I am broadly interested in conservation biology as it relates to wildlife species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. I am fascinated to learn ways in which we can work to maintain stable populations of such species, despite the continual disturbances they face. Understanding the plight of specific species or populations with historical context is very intriguing, and can be a vital step to successfully conserving them. An interesting sort of paradox that occurs with many conservation strategies, such as the one I am currently studying, is that we must produce disturbances within systems to mitigate the effects of previous disturbances to populations, which may have been either direct or indirect outcomes of human actions. I believe that active management informed by continual research is our best means to ensuring the persistence of the diversity of species we have always known.
Current Research
My MS research project at SUNY-ESF concern an endangered population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). The critical gestation areas of this population have undergone rapid natural succession in the past half-century and suitable basking habitat for reproductive females has declined in the process. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation conducted extensive habitat manipulations in an effort to improve basking opportunities for the snakes.
Results from our two field seasons (2011-2012) indicate that the snakes have responded positively to manipulations by the DEC, which we found provide quality basking habitat through up to three years of vegetation re-growth. We will use these and other findings to help suggest future management plans for this population, with implications for reptile populations elsewhere. This spring, we intend to improve understanding of the current status of the massasauga population by looking into several aspects of its demography.
My MS research project at SUNY-ESF concern an endangered population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). The critical gestation areas of this population have undergone rapid natural succession in the past half-century and suitable basking habitat for reproductive females has declined in the process. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation conducted extensive habitat manipulations in an effort to improve basking opportunities for the snakes.
Results from our two field seasons (2011-2012) indicate that the snakes have responded positively to manipulations by the DEC, which we found provide quality basking habitat through up to three years of vegetation re-growth. We will use these and other findings to help suggest future management plans for this population, with implications for reptile populations elsewhere. This spring, we intend to improve understanding of the current status of the massasauga population by looking into several aspects of its demography.
