This short video features incredible and graphic images and video of golden eagle prey. These birds are eating machines. USGS biologist-rock climbers install nest cameras to study the eating habits of golden eagles and their young in the Mojave Desert.
Todd Esque
Dr. Todd Esque's research interests are in disturbance ecology with emphasis in areas of community ecology, herpetology, invasive species and fire, habitat restoration, and conservation biology.
Dr. Esque's work focuses on understanding how organisms, habitats, and ecosystem processes respond to environmental change, how organisms interact to effect change, and how human-induced changes compare to the natural range of variation in arid systems. Recent work focuses on the synthesis of these experiments into regional analyses of habitat suitability and connectivity in response to global change and other anthropogenic disturbances for use by natural resource managers.
Representative studies include: projects to determine how desert tortoises, Mojave ground squirrels, golden eagles, long-lived plants, and biodiversity will respond to climate change and energy development in a rapidly changing landscape; vegetation change from fires across a 30-year chronosequence in Sonoran desert tortoise habitat; identifying habitat and health relationships for the desert tortoise, and developing a vegetation restoration program for the Mojave Desert.
Dr. Esque's projects are collaborative and interdisciplinary in nature and he is active in academic research as well as applied problems for public entities in the Department of Interior (Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Department of Defense, State and local governments, and private entities.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Arid Systems
- Conservation Biology
- Disturbance and Restoration Ecology
- Demographic and Habitat Modeling
- Community Ecology
- Invasive Species and Wildfire
- Energy Development
EDUCATION
- 2004 Ph.D. Ecology Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno
- 1994 M.S. Zoology, Colorado State University
- 1982 B.A. Biology, Prescott College, Arizona
PROFESSIONAL AND HONORARY SOCIETIES AND SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES
- Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan – Science Advisory Committee 2012
- BLM – Rapid Ecoregional Assessments – lead USGS science reviewer for the Mojave and Sonoran Ecoregions 2013
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Research Ecologist, USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, 1997-Present
- Station Leader, USGS, St. George Field Station, 1994-1997
- Research Ecologist, USGS, Mid-continent Ecological Science Center, 1996- 1997
- Research Ecologist, National Biological Service (Survey), Mid-continent Ecological Science Center, 1993 - 1996
- Ecologist, Bureau of Land Management, Dixie Resource Area, Utah, 1993 - 1993
- Research Technician, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 8, Research, Ft. Collins, CO 1986-1993
Science and Products
WERC Fire Science
Aridlands Disturbances and Restoration Ecology
Desert Tortoise Ecology, Health, Habitat, and Conservation Biology
Southwestern Desert Ecology of At-risk Species and their Habitats
Ecology and Conservation of Golden Eagles in the Mojave Desert
Boulder City Field Station
Ecological and Disease Data for Induced Immune Responses and Antibody Levels for Mycoplasma spp. in Captive and Wild Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)
Species Distribution Models for Native Species in the Mojave Desert
Ecotypic Variation in Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata from Three Sites Across the Mojave (2014 - 2018)
Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Morphometrics and Egg Data from Seven Sites across the Mojave, (1997-2002)
Genetic and Habitat Data for Plantago ovata in the Mojave Desert
Empirical and provisional seed transfer zones for the Mojave Desert and surrounding regions
Microsatellite genotypes for desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Ivanpah Valley (2015-2017)
Microsatellite genotypes for desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) from scat (2016-2018)
Principal components of climate variation in the Desert Southwest (ver. 2.0, September 2019)
Local ecological niche models, genotype associations and environmental data for desert tortoises.
Principal components of climate variation in the Desert Southwest for the time periods 1980-2010, 2040-2070 (RCP8.5) and (RCP4.5)
Spatial predictions of habitat suitability for present-day (1950 - 2000 yr) and mid-Holocene (8.3 ka - 4.2 ka) time intervals
This short video features incredible and graphic images and video of golden eagle prey. These birds are eating machines. USGS biologist-rock climbers install nest cameras to study the eating habits of golden eagles and their young in the Mojave Desert.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
![The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival (Full video) Animated image of tortoise falling on its back](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/Baby%20Tortoise%20Fall_0.gif?itok=EGwS4JSV)
"The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival" is a thirty minute television program exploring the world of the Mojave Desert Tortoise. It highlights the USGS research program on the Desert Tortoise and the role of that research in managing desert environments to allow the species to recover and escape the threat of extinction.
"The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival" is a thirty minute television program exploring the world of the Mojave Desert Tortoise. It highlights the USGS research program on the Desert Tortoise and the role of that research in managing desert environments to allow the species to recover and escape the threat of extinction.
A female silky flycatcher with a mistletoe berry in her beak. These flycatchers are intimately tied to mistletoe. They build their beautiful cup nests (much like a large hummingbird nest) within the mistletoe, or nearby. The young hatch during February when the mistletoe may be in flower and supply a rich source of insect nutrients for growing young.
A female silky flycatcher with a mistletoe berry in her beak. These flycatchers are intimately tied to mistletoe. They build their beautiful cup nests (much like a large hummingbird nest) within the mistletoe, or nearby. The young hatch during February when the mistletoe may be in flower and supply a rich source of insect nutrients for growing young.
