Jaime sampling tadpoles from a breeding pool (photo by Teresa Fogus)

Jaime Sias

Undergraduate degree: Marshall University

Thesis topic:

Natural History, Demography, and Distribution of the Upland Chorus Frog, Pseudacris feriarum, in West Virginia

In West Virginia, Pseudacris feriarum has disappeared from Greenbrier and Monroe counties.  The last time they were heard calling in these areas was in the 1980's.  As of now, they are only found in Pendleton, Hardy, Hampshire, and Morgan counties.  The main objectives of this study are to determine why they are no longer found in Greenbrier and Monroe counties, define the distribution of Upland Chorus Frogs in West Virginia, and conserve the extant populations in Pendleton, Hardy, Hampshire and Morgan counties.  All of the information obtained from this study will be used to create a management plan for the conservation of these populations.  Currently, there are no documented natural histories of Upland Chorus Frogs in West Virginia; this study will elucidate many questions surrounding Pseudacris feriarum.

Please contact me if you hear or see any Upland Chorus Frogs

          
Jaime with a black ratsnake at Wildlife Diversity Day at the WV state capitol; with a Shenandoah Mountain Salamander (photos by Teresa Fogus)

Jaime with a baby painted turtle at her site (photo by Teresa Fogus)