FERN FOREST MODULE 3: HERPETOLOGICAL SURVEY

Objectives

• Make observations of conditions underneath cover boards
  
• Survey reptiles and amphibians underneath cover boards
  
• Identify reptiles and amphibians species found
  

Logistics

• Students record time and initial weather conditions, including air temperature and cloud cover.
  

• Working in pairs, students are assigned certain sampling points. One student carefully lifts a cover board and the other notes the conditions (e.g., animal disturbances, insects) found underneath the board. Gloves must be worn for protection (e.g., against fire ants).
  

• If any reptiles or amphibians are found underneath the cover board, they are described and identified using the field identification guide and handout prepared by Dr. Baker. If they are not found, the student then carefully hand rakes the area underneath the cover board, to expose any hidden animals. This procedure is repeated for each cover board for each sampling point assigned
  

• Data of number and types of each species found are typed into an EXCEL spread sheet and passed along to students in Mathematics for Liberal Arts II (MGF1107).
  

Tools

• Field Identification guides for Reptiles and Amphibians.
  
• Hand Rakes
  
• Gloves
  

Main Contact:
Dr. John Baker, 954-475-6870

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9653672. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.