Research Projects

Using habitat corridors and matrix permeability to mitigate the effects of deforestation in Costa Rica

This project investigates how landscape characteristics influence the richness and persistence of reptiles and amphibians in fragmented forests. This work takes place in San Vito, Costa Rica in the fragmented tropical landscape surrounding Las Cruces Biological Station. I work closely with local landowners and the Organization for Tropical Studies to conduct field surveys in 20 forest patches and matrices, as well as 10 biological corridors to understand what landscape features are best for conservation of herpetofauna.

Assessing presence/absence of the Florida reef gecko across its Florida range

I recently completed a project in collaboration with Emily Powell (PhD candidate in the lab of A. Uy) and Caitlin Mothes (PhD candidate in the C. Searcy lab) investigating the presence/ absence of the Florida reef gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) across its Florida range. We detected geckos in only 41% of sites with appropriate habitat, and in only 65% of historic localities. Geckos were only present within 1.2 km of the coast and sea level rise is expected to place 85% of suitable reef gecko habitat under water. We determined that Florida reef geckos now fit criteria to warrant listing and is the U.S. herpetofaunal species most at risk of sea level rise. See our publication here!

Microhabitat preferences and use of eDNA for detection of Florida reef geckos

Given our findings regarding the conservation risks for the Florida reef gecko, I am working to learn more about how to conserve this unique species within our local fragmented ecosystem. We are currently assessing the microhabitat requirements of the Florida reef gecko using a cover board study at the Deering Estate. In addition, we are utilizing a novel terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA) survey method to determine whether eDNA can be used for assessing presence/ absence of this elusive species.

Miami-Dade Herpetofauna: Are the natives persisting in native habitats within this highly invaded system?

I recently conducted a study on the native and non-native herpetofauna in Miami-Dade County. With Florida being home to more established non-native reptile and amphibian species than anywhere else in the world, and with only 2% of the original pine rocklands habitat remaining, I sought to determine whether the native herpetofauna are persisting within the small and isolated fragments of native habitat that remain. The results of this study revealed that non-native herps dominate both native and non-native habitat areas in the county, with over 90% of all individuals being non-native. Publication here!

Investigating the effects of cattle on amphibian communities

The Searcy lab conducted amphibian surveys at MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center in south central Florida in summer 2017. This work investigated the impacts of cattle grazing on pond-breeding amphibian communities. Publication here!