NSERC grants at Laurentian University Subventions du CRSNG `a l ...

32Jacqueline LitzgusRadio telemetry equipment for studies of reptile life historyA grant of $20,907.Une subvention de 20 907 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheMy research program examines natural variations in the wild at three levelsof organization: within individuals over time; among individuals in a population;and among conspecific populations, particularly those spanning broadgeographic distances. Studies of animals at the extremes of their range limitscan provide insight into how they may respond to global climate change. Myresearch relies on the study of animals, particularly reptiles, in their naturalenvironment using radio telemetry and mark-recapture techniques. Fieldresearch is an expensive and critical activity in evolution and ecology. I usefield-collected data to test hypotheses about phenotypic adaptations (i.e.,morphological, behavioural, and physiological variation), life history evolution,and the effects of environmental conditions on fitness. My work alsodescribes seasonal activity patterns, habitat use, and home-range size for usein conservation and recovery plans for declining herpetofaunal species (reptilesand amphibians), and for status assessments of species not currentlylisted as Species at Risk. In the current proposal, I am requesting funds topurchase radio telemetry equipment. Almost all of the projects in my researchprogram use telemetry equipment to collect data, and thus studentswill gain hands-on experience with this field technique, among others, duringtheir thesis research under my supervision.