Staci M. Amburgey
Wildlife Ecologist and Data Wrangler
- Current ResearchProjects are listed chronologically and resulting manuscripts can be found in the Publications section.
Developing methods for estimating brown treesnake density in Guam
How can we collect data to estimate densities of species in a cost effective yet informative way?
- Can we obtain reliable density estimates of unmarked animals using camera trapping photos?
In collaboration with Drs. Sarah Converse, Beth Gardner and Amy Yackel-Adams, I am developing capture-mark-recapture models to estimate the density of invasive brown treesnakes on the island of Guam in order to better understand the effects of removal efforts. Management of this species aims to mitigate the ecological impacts of brown treesnakes on the island’s native avifauna and eventually facilitate the reintroduction of locally extirpated species. A first step in this process is identifying modeling approaches that lead to accurate density estimates of unmarked animals using camera trapping photos at bait stations. The second step will be optimizing combinations of sampling methods used for monitoring brown treesnakes to find what results in the most robust abundance estimate given sampling limitations and costs.
Wood frog range dynamicsHow does the response of breeding of wood frogs to annual variation in weather variables vary across their range?
- Can responses to annual variation in weather be predicted by site location within the broader climate niche occupied by the species?
- Is there a single optimum value for climate or is there evidence for local variation in climate responses as evidenced by local optima?
Using egg mass count data for wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) from across their broad range, I investigated how count data and trends in abundance vary in respect to climatic conditions to better understand patterns and variation across the species range. Using dynamic state space models to incorporate annual and regional climate, I tested hypotheses concerning breeding conditions, water availability, and overwintering survival across the range.
Shenandoah salamander range boundariesHow does interspecific competition help shape species ranges?
- How do interspecific interactions potentially alter species traits and behaviors and structure range limits?
- Can divergence or similarities in traits and behaviors help explain patterns in species occurrence?
Shenandoah salamanders are a range-restricted, federally-listed species, occurring only on the tops of certain mountains in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The range boundary of this species is currently not well-defined, and the factors setting these limits need to be better elucidated to assist in conservation efforts. Temperature and humidity likely play a large role in establishing the lower limits of the Shenandoah salamander's range, but competition with another native salamander, the red-back salamander, may also be important.
By surveying for both species along the range boundary, I modeled and compared the current distribution of each species along these mountain tops using single and two species occupancy models. In addition, I measured individual physical traits and behavioral use of habitat to understand if and how competitive interactions between these two species influence physical and demographic traits where they overlap.
California Rapid Assessment ProtocolHow do small vertebrate communities change in response to fragmentation?
- Does species richness change as fragment sizes change?
How does life history or range position influence a species response to fragmentation?- Can range position or life history traits predict species' sensitivity to fragmentation at different scales?
In collaboration with the Western Ecological Research Station, I analyzed species community data using multispecies occupancy models to better understand patterns in species richness. This will allow managers to better understand species richness-fragment size relationships when determining land parcels in which to invest.
I also explored the if range position or life history traits can help explain species responses to changes in fragment size. I plan on continuing this work by understanding alpha, beta, and gamma diversity across fragments in the Southern California landscape. This work allows managers to better understand individual species risk to altered landscapes in addition to understanding biotic homogenization in a fragmented landscape.
Powell Center- Amphibian Decline Working GroupWhat trends exist in amphibian occupancy across North America and what factors are responsible?
- What can continental trends in amphibian occupancy tell us about climate factors affecting this group?
I worked under the John Wesley Powell Center as a data technician and then graduate fellow in the Amphibian Decline working group. Collaborators from across the United States, Canada, and Europe were involved in this broad-scale, collaborative project. We were interested in large scale patterns in amphibian occupancy and understanding declines at continental scales using occupancy models. This involved analysis of amphibian monitoring data from long time series and from broad spatial scales. Our focus was on understanding the role of water availability and other climate-related factors in explaining patterns of amphibian occupancy.
Population dynamics of a high elevation pond breeding amphibianWhat factors influence the demography and persistence of high elevation pond breeding amphibians?
- What are basic demographic estimates in Boreal chorus frogs and how does climate impact this species across time?
In collaboration with the USGS Fort Collins Science Center, we hoped to better understand the dynamics of high elevation amphibians. Using long time series of capture-mark-recapture data in high elevation populations of Boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata), we increased our basic ecological and demographic knowledge of this species. In addition, this pond-breeding amphibian is a useful system in which to understand the importance of climate, hydroperiod, and the impacts of climate change on high elevation, montane amphibian species. We approached this through continued data collection of marked populations, analysis of current monitoring data, and data reclamation efforts from studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Additional Experience
Spotted salamander demographics and vernal pond community samplingUsing capture-mark-recapture methods, principle investigators hope to understand vernal pond usage by these amphibians over time.Amphibian community surveying and disease and environmental contaminant samplingAs part of a continued monitoring program to track patterns in amphibian community assemblages, principle investigators also conduct disease sampling and collect animals for chemical contaminant testing.Rocky Mountain National Park Boreal toad recoveryAs part of an interagency recovery team to bolster populations of the state endangered Boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas), work conducted focused on disease sampling, surveying previously and currently occupied toad sites, and reintroduction efforts of tadpoles and hatchery raised adults.Boreal chorus frog landscape genetics and behavioral experimentsTo better understand potential speciation events across elevational gradients, the Funk and Hoke labs conducted a series of behavioral experiments and took genetic samples from Boreal chorus frogs across Larimer County, CO. See Publications for results of this exciting work! Outreach
By doing public engagement and outreach, scientists and communities can come together to learn from each other and better understand the ecosystems and spaces that they both love. From national initiatives such as Save the Frogs Day, Skype a Scientist, and Letters to a Pre-scientist to local programs such as 4H Extension activities, BioBlitzes, Science Cafes, or nature centers and museums, I have been involved in multiple opportunities that allowed me to talk about ecology and science with children, parents, and the general public and get excited in return about what those folks had to share with me.
Photos
Fun pictures from field adventures and scientific travels
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