Reptile and Amphibian Diversity Study at Allanach-Wolf Woodlands

The Reptile and Amphibian Diversity Study is an ongoing observation project to detect the presence of various species of reptiles and amphibians at the Allanach-Wolf Woodlands in Windham, CT.

This research project is overseen by Dr. Susan Herrick, Professor in Residence in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UConn. If you are interested in joining this project to collect observation data, please contact Dr. Herrick at susan.herrick@uconn.edu

The Allanach-Wolf property is managed, and this project is approved, by the Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust. More information about the trust can be found on their website at https://joshuastrust.org/

 

Research Project Overview

Coverboards are artificial habitats placed in nature that small animals seek out and use for shelter. Scientists place boards of various sizes in wooded areas near water and visit them on a regular schedule. They identify the variety of animals they observe to learn about the different species (such as frogs, salamanders, snakes and more) who make the forest home. Information such as air, soil, and water tempturure are also recorded to learn more about the local environment.

Sample Coverboard

Sample Coverboard

Each coverboard has a label clearly showing its number, with a QR code that will send the visitor to this website and all the data associated with that board.

Herp Observation Data

Coverboard 1

Location info and data coming soon!

August 2024

We will be recording the following data points at each coverboard set in the property:

  • Air temp
  • Soil temp
  • Organism census (i.e., a gross census of what species, and how many, are seen)

As data is collected it will display here, along with any documentary photos that are taken.

Coverboard 2

Location info and data coming soon!

August 2024

We will be recording the following data points at each coverboard set in the property:

  • Air temp
  • Soil temp
  • Organism census (i.e., a gross census of what species, and how many, are seen)

As data is collected it will display here, along with any documentary photos that are taken.