Amanda Spriggs

Amanda Spriggs

Hometown: Logan, WV

Age: 24

Undergraduate Degree: Biology, University of Charleston

Thesis Topic: Distribution, Status, and Detection Probability Using Frog Loggers of the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens

2008

Thesis Abstract:

Amphibians have existed on earth for over 300 million years, yet in just the last two decades, there have been an alarming number of extinctions; nearly 168 species are believed to have gone extinct. Even common species are beginning to experience declines in some parts of the world. In order to better understand and possibly manage the problem of amphibian declines, we need to create monitoring protocols that can be successfully implemented to monitor populations across geographic regions. The Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens, is listed as a species of concern by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Because this species is uncommon in West Virginia, information is needed to better understand its distribution and conservation needs. I visited historic R. pipiens locations and searched for new populations throughout West Virginia from March 2008 through March 2009. During this time, the presence and absence of R. pipiens populations were confirmed in several locations. However, our surveys failed to detect R. pipiens at several locations that were thought to contain ideal habitats for the species. We suspect that our results may have been biased by our survey techniques. Thus, we will resurvey a subsample of our 2008 study sites in March 2009 using a portable automatic recording system (i.e., frog logger), which records intervals of animal vocalizations in the field. We will compare R. pipiens detection probability across survey methods, so that the WVDNR we can develop an effective monitoring protocol for this species.

About Me!

Animals and wildlife (those scaly and those not) have been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I was always getting in trouble for bringing home every stray animal or any creepy, crawly thing I could fit into my pocket. It’s great that I get to work in Dr. Pauley’s lab now because I get to do what I love, without being reprimanded. I am very interested in conservation biology and hope to one day work with the conservation of sea turtles. There are also several other things that I love to do. Tennis is a very big part of my life. I began playing when I was ten years old and I recently just ended my collegiate career where I played for four years at the University of Charleston. Go Eagles! My favorite things to do in my spare time are to go to the movies, read, and spend lots of time outdoors. Other than that, I just like to spend time with my family, friends and loved ones.