Conservation Biology & Biogeography

We are working with Kelly Homan, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to map and prioritize lands in Alabama that present opportunities for conservation, as well as corridors that connect those core areas. We are using a variety of data and modeling techniques to identify these areas, as well as existing tools such as the Southeast Conservation Blueprint (pictured).

I have developed numerous habitat suitability models for rare species in the Southeastern United States, particularly for rare plants. I use MaxEnt and Ensemble Modeling approaches and have developed models for the following species:

(1) Platanthera integrilabia (White Fringeless Orchid) - This species is listed Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The model led to the successful identification of new populations in Alabama. This work is Published in Southeastern Naturalist.

(2) Scutellaria montana (Large-flowered Skullcap) - This species is listed Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is not known to occur in Alabama, however it occurs just across the state line in Georgia and Tennessee. The goal of the project was to identify potentially suitable habitats in Alabama and conduct surveys in an effort to document the species in Alabama. The 3 models plus ensemble model for the species is pictured (left).

(3) Helianthus verticillatus (Whorled Sunflower) 

(4) Carex impressinervia (Ravine Sedge)

(5) Baptisia megacarpa (Apalachicola Wild Indigo)

(6) Lithobates capito (Gopher Frog)

(7) Aneides aeneus (Green Salamander)

(8) Deirochelys reticularia miaria (Western Chicken Turtle)