Invasion Ecology of Invasive Amphibians and Reptiles - WIS4934

This course will focus on the ecology and management of introduced and invasive amphibians and reptiles and their effects at the community and ecosystem levels at local, regional, and global scales. Course topics include traits of invasive and introduced species, invasion pathways, environmental characteristics that facilitate invasions, management efforts, and detailed analysis of case studies. Ecology and identification of nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida will be emphasized. Information delivery will include class lectures by the course instructors and guest speakers, primary literature readings and discussion, class outings, and lab sessions. In the lab, students will learn how to identify the roughly 50 species of established amphibians and reptiles in Florida. The course is open to students at the Gainesville and Plant City campuses and enrollment is limited to the first 30 students.