*How do ditches and intensive management help maintain biodiversity in forested landscapes in particular turtles and amphibians?*
We are seeking a motivated, experienced student to undertake a MS-level study of forested ecosystems in the lower Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern United States. Specifically, this study will address interactions among landscape-level hydrology, intensive silviculture, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles. We hypothesize that the temporal and spatial pattern of management activities provides critical habitats at important life history junctures for a subset of species. Hydrology of drainage systems interacting with low road traffic volume and soil and canopy disturbance may explain prevalence of species that are rare in developed landscapes elsewhere. The student will focus specifically on movements, activity patterns, and nesting ecology on a species of conservation concern across much of its geographic range (spotted turtle, *Clemmys guttata*) while observing whole community responses. These results will help guide region-wide management plans and increase our knowledge of how managed forests contribute to biodiversity. The project is a collaboration among Clemson University, Weyerhaeuser Company and other regional partners. The student will frequently interact with Dr. Jessica Homyack of Weyerhaeuser Company, and will spend the field season on-site in Eastern North Carolina. The ideal candidate will have a high level of maturity, independence, and field experience, including radio- telemetry and sampling of herpetiles. The position also involves a one-semester Teaching Assistantship, most likely in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) but also could be other topics in biology. We anticipate a fall 2011 start date. To be considered for the position, please send a resume and letter to Dr. Rob Baldwin, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University [email protected]. * * http://sites.google.com/site/baldwinconservationresearch/Home --
