Striped Newt Repatriation – In 2011 we entered into a Cost Share Agreement with the National Forest to conduct a 5-year project that uses repatriation and short-term wetland augmentation to help a critically imperiled amphibian species, the striped newt, avoid local extirpation or even extinction. We are continuing this repatriation project beyond Spring 2020 with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, private foundation grants, and through member donations..
Altering Hydrology in Breeding Ponds to Benefit Imperiled Amphibians during Drought – This study provided quantitative data demonstrating that liners increase pond hydroperiods. With the onset of climate change, hydroperiods will shorten in ephemeral wetlands. In the sandhills habitat, climate-induced drought will have negative impacts on ephemeral pond-breeding amphibians. These habitat specialists cannot breed unless the breeding pond hydroperiod is sufficient. While installing liners in ephemeral wetlands on a landscape level is not a practical management tool, this project provides a template for targeted active management practices in instances where drought may have severe and lasting negative impacts. Full report here.
Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander Critical Habitat Unit Assessment – In 2007, the flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) was divided into two species, the reticulated flatwoods salamander (A. bishopi) and the frosted flatwoods salamander (A. cingulatum). After this separation, the original Endangered Species Act listing of the flatwoods salamander had to be amended to incorporate the new species. Click here to read our report to the US Fish and Wildlife Service updating information on the occupancy and habitat quality of the 16 reticulated flatwoods salamander Critical Habitat Units during fall 2012 through spring 2013.
Inventory, Assessment, and Restoration Potential of Ephemeral Wetlands on Seven FFWCC Wildlife Management Areas – As part of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Enhancement grant, we inventoried 1,513 isolated, ephemeral wetlands across seven WMA properties. The goal was to assist FWC land managers by identifying, inventorying, and assessing the restoration need of ephemeral wetlands on each property.
- Aucilla Wildlife Management Area Report
- Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Report
- Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area Report
- Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area Report
- Guana River Wildlife Management Area Report
- Half Moon Wildlife Management Area Report
- Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management Area Report
Management Strategies for Florida’s Ephemeral Ponds and Pond-Breeding Amphibians – As part of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission State Wildlife Grant we developed management strategies for ephemeral wetlands as well as conducted a comprehensive literature review to provide a source of information for ephemeral pond ecology, ephemeral pond-breeding amphibians, greatest threats, and research gaps. The end result of this project include a Final Report, a Brochure entitled “Florida’s Ephemeral Ponds and Pond-Breeding Amphibians” for public and private landowners and land managers (feel free to print and distribute!), and a transcript from a panel discussion.
Assessment of Amphibian Response to Wetland Augmentation – This amphibian study is one component of a larger wetlands augmentation pilot study that took place within the St. Johns River Water Management District from 1998 through April 2008. The pilot study was designed to evaluate the effects, costs, and benefits of applying supplemental water to wetlands impacted by municipal groundwater withdrawal. The objective of this, the amphibian monitoring portion of the study, was to determine possible impacts on amphibians of either actively or passively applying supplemental water to wetlands. Click here to read the Final Report.
For more information about past research, see our Publications page.