Fulfills:
NRES 374
Prerequisites:
LIFE 121 or equivalent taught at CPBS
About the Instructor:
Dennis Ferraro is Professor of Practice in the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). His interest in herpetofauna began when he was a child in Connecticut. Today, he uses his passion to teach Herpetology and run UNL's Herpetology Lab. This lab keeps snakes, turtles, and other herpetofauna for research and public education. Professor Ferraro also maintains an active teaching schedule. He teaches conservation biology, wildlife damage management, and supervises several independent studies.
Professor Ferraro has many research interests, including:
- Prairie rattlesnake conservation
- Monitoring the range of Nebraska's native species
- Overseeing student research and outreach projects
In this class students will acquire skills to sufficiently gather herpetological data and then effectively analyze & interpret that data. Students should leave with:
- Skills of methods, techniques and standards for obtaining field data regarding herpetofauna for various applications (such as occupancy, population demographics, regional status, threat analysis, infectious disease incidence & more).
- A background in morphology, physiology and behavior of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
- Knowledge relating to the behavior and ecology of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles in various ecosystems.
- An appreciation of native herpetofauna as an integral part of ecosystems.
- A sound understanding of the diversity and ecological significance of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
- Recognize and identify Nebraskan herpetofauna.
- Knowledge of the principles for conservation and management of herpetofauna.
- Ability to utilize critical thinking to propose solutions in regard to herpetological conservation and management situations/scenarios.
Texts & Supportive Materials:
- Inventory and Monitoring: Recommended Techniques for Reptiles and Amphibians, with application to the United States and Canada -- Editors: Gabrielle J. Graeter, Kurt A. Buhlmann, Lucas R. Wilkinson, and J. Whitfield Gibbons
- Inventorying and Monitoring Protocols of Amphibians and Reptiles in National Parks of the Eastern United States by Richard H. Yahner, Gerald L Storm, Gregory S. Keller
- Amphibian Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques (Techniques in Ecology & Conservation) 1st Edition by C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. (Editor)
- Reptile Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques (Techniques in Ecology & Conservation) 1st Edition by C. Kenneth Dodd (Editor)
- Reptile Biodiversity: Standard Methods for Inventory and Monitoring 1st Edition by Dr. Roy W. McDiarmid), Dr. Mercedes S. Foster, Dr. Craig Guyer , Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons , Dr. Neil Chernoff
Each student needs to obtain a copy of the following:
- "Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern North America" 4th Ed. By Powell, Conant & Collins (2016)
{4th edition -2016- ONLY ... older editions will NOT help}
Readings will be assigned from primary journal literature and technical reports.
I will furnish many supplemental readings (electronically via “CANVAS”) that you will be required to read, review and discuss.
Students will be engaged in hands on learn by conducting investigative research on species & phenomenon of their choice. Evaluation is achieved by short quizzes and selected project. There are no exams.
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Ferraro and student seining to net salamander larvae.D. Ferraro -
student investigating the marking of the plastron.D. Ferraro -
Learning to measure turtles. -
Ferraro teaching methods of trapping.D. Ferraro -
Students learn proper venomous snake handling.D. Ferraro