Ecosystem, Population, and Behavior Modeling

This research involves large river, stream, lake, and ocean fishes: shovelnose (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) and endangered pallid (Scaphirhynchus albus) sturgeons, threatened Neosho madtom (Noturus placidus), endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), and sharks. It uses field and laboratory collection of behavioral, physiological, population, and ecosystem data for biological understanding and development of forecasting models for support of recovery efforts.

Neosho madtom: Research includes field sampling to evaluate Neosho madtom population size and distribution and effect of water regulation and lead-zinc mining and laboratory behavioral studies to determine environmental factors critical for successful reproduction. As part of this work, guidance is being provided to The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma in hatchery and potential reintroduction efforts.

Shovelnose and pallid sturgeons: Research includes development of minimally-invasive (i.e., ultrasonic, endoscopic, and blood-based) methods for assessing reproductive status; identification of environmental cues and habitat requirements for successful spawning through telemetry and habitat mapping; and development of spatially-explicit population forecasting models.

Topeka shiner: Research uses controlled laboratory conditions and computer-controlled systems to deliver multiple levels of environmental conditions to gain a better understanding of environmental conditions for successful reproduction.

Sharks: Research includes population modeling, food habitat, nursery potential, and movement information for Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) shark populations. It is designed to provide a better understanding of the status of shark populations associated with PINS and the Texas Gulf of Mexico coast, and the environmental factors affecting their behavior and population trends.

Staff Members

Selected Publications

Hierarchical Bayesian Markov switching models with application to predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon (91586)

Holan, S.H., Davis, G.M., Wildhaber, M.L., DeLonay, A.J., and Papoulias, D.M., 2009, Hierarchical Bayesian Markov switching models with application to predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon: Applied Statistics, v. 58, no. 1, p. 47-64.
The role of reproductive behavior in the conservation of fishes: examples from the Great Plains riverine fishes

Wildhaber, M.L, 2008, The role of reproductive behavior in the conservation of fishes: examples from the Great Plains riverine fishes: American Currents 34(1):16-23 (reprinted from The Conservation Behaviorist 4(1):15-19).
A conceptual life-history model for pallid and shovelnose sturgeon

Wildhaber, M.L., DeLonay, A.J., Papoulias, D.M., Galat, D.L., Jacobson, R.B., Simpkins, D.G., Braaten, P.J., Korschgen, C.E., and Mac, M.J., 2007, A Conceptual Life-History Model for Pallid and Shovelnose Sturgeon: U.S. Geological Survey, Circular 1315, 19 p.
Development of methods to determine the reproductive status of pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River

Wildhaber, M.L., Papoulias, D.M., DeLonay, A.J., Tillitt, D.E., Bryan, J.L., and Annis, M.L., 2006, Development of Methods to Determine the Reproductive Status of Pallid Sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River: U.S. Geological Survey, Science Support Program Final Report, 88 p.