Advisor(s)

Katherine Krynak, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Environmental & Field Biology, Science, Technology, and Mathematics
k-krynak@onu.edu

Robert Verb, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Environmental & Field Biology, Science, Technology, and Mathematics
r-verb@onu.edu

Document Type

Poster

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

22-4-2022 10:00 AM

End Date

22-4-2022 11:00 AM

Abstract

Long-term ecological datasets are invaluable for assessing changes in populations and community structures as associated with environmental change. Due to known declines in herpetofaunal populations in the region, and our desire to aid conservation efforts, I have created a long-term herptofaunal survey protocol for Ohio Northern University’s Tidd-Oakes Farm property (TOF). The 350-acre property was established as a conservation easement in 2011 and restoration efforts including invasive species removals, native species plantings, controlled burns, and maintenance of water control structures, are underway to preserve and enhance the wetlands, prairies, and forests on the property. These habitats host a diverse community of amphibians and reptiles in other regions of Ohio, however their status is largely unknown at TOF. Previous sampling efforts have focused on amphibians (Ambystomatid salamanders, Hylid and Ranid frogs), however efforts need to be standardized and broadened to provide data necessary for population viability assessments. With assistance from students in courses such as Herpetology, Freshwater Ecology, Natural History, and those conducting Independent Research, we will use a combination of active and passive survey methods to obtain baseline data on the herpetofaunal populations. We will utilize these data to determine alpha and beta diversity metrics of the herpetofauna on the property, information critical for successful land management and species conservation.

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Apr 22nd, 10:00 AM Apr 22nd, 11:00 AM

Establishing a long-term herpetofauna survey at Ohio Northern University’s Tidd-Oakes Farm

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Long-term ecological datasets are invaluable for assessing changes in populations and community structures as associated with environmental change. Due to known declines in herpetofaunal populations in the region, and our desire to aid conservation efforts, I have created a long-term herptofaunal survey protocol for Ohio Northern University’s Tidd-Oakes Farm property (TOF). The 350-acre property was established as a conservation easement in 2011 and restoration efforts including invasive species removals, native species plantings, controlled burns, and maintenance of water control structures, are underway to preserve and enhance the wetlands, prairies, and forests on the property. These habitats host a diverse community of amphibians and reptiles in other regions of Ohio, however their status is largely unknown at TOF. Previous sampling efforts have focused on amphibians (Ambystomatid salamanders, Hylid and Ranid frogs), however efforts need to be standardized and broadened to provide data necessary for population viability assessments. With assistance from students in courses such as Herpetology, Freshwater Ecology, Natural History, and those conducting Independent Research, we will use a combination of active and passive survey methods to obtain baseline data on the herpetofaunal populations. We will utilize these data to determine alpha and beta diversity metrics of the herpetofauna on the property, information critical for successful land management and species conservation.