Members of the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Urban Biotic Assessment Program and Herpetology Lab recently attended the Joint Meeting of American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and Herpetologists’ League in Austin, Texas from 12 July to 16 July 2017. They presented on a variety of topics from… Continue reading UBAP staff present at theJoint Meeting of Ichtyhologists and Herpetologist
Author: JMM
Funding received to survey the Eryngium Stem Borer
UBAP staff Dr. Michael J. Dreslik and James R. Wiker received funding from the Forest Preserve District of Will County to survey for the State Threatened Eryngium Stem Borer (Papaipema eryngii). The survey focuses on the sand prairie forest preserves in western Will County. To date, surveys have documented the presence of the moth at… Continue reading Funding received to survey the Eryngium Stem Borer
Researchers sample a DC swamp to study a spineless creature
“We now know that eDNA is going to be a really worthwhile tool – at least for aquatic species in difficult-to-access habitats,” Niemiller said. “You could go to a spring outflow, take a water sample, and see what you might detect there with a limited outlay of labor, time and money.” Read the complete article… Continue reading Researchers sample a DC swamp to study a spineless creature
Biology of the Rattlesnakes II released
Biology of the Rattlesnakes II, edited by UBAP staff member Michael Dreslik, is now available from ECO Herpetological Publishing. M. J. Dreslik, W. K. Hayes, S. J. Beaupre, and S. P. Mackessy (eds), The Biology of the Rattlesnakes II. ECO Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico is now available. Click for more information
Sarah Douglass: Mussel Field Biologist
UBAP Malacologist Sarah Douglass was featured as a Woman in Science. Read the article from the Prairie Research Institute
Team discovers a new invasive clam in the U.S.
A new species or “form” of Asian clam was discovered in the Illinois River by Jeremy Tiemann and Sarah Douglass. The discovery, confirmed by genetics, means a new invasive clam has made its official debut in North America, joining the countless other aquatic invasive species now found in our waters. Read the Illinois News Bureau… Continue reading Team discovers a new invasive clam in the U.S.
INHS herpetologists to monitor Will County Blanding’s Turtles
Following the discovery last year of a nesting Blanding’s Turtle in a suburban backyard, INHS herpetologists have been awarded a contract to survey for the endangered Blanding’s Turtles in Will County Forest Preserves. Read article in Daily Herald
Illinois team tackles mysterious disease afflicting wild and captive snakes
INHS scientists are collaborating to understand Snake Fungal Disease and its impacts on endangered snakes in Illinois. “We’re trying to protect an endangered species,” said INHS herpetologist and postdoctoral researcher Sarah Baker, a collaborator with Allender on several studies. “A lot of pit viper populations are declining – not only in Illinois, but nationwide. Snake… Continue reading Illinois team tackles mysterious disease afflicting wild and captive snakes
Most mussels survive relocation
In a three-year study, aquatic ecologist Jeremy Tiemann and colleagues at the Illinois Natural History Survey, a division of PRI, relocated 100 mussels upriver during a reconstruction project on the Interstate 90 bridge over the Kishwaukee River in northern Illinois. “Our data suggest that short-distance relocation is a viable tool for mussel conservation,” Tiemann said.… Continue reading Most mussels survive relocation
UBAP herpetologist accepts position with Texas Parks and Wildlife
UBAP herpetologist Jonathan Warner accepted the position of Alligator Program Leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. An Illinois native, Jon conducted his Master’s research on Gaboon Vipers and his PhD on Nile crocodiles at the School of Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa before joining the UBAP… Continue reading UBAP herpetologist accepts position with Texas Parks and Wildlife