Citizen-scientists needed for herpetological (reptile) inventory of Selu Conservancy

tree-frog

Gray american treefrog clinging to stem

In an effort to catalog one of the many natural resources of Selu Conservancy, volunteer citizen-scientists are needed for a herpetological inventory set for June 13-14.

Assistant Professor of Biology Matt Close and senior biology major Matti Hamed, a 2014 Highlander-in-Action Scholarship recipient, are organizing the Selu Reptile and Amphibian Workshop and Survey in conjunction with the Virginia Herpetological Society (VHS) and the Scholar-Citizen Initiative.

"Citizen-scientists can make an important contribution to science by helping us generate data that will be helpful to understanding the biodiversity of this special place," Close said and added that anyone who is interested in reptiles and amphibians, or is merely curious, has an opportunity to turn their interest and curiosity into scientific research.

The session will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13, with a workshop on identification and handling of the salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes, followed by an evening hike to the Little River to explore nocturnal reptile and amphibian activity. On Saturday, volunteers and VHS members will take part in a day-long survey of the 385-acre conservancy's aquatic and woodland habitats to determine the number of different species living under its rocks, logs and leaf litter.

Close cited a recent study of woodland salamanders, which make up significant amount of biomass, act as predators of invertebrates, and in the process may reduce CO2 production, as an example of amphibians making unique contributions to healthy ecosystems.

"Reptiles and amphibians are not typically thought of as attractive animals—although in my opinion many are quite beautiful— but they are incredibly important," he said. "An understanding of species diversity now and over time will help us understand the conservancy's relative health." He also feels that Selu provides unique opportunities for faculty, students and citizen-scientists to work together on interesting and relevant research projects, and that working with reptiles and amphibians is just one of many projects that Radford faculty have in the works there.

Volunteers will need to bring a flashlight for Friday's hike and lunch for Saturday's survey. Children are welcome if accompanied by a parent. To sign up, visit their website and for more information, contact Close at mclose2@radford.edu.

Jun 11, 2014