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: 2014
An analysis of monthly home range size in the critically endangered California Condor Gymnogyps californianus
Condors and vultures comprise the only group of terrestrial vertebrates in the world that are obligate scavengers, and these species move widely to locate ephemeral, unpredictable, and patchily-distributed food resources. In this study, we used high-resolution GPS location data to quantify monthly home range size of the critically endangered...
Rivers, James W.; Johnson, Matthew J.; Haig, Susan M.; Schwarz, Carl J.; Burnett, Joseph; Brandt, Joseph; George, Daniel; Grantham, JesseAttribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America
View Citation
Rivers, J.W., Johnson, J.M., Haig, S.M., Schwarz, C.J., Burnett, J., Brandt, J., George, D., Grantham, J., 2014, An analysis of monthly home range size in the critically endangered California Condor Gymnogyps californianus . DOI- 10.1017/S0959270913000592: Bird Conservation International, v. 24, no. 4, p. 492-504.
Year Published: 2014
Resource selection by the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) relative to terrestrial-based habitats and meteorological conditions
Condors and vultures are distinct from most other terrestrial birds because they use extensive soaring flight for their daily movements. Therefore, assessing resource selection by these avian scavengers requires quantifying the availability of terrestrial-based habitats, as well as meteorological variables that influence atmospheric conditions...
Johnson, J. Matthew; Haig, Susan M.; Schwarz, Carl J.; Glendening, John W.; Burnett, L. Joseph; George, Daniel; Grantham, JesseView Citation
Resource selection by the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) relative to terrestrial-based habitats and meteorological conditions; 2014; Article; Journal; PlosOne; Johnson, J. Matthew; Haig, Susan M.; Schwarz, Carl J.; Glendening, John W.; Burnett, L. Joseph; George, Daniel; Grantham, Jesse
Year Published: 2014
Comparisons of genetic diversity in captive versus wild populations of the federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino Behr; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Captive populations can play a significant role in threatened and endangered species management. An important consideration when developing and managing captive populations, however, is the maintenance of genetic diversity to ensure that adequate variation exists to avoid the negative consequences of inbreeding. In this investigation, we compared...
Miller, Mark P.; Pratt, Gordon F.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Comparisons of genetic diversity in captive versus wild populations of the federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino Behr; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae); 2014; Article; Journal; Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington; Miller, Mark P.; Pratt, Gordon F.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2013
Genetic structure, diversity and subspecies status of Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) from the United States
Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) are among the most widespread, yet scarce, Charadriiformes in the world. Two subspecies are recognized in the United States: G. n. aranea breeds along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts and G. n. vanrossemi breeds in the Salton Sea and San Diego Bay of California. Conservation concerns exist for the species...
Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, United States of America, Salton Sea
View Citation
Genetic structure, diversity and subspecies status of Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) from the United States; 2013; Article; Journal; Waterbirds; Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2013
SSR_pipeline: a bioinformatic infrastructure for identifying microsatellites from paired-end Illumina high-throughput DNA sequencing data
SSR_pipeline is a flexible set of programs designed to efficiently identify simple sequence repeats (e.g., microsatellites) from paired-end high-throughput Illumina DNA sequencing data. The program suite contains 3 analysis modules along with a fourth control module that can automate analyses of large volumes of data. The modules are used to 1)...
Miller, Mark P.; Knaus, Brian J.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
SSR_pipeline: a bioinformatic infrastructure for identifying microsatellites from paired-end Illumina high-throughput DNA sequencing data; 2013; Article; Journal; Journal of Heredity; Miller, Mark P.; Knaus, Brian J.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2013
Population genetics and evaluation of genetic evidence for subspecies in the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)
Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) are among the most common North American shorebirds. Breeding in Arctic North America, this species displays regional differences in migratory pathways and possesses longitudinal bill length variation. Previous investigations suggested that genetic structure may occur within Semipalmated Sandpipers and...
