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Publications

Browse publications authored by our scientists.  Publications available are: USGS-authored journal articles, series reports, book chapters, other government publications, and more. **Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Filter Total Items: 3984

Population trends of king and common eiders from spring migration counts at Point Barrow, Alaska between 1994 and 2016

Most king (Somateria spectabilis) and common eiders (S. mollissima v-nigra) breeding in the northwestern Nearctic migrate past Point Barrow, Alaska. Spring migration counts have been conducted there since 1953; during 1976–1996, both species declined > 50% for unknown reasons. To evaluate population trends, counts in 2003, 2004, 2015, and 2016 were compared to earlier counts. King eider estimates
Authors
R. McGuire, R. Suydam, L. Quakenbush, Abby Powell

Effects of multiple nonnative fish on an imperiled cyprinid, Hornyhead Chub

Nonnative fish can have substantial negative effects on the abundance and distribution of native fishes through predation and competition. Nonnative predators are of particular interest because they represent novel threats to native prey species that are not adapted to their presence. Prey species with limited distributions or population sizes may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of nonna
Authors
Brian T. Hickerson, Bryan M. Maitland, Annika W. Walters

Modeling strategies and evaluating success during repatriations of elusive and endangered species

Wildlife repatriation is an important tool to decrease extinction risk for imperiled species, but successful repatriations require significant time, resources and planning. Because repatriations can be long and expensive processes, clear release strategies and monitoring programs are essential to efficiently use resources and evaluate success. However, monitoring can be challenging and surrounded
Authors
Brian Folt, Conor P. McGowan, D.A. Steen, S. Picolomini, M. Hoffman, J.C. Godwin, C. Guyer

How characteristic is the species characteristic selection scale?

AimThe importance of framing investigations of organism–environment relationships to interpret patterns at relevant spatial scales is increasingly recognized. However, most research related to environmental relationships is single-scaled, implicitly or explicitly assuming that a “species characteristic selection scale” exists. We tested the premise that a single characteristic scale exists to unde
Authors
Erica F. Stuber, Joseph J. Fontaine

Multivariate models and analyses

No abstract available.
Authors
Erica Stuber, Christopher Chizinski, Jeffrey Lusk, Joseph J. Fontaine

Isolation by a hydroelectric dam induces minimal impacts on genetic diversity and population structure in six fish species

Reduced connectivity created by artificial barriers can influence the genetic integrity of isolated subpopulations by reducing local population sizes and altering patterns of gene flow. We investigated the genetic impacts of one such barrier, the Prairie du Sac dam, Wisconsin, USA, using microsatellite data from six fish species with varying life history traits sampled above and below the dam. Con
Authors
Jenna Ruzich, Keith Turnquist, Nathan Nye, David Rowe, Wesley Larson

Reproductive ecology and movement of pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River, Montana

Successful recruitment of endangered pallid sturgeon has not been documented in the upper Missouri River basin for decades, and research on the reproductive ecology of pallid sturgeon has been hindered by low sample size. A conservation propagation program was initiated in the 1990s, and the oldest age class of hatchery‐origin pallid sturgeon are becoming sexually mature increasing the number of r
Authors
Luke M. Holmquist, Christopher S. Guy, Anne Tews, David J. Trimpe, Molly A. H. Webb

Effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin on southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala) tadpole behavior

Neonicotinoid insecticides are highly water soluble with relatively long half-lives, which allows them to move into and persist in aquatic ecosystems. However, little is known of the impacts of neonicotinoids on non-target vertebrates, especially at sublethal concentrations. We evaluated the effects of the neonicotinoid clothianidin on the behavior of southern leopard frog tadpoles (Rana sphenocep
Authors
J. N. Holtswarth, F. E. Rowland, Holly J. Puglis, Michelle Hladik, Elisabeth B. Webb

Activity patterns of cave-dwelling bat species during pre-hibernation swarming and post-hibernation emergence in the central Appalachians

In North America, bat research efforts largely have focused on summer maternity colonies and winter hibernacula, leaving the immediate pre- and post-hibernation ecology for many species unstudied. Understanding these patterns and processes is critical for addressing potential additive impacts to White-nose Syndrome (WNS)-affected bats, as autumn is a time of vital weight gain and fat resources are
Authors
Michael S. Muthersbaugh, W. Mark Ford, Alexander Silvis, Karen E. Powers

Effects of distribution, behavior, and climate on mule deer survival

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) populations in North America are a valuable economic wildlife resource, with the managed harvest of this species reflecting societal values and recreational opportunities in many parts of the western United States. Managing mule deer populations while allowing for harvest requires an understanding of the species’ population dynamics, including the specific
Authors
Elizabeth M. Schuyler, Katie Dugger, Dewaine H. Jackson