Amphibian Ecology

We are interested in how amphibians interact with their environment, and in using this knowledge to devise better conservation and restoration strategies.

Disturbance: Fire, hurricanes and pond-drying are stochastic events that affect the structure and dynamics of amphibian assemblages. These forms of disturbance prevent competitive exclusion and maintain diverse assemblages of amphibians and other aquatic organisms. Our lab's research helps forest managers select prescribed-burning regimes that meet restoration goals and maintain diverse assemblages of non-target species, such as frogs and salamanders. Click here for a nontechnical summary of our results.

Invasive species: Florida is a haven for invasive, exotic species such as brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) and Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis). These species compete with and prey on native reptiles and amphibians, often with dire consequences. Our lab investigates ways to limit the negative effects of invasive species by identifying key environmental characteristics that limit their reproduction.

Population dynamics: Ever wonder why treefrogs call from the tops of trees during the hottest summer days? Or why re-introductions of frogs, toads and salamanders rarely succeed, even when hundreds or thousands of individuals are released into apparently suitable sites? Research by M.S. student Kristine Gross suggests that tree calls of hylid frogs are more than simple "rain calls." And mathematical theory being developed by undergraduate Veronica Islas suggests that understanding predator behavior may be the key to predicting when introductions of temporary-pond amphibians will succeed.