• Movement ecology of dispersing amphibians

• Amphibian behavioral response to edge

• Effects of fragmentation on patch connectivity

I am generally interested in linking individual amphibian movement behaviors to larger scale patterns of patch connectivity. In order to accurately predict the consequences of habitat fragmentation, it is necessary to understand how individuals within populations respond behaviorally to landscape features, environmental conditions, resource availability, energetic reserves, and risk of mortality. Currently, my research focuses on how amphibians respond behaviorally to edge habitat and the structural complexity of the landscape. I am also interested in quantifying amphibian perceptual ability, search strategy, movement trajectories, and the level of intra and inter species variability in these parameters.

Genetics of a Declining Bog Turtle Population: The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is a federally-threatened, semi-aquatic turtle that depends on specialized wetlands habitats such as spring-fed bogs, wet meadows, and fens. Because many populations of wetland-dependent species are governed by metapopulation dynamics, studying isolated populations provides insight on the effects of fragmentation on population persistence. In collaboration with Tim King of USGS, I analyzed the genetics of one declining population in NC in comparison with other, stable bog turtle populations in NC, TN, and VA . Preliminary analysis shows that the level of genetic diversity remaining in the declining population is uncharacteristically high as a result of the presence of multiple generations and possible immigration in the past as fragmentation increased in the region. The high genetic diversity in this population highlights the importance of incorporating life history parameters into conservation strategies, as the genetic status of populations of long-lived organisms may not reflect current demographic status.

Spotted Salamander Behavioral Responses to Edge Habitat: The potential of a landscape to support viable metapopulations hinges on species ability to move between habitat patches. Species responses to edge habitat strongly influence the ability of individuals to successfully disperse between patches. Investigation of behavioral responses to habitat boundaries is crucial to understanding fragmentation effects and developing ways to effectively manage spatially-disconnected animal populations. Quantification of movement rates and directional decisions at habitat edges and in matrix of differing structural complexity will inform predictions of patch connectivity and management decisions.  

Undergraduate Research Poster [pdf]

Pittman, S. E., T. King, S. Faurby, and M. E. Dorcas. 2011. Genetic and demographic status of an isolated bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) population: implications for the conservation of small populations of long-lived animals. Conservation Genetics. Doi: 10.1007/s10592-011-0257-2.

Pittman, S. E. and M. E. Dorcas. 2009. Movements, habitat use, and thermal ecology of an isolated population of bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). Copeia 2009:781-790.

Harden, L. A., S. E. Pittman, J. W. Gibbons, and M. E. Dorcas. 2009. Development of a rapid assessment technique for diamondback terrapin (Malaclemmys terrapin) populations using head-count surveys. Applied Herpetology 6:237-245.

Pittman, S. E., A. L. Jendrek, S. J. Price, and M. E. Dorcas. 2008. Habitat use and site fidelity of Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) at the aquatic-terrestrial ecotone. Journal of Herpetology. 42:378-385.

Pittman, S. E. and M. E. Dorcas. 2006. Catawba River corridor coverboard program: a citizen science approach to amphibian and reptile inventory. Journal of the North Carolina Academy of Science. 122:142-151.