Ernest Valdez, PhD
Ernie Valdez is a Research Wildlife Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center, and works at the New Mexico Landscapes Field Station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Ernie received his doctorate degree in Biology, during 2006, at the University of New Mexico. His research interests span a variety of topics but are focused on conservation and ecology of insects and small mammals, with an emphasis on bats in temperate and tropical ecosystems. Ernie specializes in the feeding ecology and movement of insectivorous bats but also includes research on the ectoparasites of bats. His current projects include research related to white-nose syndrome, wind energy, and habitat use by bats at uranium mines in the Southwest.
Professional Experience
U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, New Mexico Landscapes Field Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 1997-present
National Biological Survey (NBS), Albuquerque, New Mexico. 1994-1996
U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Mid-continent Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. 1991-1993
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of New Mexico (Advisor: Dr. J. Scott Altenbach)
M.S. in Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University (Advisor: Dr. Jerry Choate)
Affiliations and Memberships*
Adjunct faculty member in Dept. of Biology at University of New Mexico 2007-present
Museum Research Associate in Division of Mammals at the Museum of Southwestern Biology 2007-present
Museum Research Associate in Division of Arthropods at the Museum of Southwestern Biology 2009-present
American Society of Mammalogists 1994-Life Member
Southwestern Association of Naturalists 1995-Life Member
Research Associate of Indiana State University Center for North American Bat Research Center and Conservation 2005 to present
Western Bat Working Group 2003 to present (President 2015 to present)
New Mexico Bat Working Group 1997 to present (co-chair 2008-2009)
Arizona Bat Working Group 2003 to present
Colorado Bat Working Group 2002 to present
USGS Colorado Plateau Science Strategy Team 2015
Science and Products
Insect prey eaten by Hoary Bats (Lasiurus cinereus) prior to fatal collisions with wind turbines
Surveillance for White-Nose Syndrome in the bat community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, 2011
Status and Natural History of Emballonura Semicaudata Rotensis on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands
Bats of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: Composition, reproduction, and roosting habits
Diets of the sympatric pacific sheath-tailed bat (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis) and Mariana Swiftlet (Aerodramus bartscht) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands
Does variation in cranial morphology of Myotis occultus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) reflect a greater reliance on certain prey types?
Spring and winter records of the eastern pipistrelle (Perimyotis subflavus) in southeastern New Mexico
Food habits of the hoary bat (LASIURUS CINEREUS) during spring migration through new mexico
Ectoparasites of the occult bat, Myotis occultus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Habitat occupancy and detection of the pacific sheath-tailed bat (emballonura semicaudata) on aguiguan, commonwealth of the northern Mariana Islands
Late-seasonal activity and diet of the evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) in Nebraska
Mammal inventories for eight National Parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau Network
Science and Products
Insect prey eaten by Hoary Bats (Lasiurus cinereus) prior to fatal collisions with wind turbines
Surveillance for White-Nose Syndrome in the bat community at El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, 2011
Status and Natural History of Emballonura Semicaudata Rotensis on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands
Bats of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado: Composition, reproduction, and roosting habits
Diets of the sympatric pacific sheath-tailed bat (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis) and Mariana Swiftlet (Aerodramus bartscht) on Aguiguan, Mariana Islands
Does variation in cranial morphology of Myotis occultus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) reflect a greater reliance on certain prey types?
Spring and winter records of the eastern pipistrelle (Perimyotis subflavus) in southeastern New Mexico
Food habits of the hoary bat (LASIURUS CINEREUS) during spring migration through new mexico
Ectoparasites of the occult bat, Myotis occultus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Habitat occupancy and detection of the pacific sheath-tailed bat (emballonura semicaudata) on aguiguan, commonwealth of the northern Mariana Islands
Late-seasonal activity and diet of the evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) in Nebraska
Mammal inventories for eight National Parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau Network
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government