Miller, Mark P.; Gratto-Trevor, Cheri; Haig, Susan M.; Mizrahi, David S.; Mitchell, Melanie M.; Mullins, Thomas D.View Citation
Population genetics and evaluation of genetic evidence for subspecies in the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla); 2013; Article; Journal; Waterbirds; Miller, Mark P.; Gratto-Trevor, Cheri; Haig, Susan M.; Mizrahi, David S.; Mitchell, Melanie M.; Mullins, Thomas D.
Year Published: 2013
Deforestation trends of tropical dry forests in central Brazil
Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research about them stymies development of appropriate conservation actions. The Paranã River Basin has the most significant dry forest formations in the Cerrado biome of central Brazil and is threatened by intense land conversion to pastures and agriculture. We...
Bianchi, Carlos A.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Deforestation trends of tropical dry forests in central Brazil; 2013; Article; Journal; BioTropica; Bianchi, Carlos A.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2013
Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)
We examined the genetic structure of doublecrested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) across their range in the United States and Canada. Sequences of the mitochondrial control region were analyzed for 248 cormorants from 23 breeding sites. Variation was also examined at eight microsatellite loci for 409 cormorants from the same sites. The...
Mercer, Dacey; Haig, Susan M.; Roby, Daniel D.View Citation
Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus); 2013; Article; Journal; Conservation Gentics; Mercer, Dacey; Haig, Susan M.; Roby, Daniel D.
Year Published: 2013
SSR_pipeline--computer software for the identification of microsatellite sequences from paired-end Illumina high-throughput DNA sequence data
SSR_pipeline is a flexible set of programs designed to efficiently identify simple sequence repeats (SSRs; for example, microsatellites) from paired-end high-throughput Illumina DNA sequencing data. The program suite contains three analysis modules along with a fourth control module that can be used to automate analyses of large volumes of data....
Miller, Mark P.; Knaus, Brian J.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
SSR_pipeline--computer software for the identification of microsatellite sequences from paired-end Illumina high-throughput DNA sequence data; 2013; DS; 778; Miller, Mark P.; Knaus, Brian J.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2012
Temporal analysis of mtDNA variation reveals decreased genetic diversity in least terns
The Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) has undergone large population declines over the last century as a result of direct and indirect anthropogenic factors. The genetic implications of these declines are unknown. We used historical museum specimens (pre-1960) and contemporary (2001–2005) samples to examine range-wide phylogeographic patterns and...
Draheim, Hope M.; Baird, Patricia; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Temporal analysis of mtDNA variation reveals decreased genetic diversity in least terns; 2012; Article; Journal; The Condor; Draheim, Hope M.; Baird, Patricia ; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2012
Variation in migratory behavior influences regional genetic diversity and structure among American kestrel populations (Falco sparverius) in North America
Birds employ numerous strategies to cope with seasonal fluctuations in high-quality habitat availability. Long distance migration is a common tactic; however, partial migration is especially common among broadly distributed species. Under partial migration systems, a portion of a species migrates, whereas the remainder inhabits breeding grounds...
Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Parrish, John G.; Walters, Jeffrey R.; Haig, Susan M.View Citation
Variation in migratory behavior influences regional genetic diversity and structure among American kestrel populations (Falco sparverius) in North America; 2012; Article; Journal; Journal of Heredity; Miller, Mark P.; Mullins, Thomas D.; Parrish, John W., Jr.; Walters, Jeffrey R.; Haig, Susan M.
Year Published: 2012
Factors affecting incubation patterns and sex roles of black oystercatchers in Alaska
Studies examining the effects of human disturbance on avian parental behavior and reproductive success are fundamental to bird conservation. However, many such studies fail to also consider the influence of natural threats, a variable environment, and parental roles. Our work examines interactive relationships of cyclical (time of day, tide,...
Spiegel, Caleb S.; Haig, Susan M.; Goldstein, Michael I.; Huso, Manuela M. P.View Citation
Factors affecting incubation patterns and sex roles of black oystercatchers in Alaska; 2012; Article; Journal; The Condor; Spiegel, Caleb S.; Haig, Susan M.; Goldstein, Michael I.; Huso, Manuela
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.