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Recent Submissions
- ItemOpen AccessLTER: long term ecological research network(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2005) Yonker, C. M., author; Kaplan, N. E., author; Kelly, E. F., author; SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisherThe Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network is a collaborative effort involving more than 1800 scientists and students investigating ecological processes over long temporal and broad spatial scales. Each LTER site encompasses unique ecosystems and research approaches, investigators, students and management systems. Each of the 26 sites works as part of the Network sharing expertise, data and a common mission. Poster presented at the 7th Shortgrass Steppe Symposium held in Fort Collins, Colorado on 1/14/05.
- ItemOpen AccessA team approach to data synthesis: the playbook for creating a centralized, dynamic, and sustainable ANPP database(Colorado State University. Libraries, ) Laney, Christine, author; Cushing, Judith B., author; Muldavin, Esteban, author; Vanderbilt, Kristin, author; Kaplan, Nicole E., author; Zeman, Lee, author; Milchunas, Daniel, author; Leroy, Carri, author; Kruger, Judith, author; Gao, Jincheng, author; Ramsey, Ken, author; Mallett, Juli, author; SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisherThe Grasslands Data Integration (GDI) project has brought together ecologists, information managers and computer scientists to address the interdisciplinary challenges of integrating ANPP data from multiple sources. In this poster we present 1) the necessity to coordinate expertise and information to integrate ANPP data and metadata from five national and international grassland LTER sites, 2) the data model we designed to archive and serve the data, and 3) analysis planned for the future. This collaboration is an example of how professionals with inter-related work experience build a community of experts and a successful data product for the LTER (Baker and Millerand 2007).
- ItemOpen AccessInter-annual differences in abundance of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) in Colorado Shortgrass Steppe(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1999) Stapp, Paul, author; Hanni, David, author; Lindquist, Mark, author; SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisherWe live-trapped thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) on three grassland and three saltbush-dominated sites in June and July 1999 to estimate population densities in representative vegetation types in shortgrass steppe, and to describe changes in population structure and body weight during their summer active period. We also compared population densities in 1999 to estimates from 1995, the last time that ground squirrel populations were surveyed on the SGS-LTER site in north-central Colorado. As in 1995, most squirrels captured in June 1999 were adults; the near absence of juveniles in June 1999 compared to the earlier study suggested that reproduction was delayed this year. Juveniles comprised > 70% of individuals captured in both habitats in July 1999, and were especially numerous on grassland sites. However, in contrast to 1995, when squirrels much more common in saltbush habitats, squirrels were significantly (2-3X) more abundant on grassland webs in 1999. The difference in population densities between habitats in 1995 vs. 1999 was unexpected because both years had similarly high early-season precipitation, and presumably, similar vegetation. Moreover, there were no consistent differences in the abundance of arthropod prey between years that could readily explain the differences in squirrel abundance. Additional long-term studies of ecology and population dynamics of thirteen-lined ground squirrels in shortgrass steppe will be necessary to identify the factors that determine patterns of abundance of this critical species over time.
- ItemOpen AccessAn IM toolbox for the present and future to support data synthesis activities(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2007) Zeimet, Adam, author; Beer, Dianne, author; Norman, John, author; Kaplan, Nicole, author; Flynn, Bob, author; SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisherThis poster displays four examples of topics and tools currently being implemented and developed by information management staff at the Shortgrass Steppe LTER, across the LTER Network and within USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These tools are necessary in order to synthesize similar data sets from different researchers, agencies, and institutions. These tools were designed provide to support to Principal Investigators, educators, students, and policy makers that need to synthesize information to make better decisions about planning their research, coursework and land management strategies. The four areas to be presented are Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, standardization of metadata using Ecological Metadata Language (EML), integration of relational database management systems for different agencies, and the creation of useful dynamic web pages. GIS and Remote Sensing are powerful tools that allow researchers to analyze, model, and predict ecological factors and outcomes that shape the shortgrass steppe by integrating spatial and non-spatial data collected at the field site. EML consists of a number of modules that define an extensible mark-up language (XML) that creates a standard syntax for ecological metadata. This concept allows for sharing of standard metadata and data across not only the LTER Network, but throughout the broader ecological community. SGS is researching new database technologies to managing the growing amount of standard non-spatial data from the ARS and LTER as well as GIS and Remote Sensed data. This also will address the need for multi-user data access and database integration with the SGS website. An SGS Website was launched 8 years ago to provide general site information as well as detailed research information. The web site will be enhanced over the next year to improve query tools, submit metadata online, improve integration with various ecological research databases, and implement the EML standards.
- ItemOpen AccessPlague outbreaks in prairie-dog colonies associated with El Niño climatic events(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2003) Stapp, Paul, author; Antolin, Michael F., author; Ball, Mark, author; SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisherPlague (Yersinia pestis) was introduced to the western U.S. in the mid-20th century and is a significant threat to the persistence of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) populations. The social, colonial habits of prairie dogs make them particularly susceptible to plague, and many flea species, including known carriers of plague, are associated with prairie dogs or their extensive burrow systems. Mortality during plague epizootics, or outbreaks, is nearly 100% (Cully and Williams 2001; J. Mammal. 82:894), resulting in the extinction of entire colonies. In northern Colorado, prairie dogs exist in metapopulations (Roach et al. 2001, J. Mammal. 82:946), in which colonies naturally isolated by topography, soils and vegetation are connected by dispersal. Dispersal of either infected prairie dogs or plague-resistant reservoir species is hypothesized to spread plague among colonies. Plague outbreaks therefore may disrupt the dynamics of prairie-dog metapopulations and affect regional persistence. In the context of a century of past eradication efforts that have drastically reduced prairie-dog numbers, and increasing agricultural and urban development, plague represents a relatively new and unique threat to prairie dogs and the species that are closely associated with them. Poster presented at the 6th SGS Symposium held on 1/10/03.