Evaluation of mammal and herptile biodiversity at Montclair State University
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Lisa Hazard
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
Description
The Northeastern United States is an area experiencing environmental shifts and habitat loss due to anthropogenic activity. We surveyed mammal, reptile, and amphibian populations within the Montclair State University campus, ponds, and surrounding trails to evaluate current species composition, distribution and seasonal variations. Data collection spanned eight weeks divided into late winter and spring phases, using direct tracking, visual encounter, and auditory call surveys. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity were recorded to assess their influence on animals’ activity. Out of the 61 mammals of New Jersey, 7 species have been identified to date. White tailed deer, cottontails and gray squirrels were seen active in both winter and spring, while hibernating mammals like groundhogs and chipmunk first appeared in late February. Red foxes and raccoons were encountered once. Of the 71 reptiles and amphibians, 3 species have been identified. We observed a pickerel frog, eastern painted turtle, adult bullfrogs, and large numbers of bullfrog tadpoles. We expect to see more species appear in the spring season and possibly witness the breeding cycle of amphibians. Our results contribute to understanding local biodiversity, species richness, and population density. They can be used to identify any major ecological changes that need to be addressed for wildlife conservation. The study is ongoing, and data collection will continue until mid-April.
Evaluation of mammal and herptile biodiversity at Montclair State University
The Northeastern United States is an area experiencing environmental shifts and habitat loss due to anthropogenic activity. We surveyed mammal, reptile, and amphibian populations within the Montclair State University campus, ponds, and surrounding trails to evaluate current species composition, distribution and seasonal variations. Data collection spanned eight weeks divided into late winter and spring phases, using direct tracking, visual encounter, and auditory call surveys. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity were recorded to assess their influence on animals’ activity. Out of the 61 mammals of New Jersey, 7 species have been identified to date. White tailed deer, cottontails and gray squirrels were seen active in both winter and spring, while hibernating mammals like groundhogs and chipmunk first appeared in late February. Red foxes and raccoons were encountered once. Of the 71 reptiles and amphibians, 3 species have been identified. We observed a pickerel frog, eastern painted turtle, adult bullfrogs, and large numbers of bullfrog tadpoles. We expect to see more species appear in the spring season and possibly witness the breeding cycle of amphibians. Our results contribute to understanding local biodiversity, species richness, and population density. They can be used to identify any major ecological changes that need to be addressed for wildlife conservation. The study is ongoing, and data collection will continue until mid-April.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.