Herpetology

Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. Our studies concentrate on life history strategies, population dynamics, ecophysiology and biogeographical patterns. There is also work on behaviour.

Staff involved: Ross Alford, Lin Schwarzkopf, Di Barton

Courses: ZL3203 Australian vertebrate fauna, ZL3205 wildlife conservation and management , ZL3211 Tropical Australian herpetology (intensive December), ZL3025 Freshwater Ecology

Current studies include:

• life history strategies in rainforest and arid zone frogs
• life history strategies in lizards
• ecology and population dynamics of the pest cane toad
• aspects of 'the vanishing frogs' problem
• acoustic behaviour and ecology of terrestrial-breeding rainforest frogs
• population and community ecology of savanna frogs and their larvae
• parasites of various amphibians and reptiles

For further information see the JCU herpetological research page

Zoology & Tropical Ecology Dept homepage