The Croc Docs

Biography

I graduated with a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida in 2000. Since then I have been working for Dr. Frank Mazzotti and in collaboration with Dr. Kenneth Rice with the United States Geological Service (USGS). Our Florida research projects are primarily related to restoration of the Everglades, and ecology of South Florida . More recent studies include the movements and habitat use of Burmese Pythons in the Everglades  and internationally on crocodilian and wetland ecology. 

For the past six years, I have helped manage our South Florida research on the American Crocodile and Alligator and their potential roles as indicators of restoration. The objectives of these projects are to determine relative abundance, distribution, habitat relations, and condition for both crocodiles and alligators. We also focus on nesting, growth and survival for crocodiles and occupancy rates of alligator holes for alligators.

Starting in spring 2006, I have additionally been co-managing studies on exotic Burmese Pythons in South Florida . This project is a collaborative effort between the National Park Service, University of Florida , USGS, and Davidson College . The objectives of this project are to assess the feasibility of using radio telemetry to determine habitat use and movements of pythons, enabling us to find and remove pythons from the wild.

Internationally, I have been involved in crocodilian training and research programs throughout the Caribbean and Central America . In June 1997 I participated in the first International Workshop on Crocodylus acutus held at the Monte Cabaniguan Refuge, Cuba . In June 2001 I headed up a workshop in Black River , Jamaica , intended to aid the Jamaican crocodile survey team in the creation of a monitoring network. In November 2002 I participated in the “Ecosystem Management and Monitoring in Quintana Roo, Mexico: A collaborative, hands on training program for governmental and non-governmental personnel on the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve”. In addition to these one-time workshops, I have been involved with crocodile conservation and management efforts in Belize , Central America since 2001. This began after the forestry department requested the assistance of Dr. Mazzotti in developing a crocodile management program and continues to be an ongoing project with the forestry department and the Lamanai Field Research Center .