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NWRC Research Areas: Avian and

Invasive Species Populations

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Our scientists are developing information and methods to manage avian and

invasive species populations that impact agriculture, property, natural resources,

animal health, and human health and safety. 
Development of information and methods pertinent to the management of avian and

invasive species populations that impact agriculture, property, natural resources,

animal health, and human health and safety are high priority needs within the

USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services program. Among native bird species, this research

project focuses on vultures and corvids (crows and ravens) in developing information

on roosting behavior, activity patterns, and population dynamics. Particularly with

regard to vultures*, GPS satellite telemetry coupled with GIS data analysis are

applied to questions of landscape use and flight behavior as related to aircraft

safety.

Management and reduction of invasive wildlife populations is currently a major area

of emphasis. Managing invasive birds, mammals and reptiles is consistent with

Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999, asking federal agencies to “conduct

research on invasive species and develop technologies to prevent introduction and

provide for environmentally sound control.”

The invasive species situation in Florida is severe due to its climate, demographics

and environment. Even if no new exotic vertebrates become established in Florida,

there is an abundance of established nonnative vertebrates that merit management

action. Development of effective management tools and projects is of the highest

priority. In some cases control techniques are already available and can simply be

redirected or modified. In other cases new tools and methods are needed to confront

species that are not traditionally within the scope of Wildlife Services' management

efforts. Invasive species currently under investigation include the feral hog, Burmese

python, black spiny-tailed iguana, black and white tegu, common myna, and monk

parakeet.

The development and application of wildlife population monitoring methods assist in

reducing impacts of invasive predators to endangered and threatened species, such

as sea turtles and other vulnerable, beach-nesting species. Invasive feral hogs

severely impact sensitive and rare native plant communities as well as permanently

affect valuable archeological resources. Tools to quantify these impacts and to

reduce their occurrence have potentially widespread application.

Project Goals and Objectives
Goal: Develop information and methods applicable to management of vulture

populations; evaluate potential impacts of climate change on invasive species;

devise control techniques to reduce or eliminate invasive species; investigate

genetic and other approaches to detect and monitor invasive species; and develop

methods to quantify resources impacted by invasive and over-abundant species.

Objectives:

Ecology and Management of Vultures

Defining Impacts of Climate Change on Invasive and Other Problem Species

Population Biology and Management Methods for Invasive Reptiles

Developing and Applying Damage and Population Performance Metrics to

Assess Need and Efficacy of Management Actions

Methods to Detect and Monitor Invasive Wildlife Populations

Publications

Invasive Species and Vultures

Vulture Publications

Vultures: Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series

Black and Turkey Vulture Wing Tags: Request for

Assistance

We are currently conducting research involving telemetered and wing-tagged black

vultures in Missouri and Arkansas, though the birds may use adjacent States as

well (e.g., Oklahoma). Each tagged bird has a white cattle ear tag in its RIGHT wing

and each tag has a letter and number (i.e., A47 or C20). The tags may be visible

from below while the birds soar or while birds are perched. The purpose of this study

is to better understand black vulture movements, human-black vulture conflict, and

to test vulture management tools.

We have also conducted research evaluating the movements of wing-tagged black

and turkey vultures in several parts of the country, including, South Carolina, Texas,

and Florida, Indiana, and Kentucky. In general, the purpose of tagging is to get

location information on the birds to see where they move and how the birds interact

with the local environment. We also do satellite and GSM telemetry where we put
transmitters on some birds to study their migration patterns and use of airspace

(i.e., how high they fly, how far they travel, how many roosts do they use per

season).

All sightings should be sent to Eric.E.Tillman@usda.gov or the mailing address below

indicating the location of the sighting, tag number, species, as well as any pertinent

behavioral or other information. 

Additionally, the USGS Bird Banding Lab which maintains the central database for

marked birds in North America requests these reports also be sent to them which

can be done by going to www.reportband.gov.

Thank you for any information you may provide.

Related Information

Vultures

Contact Us

Avian and Invasive Species Populations

Bryan Kluever, Project Leader

Email: Bryan.Kluever@usda.gov

Phone: 352-375-2229

National Wildlife Research Center

Florida Field Station

2820 E. University Ave.

Gainesville, FL 32641

Team Members

Eric Tillman
Eric Tillman

Wildlife Biologist

Email: Eric.A.Tillman@usda.gov

Phone: 352-448-2132

Fax: 352-378-4925

National Wildlife Research Center

Florida Field Station

2820 E University Ave

Gainesville, FL 32641