Conservation and management of freshwater vertebrates
In addition to testing broader ecological and evolutionary questions, a focus of our research includes on-the-ground applied conservation of at-risk species. We are currently focusing on Carolina gopher frogs, but also investigating eastern tiger salamanders, ornate chorus frogs, and Mabee’s salamanders. Gopher frog populations are declining rapidly and we have been collaborating with the Longleaf Alliance, private landowners, USFWS, and state agencies in South and North Carolina to survey populations, optimize headstarting efforts, and examine patterns of genetic variation. For more information on this aspect of our research, click here.
Global change impacts on isolated wetlands and pond breeding amphibians
Isolated wetlands are a critical landscape feature throughout North America, where they provide surface water storage and localized groundwater recharge, reduce groundwater pollution, and provide critical habitat for pond breeding amphibians and numerous other taxa. Isolated wetlands are disappearing rapidly due to land-use changes. Those that remain are changing due to altered weather patterns and lack of active management which combine to affect the vegetation in wetlands and how long a wetland holds water. These changes have impacts across levels of biological organization. We examine these impacts at multiple levels from genome to ecosystem. Currently, we are working with landowners to survey their wetlands and make management recommendations as well as conducting experimental studies aimed at increasing the efficiency of wetland restoration techniques. For more information click here.
Aquatic pollution, RADIOECOLOGY, & Evolutionary Toxicology
Exposure to pollution can impact individuals in ways that affect population persistence, community assembly, and ecosystem services. A large focus of our research involves metal contaminants, especially copper and mercury, that are widespread in aquatic habitats and pose a significant threat to aquatic life. We use a combination of controlled laboratory studies, mesocosm studies, in situ rearing along with genetic techniques. We find substantial variation in tolerance to metals within and across species and that some populations can rapidly adapt to mixtures of metals from coal combustion wastes. In addition, we study the effects of radioactive elements in the environment; both on the SRS and in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. More information can be found here.
