Images

Researchers are deploying an underwater microscope (or "sand-cam") from the R/V Theodore H. Schmudde.

Researchers are viewing imagery obtained via the underwater microscope.

An American alligator and a Burmese python locked in a struggle to prevail in Everglades National Park. This python appears to be losing, but snakes in similar situations have apparently escaped unharmed, and in other situations pythons have eaten alligators.

Lisbon Chute is a side channel to the Missouri River between Glasgow and Arrow Rock, Missouri, on the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge. It currently has a rock inlet structure (pictured) which controls the amount of water that flows into it from the main channel of the Missouri River.

A brackish marsh in the Mississippi River Delta.

Wood frog embryos in a partly ice-covered Wisconsin wetland. Interconnected wetlands and uplands are critical elements of most North American landscapes and support our quality of life in profound ways. To provide much-needed information, the USGS is leading a growing network of U.S.

Demonstration wetland at Henderson, Nevada, where vegetated hummocks were built into the wastewater treatment wetland to improve its effectiveness and sustainability, as well as provide quality wildlife habitat.

Many noxious, invasive species infest our nation’s wetlands. One example is a new type of phragmites, a wetlands grass from Europe that has rapidly spread across the continent, altering soil, producing copious seeds, and resulting in dense stands of mostly one-plant – phragmites – stands.

Two Cladonia lichen species, C. stellaris and C. rangiferina are pictured here among some blueberry plants in Newfoundland.  Lichens -- which are often mistaken for moss -- are unusual plant-like organisms that are actually symbioses of fungi, algae and bacteria living together.

This lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, is found in northern North America, where it is becoming rare in places.  Lichens -- which are often mistaken for moss -- are unusual plant-like organisms that are actually symbioses of fungi, algae and bacteria living together.

This lichen is Parmelia sulcata, a common species in North America.   Lichens -- which are often mistaken for moss -- are unusual plant-like organisms that are actually symbioses of fungi, algae and bacteria living together.

Weighted, small mesh nets (left and right side of the boat attached to winches) are lowered to the bottom of the river near potential spawning sites.  After a set period of time, the nets are raised and the contents are hand-picked for any Acipenseriformes (sturgeon and paddlefish) larvae.  Samples are preserved for laboratory identification and genetic an

Equipped with a multibeam bathymetric system and acoustic Doppler current profiler, the research vessel Lucien Brush was deployed to make comprehensive maps of the potential spawning area.  In order to collect precise location data, a base station is set-up within view of the area to be mapped.  Luckily, a sandbar was still peaking above the river’s surfac

Research vessel Theodore R. Schmudde anchors in the swift water before lowering the sand cam (metal object suspended to the pulleys at the front of the boat).

A radio tracking boat cruises down a flooded Yellowstone River in search of telemetered pallid sturgeon. 

USGS and NPS personnel placed a GPS-transmitter on a California Condor at Pinnacles National Monument.  Photo was taken when the bird was released after attaching the transmitter.

Mara Tongue download data from phenocam located in Idaho. The phenocam takes a picture daily and that data is used to help track phenological changes (the timing and vigor of seasonal biological events). The data from the phenocam is used (with other data) to gain a better understanding of vegetation changes over the entire ecoregion.

Mountains, plains, soil, and grasses all work together as part of the natural ecosystems of the American West.

California condors are one of the most endangered birds in North America. In the early 1990s, captive-bred condors were reintroduced into the wild in California. As of January 2010, about 190 condors now live in the wild and more reintroductions are being considered.

California condors are one of the most endangered birds in North America. In the early 1990s, captive-bred condors were reintroduced into the wild in California. As of January 2010, about 190 condors now live in the wild and more reintroductions are being considered.

Sage-grouse have declined throughout their entire range, largely due to the loss and fragmentation of sagebrush habitat.