Aruban Herpetofaunal Ecology

Aruba boasts a surprisingly rich endemic community of reptiles, given its small size (~70 sq. mi.) and near proximity to mainland South America (~17 mi to Venezuela). Nonnative boas (Boa constrictor) were first documented on Aruba in 1999, and have since rapidly spread across the island. Thus, Aruba serves as a natural ecological model for factors affecting invasive species colonization and spread, responses of invasive species to a novel habitat, and responses of sensitive ecosystems to novel predators. I collaborate with biologists from The Toledo Zoo, The College of New Jersey, Arcadia University, and Sam Houston State University on studies investigating dynamics of this unique herpetofaunal community.