Research
Research conducted by members of my lab group typically concerns behavioral and community ecology, with many projects focusing on predator-prey relationships that involve at least one species of reptile or amphibian. Subtle changes in the structural complexity of a microhabitat may influence not only the expression of animal behavior, but also patterns of habitat selection and the frequency of organismal interactions. Studies of this type can elucidate the factors regulating the community dynamics of species within particular habitat types, and have implications in conservation biology where the choice of sites appropriate for preservation is often debated.
A summary of some past projects is narrated on the Snake Talk Podcast (episode 98).
A summary of some past projects is narrated on the Snake Talk Podcast (episode 98).
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Trophic interactions in snake communitiesCharacterizing the interactions within trophic webs can reveal structural aspects that help to stabilize communities. We investigate the roles and relative contributions of consumers at the top of terrestrial and semi-aquatic communities. We compare the niche parameters of syntopic snake species using the ratios of naturally occurring carbon and nitrogen isotopes to determine their relative trophic positions and estimate the contributions of potential prey sources to their diets. Analyses using Bayesian mixing models reveal evidence of niche partitioning among consumer groups and indicate that competitive dynamics have helped shape the structure of these communities. Although competition appears to play a role in structuring these communities, the trophic niches occupied by consumer groups appear to be somewhat variable.
Here are relevant posters about hog-nosed snakes, racers, and leaf-litter snakes. Assessment of Snake CommunitiesWe've partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to compare the efficacy of active and passive monitoring systems in forest compartments having different management strategies. Remote wildlife cameras detected a greater diversity of snake species than captures in box traps.
In a separate collaboration with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept., we're completing an demographic assessment of Brazos River Watersnakes throughout their range in Texas. Here's a press release about that project. Mitigating road-based snake mortalityWe tested the efficacy of a hose-bridge deployed temporarily on a park road that allowed the passage of cars over it and small wildlife species to cross through it. We predicted that, during the 4.5-week period of peak migratory movement, road-based mortality of Dekay’s Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi) would be less at the site having the hose-bridge, when compared to a similar section of road without a hose-bridge (control). Snake mortality at the hose-bridge site was reduced compared to the control site. Mortality at both sites was less than in previous years, which might be attributable to reduced vehicle speed or increased motorist awareness of migrating wildlife.
In addition to the YouTube video clip on the left, here's a link BBC radio program about this project. Top of page. |
Past Research Endeavors (selected reprints available through the Publications tab)
- Amphibian community response to fish removal — poster.
- Interactions between anuran larvae in permanent and ephemeral ponds — poster.
- Parasite loads as a predictor of limb deformities in small-mouthed salamanders (Ambystoma) — poster.
- Repatriation of Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma) to a restored wetland. — poster.
- Foraging site selection in kingsnakes (Lampropeltis) — poster.
- Embryonic uptake of ecotoxicants in watersnakes (Nerodia) — poster; video clip.
- Population ecology of watersnakes (Nerodia) in a fragmented watershed — poster.
- Population ecology of ring-necked snakes (Diadophis) in anthropogenic habitat — poster.