Field Herpetology 2012

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Photo by E. K. Timpe

EEB 3898 Field Herpetology
Intensive Summer Session I, 2012
Course Duration: May 7th - May 25th, 2012
Meeting Time: Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 in TLS181
depending on weather conditions some classes will be held at night 7-10 PM instead, allowing us to observe nocturnal amphibians


Instructor

Photo by E. K. Timpe



Elizabeth Timpe
Email: elizabeth.timpe@uconn.edu
Office: Biology/Pharmacy 318
Phone: (860) 486-6215
Office hours: by appointment, often right after class





Course Description and Objectives

Photo by E. K. Timpe
Photo by E. K. Timpe

Course Description:
Herpetology is the scientific study of the amphibians and reptiles. In this course, we will examine the diversity of both groups, and learn about their basic biology (e.g., their physiology, ecology, behavior, reproductive biology, and conservation). Specifically, goals of this course are to familiarize the student with the identification, natural history, and conservation of Connecticut's amphibians and reptiles through direct field experience (e.g., active searches, turtle trapping, artificial cover objects, night-time road searches, and radio tracking). There will be various opportunities to observe these animals in the field during the day and at night. Students will leave the course with a good background in herpetology, and with a sound understanding of the diversity and distribution of amphibians and reptiles worldwide, with particular emphasis on Connecticut herpetofauna.

Course Objectives:
After completing this course the student should be able to:
• identify Connecticut’s amphibians and reptiles by sight, and in the case of frogs by sound as well. • effectively use standard field techniques and methods for studying herpetofauna (e.g., field note taking, dip netting, radio telemetry, designing sampling arrays, etc.) • apply with proficiency the scientific method to assess questions and design a project pertaining to herpetofaunal biology and conservation








Course Procedures and Policies

Each class will be comprised of a mini lecture (30-45 minutes), followed by a trip to a local field site. The lecture portion of this course will deal with various aspects of the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including physiological ecology, communication, social behavior, reproduction, parental care, and community ecology. The field trips will focus on the identification of Connecticut amphibians and reptiles, in addition to the demonstration and use of standard herpetological surveying and collecting techniques. There will be some evening field trips to see breeding of local amphibians and daytime field trips to see other species. Students are expected to attend the field trips.

Grades:
Grades will be determined approximately as follows:

  • Midterm: 100 pts
  • Final: 100 pts
  • Paper on individual project: 50 pts
  • Presentation on individual project: 50 pts
  • Field notebook entries: 75 pts
  • Participation: 25 pts
  • TOTAL: 400 pts

Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism and cheating are violations of the student conduct code, and may be punished by failure in the course or, in severe cases, dismissal from the University. For more information, see Appendix A of the Student Conduct Code.

Disabilities:
If you have a disability for which you may be requesting an accommodation, you should contact a course instructor and the Center for Students with Disabilities (Wilbur Cross Building, Room 201) within the first two weeks of the semester.

Course Materials



Photo by E. K. Timpe

Required:
• Textbook A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America 4th edition; R. Conant and J. Collins ISBN-10: 0395904528
• Bound field notebook (composition book is fine and cheap)
• Old/junky footwear and clothes

Recommended:
• Rubber boots
• Pair of waders (will be available if you don’t have a pair)
• Headlamp (will be available)
• Insect repellent and sunscreen



Schedule

Photo by E. K. Timpe
Photo by E. K. Timpe
Photo by E. K. Timpe
Photo by E. K. Timpe
Photo by E. K. Timpe



Date Lecture Topic Readings Lab Supplemental Materials
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 4 FINAL EXAM, , 10:30-12:30 ----------





Additional Resources

UConn Herpetology Society:
The formation of a UConn herpetology club is in the works for Fall 2011! If interested in becoming a member, please contact Danielle Freeman

Websites:

Digimorph

Local
Online Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of CT
Reptiles and Amphibians of CT
New England Herpetological Society

Amphibians
Video about Amphibian Extinction
Amphibiaweb
AMNH's Amphibian Species of the World
Amphibian Portal from USGS-NBII
Deban Lab Amphibian Feeding

General Herpetology
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
The Herpetologists' League
The Center for North American Herpetology
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
New England Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
EMYSystem Online Turtle Resource
HerpNET
eNature Online Field Guides


Herps in the News

Photo by E. K. Timpe

Apr 21, 2011: Snake Cagematch
Apr 12, 2011: Symbiotic Salamander
Mar 29, 2011: How a Tentacled Snake (Erpeton tentaculatum) Eats
Mar 25, 2011: Indomitable Snow Frogs
Feb 27, 2011: Lizards and Lyme Disease
Feb 27, 2011: CT's Endangered Turtles
Feb 27, 2011: 25 Most Endangered Turtles
Feb 27, 2011: Sea Turtle Navigation
Feb 21, 2011: Short-lived Chameleons
Feb 19, 2011: Rediscovered Frogs
Feb 14, 2011: How snakes get legless THANKS BILL!!
Feb 10, 2011: Spotted Salamander, Photosynthetic?
Jan 31, 2011: Frogs Re-evolved Lost Lower Teeth
Jan 26, 2011: Phobia of Snakes Explained
Jan 17, 2011: Salamander Eggs Turn off Cancer
Jan 14, 2011: Reduced Cali Tiger Salamander Habitat
Jan 14, 2011: NY Zoo works to save the hellbender
Jan 12, 2011: Haiti's Lost Frogs