Field research to protect endangered species and spaces
The Wildlife Ecohydrology and Conservation Lab has successfully completed our first field season! We are a curious and collaborative team interested in all things turtles, snakes, amphibians, wetlands and more. Our research often evaluates conservation and habitat restoration approaches to support at-risk reptiles.
Spring is a busy time for us – this is when herpetofauna are emerging from overwintering. It is an important season for reptile surveys and habitat monitoring. SERS Master’s student Mackenzie Jones kicked off our field season in April monitoring ephemeral wetlands – wetlands that dry out seasonally. Mackenzie’s research combines hydrology and ecology by examining the temporal water table dynamics of these small wetlands and their importance for turtles.
Mackenzie J. measuring water table depth.
SERS Master’s student Mackenzie Ross is collaborating with Ontario Parks on a Blanding’s turtle radio tracking project. Mackenzie lived at Grundy Lake Provincial Park for 5 months and followed the movements of Blanding’s turtle throughout the park! His research will help inform management strategies for these at-risk turtles.
Geography and Environmental Management Master’s students Victoria Steblaj and Serina Tourangeau worked with SERS undergraduate Katja Kubasta and Biology undergraduate Alisa Tchoumak on multiple different research projects. They conducted over 580 road surveys to assess herpetofauna road mortality patterns in collaboration with the Long Point Biosphere, examined the success of restored wetlands in collaboration with McMaster University, radio tracked turtles in collaboration with Blazing Star Environmental, mapped the location of over 3,400 trees, and so much more! Katja will be conducting a SERS undergraduate thesis with us this year.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Brandon Van Huizen (Postdoc), Waverley Birch (GEM PhD student), Joshua Rose (GEM MSc student), Amara Johnston (SERS co-op student), and Matthew Woodward (GEM co-op student) to our lab this fall. Stay tuned for all the amazing wildlife ecohydrology research to come!
Mackenzie R. successfully tracked a Blanding's turle. All animal research and handling is conducted under appropriate permits.