Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
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Position title: Wildlife Biologist (Research)
Email: ccuster@usgs.gov
Phone: 608.781.6247
Fax: 608.783.6066
Education:
1991 Ph.D., Fisheries and Wildlife, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1986 M.S., Biology, Corpus State Univ., Corpus Christi, Texas
1973 B.A., Anthropology, Univ. Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
Primary Responsibilities/Activities:
My research focuses on investigating contaminant effects on wildlife populations. I conduct mainly field studies across the U.S. with an emphasis on assisting DOI and other State and Federal partners in filling their information voids. Data are collected, statistically analyzed, and published on source, bioavailability, transfer, and especially effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife species, primarily migratory birds.
Research Interests:
Active Projects:
Select Publications:
Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, James E. Hines, James D. Nichols, and Paul M. Dummer. 2007. Adult tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) survival on the polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated Housatonic River, Massachusetts, USA.. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:1056-1065.
Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, and Elwood F. Hill. 2007. Mercury exposure and effects on cavity-nesting birds from the Carson River, Nevada. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 52:129-136.
Custer, Christine M. and Lorraine B. Read. 2006. Polychlorinated biphenyl congener patterns in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Housatonic River, western Massachusetts, USA, using a novel statistical approach. Environmental Pollution 142:235-245.
Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, Cornell J Rosiu, Paul M. Dummer, Mark J. Melancon, and J. W. Bickham. 2005. Exposure and effects of dioxins, furans, and other organochlorine chemicals on tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24:93-109.
Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, Michael J. Anteau, Alan D. Afton, and David . E. Wooten. 2003. Trace elements in lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) from the Mississippi Flyway. Ecotoxicology 12:47-54.
Links:
Contaminant
effects on tree swallows: A nationwide indicator species
Contaminants in tree swallows in relation to water level management
Exposure of nontarget birds to DRC-1339 avicide in fall baited sunflower fields