Reptiles, Wetland Resilience, and Landscape Restoration
Knox Presbyterian Church Hall 50 Erb St W, WaterlooReptiles are one of the most endangered group of vertebrates on Earth and are extremely vulnerable to climate-mediated disturbances because they rely on their environment to meet thermoregulated physiological needs. The effects of climate-mediated disturbances such as wildfire, drought, and winter weather whiplash have consequences for the long-term persistence of endangered reptiles and the wetland ecosystems they depend on. It is becoming clear that the cumulative impacts of climate and land use changes will require conservation and management strategies that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. I will discuss my recent and ongoing research which integrates ecohydrology, climate science, and ecology to advance the conservation and management of endangered species and spaces. This includes research on identifying wetlands resilient to winter weather whiplash, assessing impacts of wildfire and drought on refugia, and developing and assessing habitat restoration strategies for at-risk reptiles.