Unprecedented distribution data for Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana) reveal contemporary climate associations of a Mojave Desert icon
Move it or lose it: Predicted effects of culverts and population density on Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) connectivity
Testosterone identifies hatchling sex for Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)
Amphibians and reptiles
Best practices for distributing and deploying U.S. Geological Survey Shiny applications
Linear and landscape disturbances alter Mojave desert tortoise movement behavior
Dispersal limitations increase vulnerability under climate change for reptiles and amphibians in the southwestern United States
Demographic and environmental correlates of home ranges and long-distance movements of Mohave ground squirrels
Computed tomography for measuring body fat reserves in threatened Mohave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
What common-garden experiments tell us about climate responses in plants
Seed menus: An integrated decision-support framework for native plant restoration in the Mojave Desert
Protocol for route restoration in California’s desert renewable energy conservation plan area
Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer
The Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer provides information about herptile distributions and species richness in an easy-to-understand and accessible format for scientists and natural resource managers, interested landowners, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in amphibians and reptiles.
Mojave Seed Menus: a new spatial tool for restoration software release v1.0
Science and Products
WERC Fire Science
Aridlands Disturbances and Restoration Ecology
Desert Tortoise Ecology, Health, Habitat, and Conservation Biology
Southwestern Desert Ecology of At-risk Species and their Habitats
Ecology and Conservation of Golden Eagles in the Mojave Desert
Boulder City Field Station
Ecological and Disease Data for Induced Immune Responses and Antibody Levels for Mycoplasma spp. in Captive and Wild Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)
Species Distribution Models for Native Species in the Mojave Desert
Ecotypic Variation in Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata from Three Sites Across the Mojave (2014 - 2018)
Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Morphometrics and Egg Data from Seven Sites across the Mojave, (1997-2002)
Genetic and Habitat Data for Plantago ovata in the Mojave Desert
Empirical and provisional seed transfer zones for the Mojave Desert and surrounding regions
Microsatellite genotypes for desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Ivanpah Valley (2015-2017)
Microsatellite genotypes for desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) from scat (2016-2018)
Principal components of climate variation in the Desert Southwest (ver. 2.0, September 2019)
Local ecological niche models, genotype associations and environmental data for desert tortoises.
Principal components of climate variation in the Desert Southwest for the time periods 1980-2010, 2040-2070 (RCP8.5) and (RCP4.5)
Spatial predictions of habitat suitability for present-day (1950 - 2000 yr) and mid-Holocene (8.3 ka - 4.2 ka) time intervals
This short video features incredible and graphic images and video of golden eagle prey. These birds are eating machines. USGS biologist-rock climbers install nest cameras to study the eating habits of golden eagles and their young in the Mojave Desert.
This short video features incredible and graphic images and video of golden eagle prey. These birds are eating machines. USGS biologist-rock climbers install nest cameras to study the eating habits of golden eagles and their young in the Mojave Desert.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
A mountain bluebird eats a giant mistletoe berry in an ash tree in Sedona, Arizona (Oak Creek). These bluebirds, and many other types of birds, rely on mistletoe berries for sustenance. As a result, they also help distribute the mistletoe seeds.
![The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival (Full video) Animated image of tortoise falling on its back](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/Baby%20Tortoise%20Fall_0.gif?itok=EGwS4JSV)
"The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival" is a thirty minute television program exploring the world of the Mojave Desert Tortoise. It highlights the USGS research program on the Desert Tortoise and the role of that research in managing desert environments to allow the species to recover and escape the threat of extinction.
"The Heat is On: Desert Tortoises and Survival" is a thirty minute television program exploring the world of the Mojave Desert Tortoise. It highlights the USGS research program on the Desert Tortoise and the role of that research in managing desert environments to allow the species to recover and escape the threat of extinction.
A female silky flycatcher with a mistletoe berry in her beak. These flycatchers are intimately tied to mistletoe. They build their beautiful cup nests (much like a large hummingbird nest) within the mistletoe, or nearby. The young hatch during February when the mistletoe may be in flower and supply a rich source of insect nutrients for growing young.
A female silky flycatcher with a mistletoe berry in her beak. These flycatchers are intimately tied to mistletoe. They build their beautiful cup nests (much like a large hummingbird nest) within the mistletoe, or nearby. The young hatch during February when the mistletoe may be in flower and supply a rich source of insect nutrients for growing young.
Unprecedented distribution data for Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana) reveal contemporary climate associations of a Mojave Desert icon
Move it or lose it: Predicted effects of culverts and population density on Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) connectivity
Testosterone identifies hatchling sex for Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)
Amphibians and reptiles
Best practices for distributing and deploying U.S. Geological Survey Shiny applications
Linear and landscape disturbances alter Mojave desert tortoise movement behavior
Dispersal limitations increase vulnerability under climate change for reptiles and amphibians in the southwestern United States
Demographic and environmental correlates of home ranges and long-distance movements of Mohave ground squirrels
Computed tomography for measuring body fat reserves in threatened Mohave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
What common-garden experiments tell us about climate responses in plants
Seed menus: An integrated decision-support framework for native plant restoration in the Mojave Desert
Protocol for route restoration in California’s desert renewable energy conservation plan area
Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer
The Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer provides information about herptile distributions and species richness in an easy-to-understand and accessible format for scientists and natural resource managers, interested landowners, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in amphibians and reptiles.