman, E.D.; Trail, P.Seasonal movement and home range of the Mariana Common Moorhen
Adult Mariana Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus guami) were radio-marked on Guam (n = 25) and Saipan (n = 18) to determine home range, inter- and intraseasonal space use, and movement patterns among the Mariana Islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Birds were tracked throughout the dry and wet seasons in 2000 and 2001. During the dry...
Takano, Leilani L.; Haig, Susan M.Subspecific relationships and genetic structure in the spotted owl
Most studies using demographic PVA models in a context of species restoration have concluded that rather than the rate of introduction, the total number of individuals released had the most important significant influence on the chance of success. In this article we use a genetic simulation model including deleterious and adaptive alleles to...
Haig, Susan M.; Forsman, E.D.; Mullins, Thomas D.