Nature Program - Reptiles and Amphibians of Long Island

This discussion will be an overview of the reptiles and amphibians of Long Island, and why this is a special place for these species. Long Island is the home of many interesting herps, some that are common elsewhere and others for whom Long Island is a very special place. Tonight’s discussion will emphasize several herp species: diamondback terrapins, Eastern box turtles, hognose snakes, Italian wall lizards, and tiger salamanders.

Dr. Burke is interested in the ecology, evolution, and conservation biology of many animals, but mostly turtles and lizards. Most of the species he studies are either introduced species or rare species, thus population control (either up or down) is important. Much of his field work takes place in the urban and suburban habitats of New York City and Long Island, so it is Urban Ecology. His major research projects involve diamondback terrapins at Jamaica Bay, wood turtles in northern New Jersey, wall lizards on Long Island, and the inter- play between Lyme disease, ticks, and their hosts. He earned a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from University of Florida and a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. His courses at Hofstra include Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, Conservation Biology, Urban Habitats, and Ecology of Wildlife Diseases.

Location: Cold Spring Harbor Library - 95 Harbor Road (Route 25A), Cold Spring Harbor. For more information visit www.hobaudubon.org