Research
Technical Assistance
Graduate Education
Cooperative Research Units
Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and to provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. We support 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities. Our Program Office is in Reston, Virginia.
Research at a Glance
Research at a Glance
We have more than 1,000 research projects under way and generate 250-300 scientific publications annually.
How our Program Works
How our Program Works
Fire, wildlife disease, human dimensions, threatened and endangered species.
Where's our Science?
Where's our Science?
We support 43 units in 41 states, at 44 host universities, with a Program office at USGS National Center.
News
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Predicting Wildlife and Plant Responses to Solar Energy Development in the Desert Southwest
Predicting Wildlife and Plant Responses to Solar Energy Development in the Desert Southwest
Publications
Habitat management for stopover and breeding songbird communities along rights-of-way in forest-dominated landscapes
The proliferation of energy rights-of-way (pipelines and powerlines; ROWs) in the central Appalachian region has prompted wildlife management agencies to consider ways to use these features to manage and conserve at-risk songbird species. However, little empirical evidence exists regarding best management strategies to enhance habitat surrounding ROWs for the songbird community during...
Cleaner cuts: Farmed fish and skin-off fillets are lower in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
The ubiquitous occurrence and persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all environmental matrices and biota poses significant health risks to humans. Fish consumption is one of the main pathways humans are exposed to PFAS, yet general patterns in factors influencing PFAS content in fish fillets remain unknown. We assembled information on PFAS content (total quantified...
Effectiveness of canine-assisted surveillance and human searches for early detection of invasive spotted lanternfly
Prevention and early detection of invasive species are championed as the most cost-effective and efficient strategies for reducing or preventing negative impacts on ecosystems. Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is a recently introduced invasive insect whose range in the United States has been expanding rapidly since it was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. Feeding by...
Science
USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show
USGS returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show in 2025 with an exhibit themed around bees, birds and blooms. We hope to see you in March!
Tribal Engagement
In the Department of Interior’s initiative, Vision for the Future, is an objective to support Tribal Nations. U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit scientists, staff, and students support Tribal Nations through collaborative research, technical assistance, and graduate student training. Units are collaborating with First Nations to solve natural resource problems...
Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay
USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa).
