Publications
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center staff publish results of their research in USGS series reports and in peer-reviewed journals. Publication links are below. Information on all USGS publications can be found at the USGS Publications Warehouse.
Filter Total Items: 1907
The need for accuracy in modelling: An example
The need for accurate information in modelling depends on the objectives of the effort, but trustworthy data are essential for a model intended for use in the management of natural resources. This point is illustrated by referring to a recently published model of canvasback ducks. We demonstrate that several key assumptions are not supported by biological evidence, and that inferences drawn from t
Authors
Douglas H. Johnson, Michael J. Conroy, James D. Nichols
An evaluation of condition indices for birds
A Lipid Index, the ratio of fat to fat-free dry weight, is proposed as a measure of fat stores in birds. The estimation of the index from field measurements of live birds is illustrated with data on the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) and greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Of the various methods of assessing fat stores, lipid extraction is the most accurate but also the most involved.
Authors
D. H. Johnson, G.L. Krapu, K. J. Reinecke, Dennis G. Jorde
Fat deposition and usage by arctic-nesting sandhill cranes during spring
Body weight, fat, and protein levels of arctic-nesting Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) were measured at several locations during spring migration and on the breeding grounds. Body weights of adult males and females increased by about 34% (1,129 g) and 30% (953 g) from early March at the Platte River to late April at Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan; average fat content increased from about 250 t
Authors
G.L. Krapu, G.C. Iverson, K. J. Reinecke, C.M. Boise
Use of den excavations, decoys, and barrier tunnels to capture mink
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
T.C. Eagle, A. B. Sargeant
Mallard recruitment in the agricultural environment of North Dakota
Recruitment of a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) population was assessed on a 10,041-km2 study area in central North Dakota during 1977-80. We equipped 338 hens with radio transmitters and monitored them during the breeding season. Two hundred thirty-five of these hens furnished data reported here. Habitat use, nest site selection, fate of nests, and the rate of renesting were measured. Survival of h
Authors
L.M. Cowardin, D.S. Gilmer, C.W. Shaiffer
Time budgets of northern pintails wintering in the Sacramento Valley, California
No abstract available.
Authors
M. R. Miller
Assessment of nasal marker materials and designs used on dabbling ducks
Abstract has not been submitted
Authors
J. T. Lokemoen, D.E. Sharp
Classification of native vegetation at the Woodworth Station, North Dakota
Native prairie areas on the Woodworth Station were sampled, classified, described, and mapped. Transect sites were selectively located along different soil moisture gradients. Data were collected from 292 plots using a modified Braun-Blanquet cover estimation technique. Trees and tall shrubs (over 2 m) were not sampled because they made up less than 1% of all cover. Eve vegetation classes were est
Authors
M.I. Meyer
The need for accuracy in modelling: An example
The need for accurate information in modelling depends on the objectives of the effort. but trustworthy data are essential for a model intended for use in the management of natural resources. This point is illustrated by referring to a recently published model of canvasback ducks. We demonstrate that several key assumptions are not supported by biological evidence, and that inferences drawn from t
Authors
D. H. Johnson, M.J. Conroy, J. D. Nichols
Disturbance of diving ducks by boaters on a migrational staging area
No abstract available.
Authors
C. E. Korschgen, L. S. George, W. L. Green
Mortality of raccoons in North Dakota
No abstract available.
Authors
E. K. Fritzell, Raymond J. Greenwood