Robert Powell, Ph.D.

Research Experiences for

Undergraduates:

Natural History of a West Indian Herpetofauna

Critically endangered Cyclura ricordii from Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos, República Dominicana

 

REU PHILOSOPHY

Our REU philosophy is best summarized as a composite of four basic statements: (1) participating students are to be afforded the opportunity to engage fully in the complete scientific process, from conceiving an idea, implementing an investigation, to analyzing and presenting cogently their results; (2) students will think, not accept information passively, but question, analyze, and test via applications of their newly acquired knowledge and skills; (3) they shall enjoy the experience; and (4) they will presented with information and guidance to facilitate their exploration of career options. If, in the process, the participating faculty receive support for their own research interests, so much the better.

In practice, students must acquire a working knowledge of the fundamental principles and associated terminology of a given research area. Much of this material is best gleaned from the primary literature, which students must learn to use effectively. Higher-level thinking skills (e.g., integration, analysis, and decision-making) must be explained, modeled, and practiced. These activities (and these are active processes) are almost always best accomplished in the biological sciences by letting and encouraging (and occasionally forcing) the students to get their hands dirty.

As learning is an incremental process during which the student builds on a known foundation by making connections with new, previously unknown, but related information and skills, frequent feedback is essential, initially under circumstances entailing limited risk. Minimizing risk and providing frequent feedback enhances the student's opportunity for success. A challenge is provided by the very nature of the scientific endeavor—and research is, of course, at the very heart of science. The role of the faculty in this learning progression is to encourage an ever-increasing independence by shifting their own roles from initial guidance through facilitation and, finally, to mere assistance.

In summary, students will be challenged to succeed in the program and in pursuit of career goals as they learn to “do science” by establishing a knowledge base and then applying that knowledge and related skills to very real and stimulating research projects.

 

PREVIOUS REU PROGRAMS AT AVILA UNIVERSITY

     

 

  

Avila University has sponsored nine previous REU Programs in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1999 to the Dominican Republic, 2000 to Anguilla, 2002 to Grenada, 2004 to St. Eustatius, 2006 to St. Vincent, and 2008 to Dominica. A total of 83 students from 57 different colleges and universities have participated.

Betsy Cast (William Woods College) searches for lizards in Dominican rainforest.

 

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All but one participant in Avila REU Programs have published the results of their research in scientific journals (or will, in the case of the '08 participants). See the list of student-authored publications listed below.

Scott Sowell (University of North Florida) and Bob Powell look for hybrid anoles in a palm in Barahona, Dominican Republic

  

 

  

 

The Avila University REU Programs include 1–2 weeks of training and preparation, 3 weeks in the tropics, and 5 weeks devoted to data analysis and the preparation of presentations and manuscripts.

Tim Fobes (left, Northwest Missouri StateUniversity), Mike Schreiber (with camera, Rockhurst University), Hua Bui (blue shirt, University of Missouri-Kansas City), and Pete Zani (kneeling, Miami University) look on as Lisa White (Miami-Dade Community College) and Bob Powell discuss a recently captured specimen.

 

Research projects are chosen, designed, and implemented by students under the guidance of faculty with experience in herpetological research.

Kim Schneider (University of Florida) and Andrew Hardwick (Fontbonne College) use a "paint-gun" to spray lizards in order to estimate population sizes.

  

  Most projects have addressed aspects of natural history of frogs and squamate reptiles but, triggered by the diverse interests of participants, topics have ranged far afield — descriptions of new parasites and studies of the phylogeny of an introduced species, hybridization, and behavior.

Matt Gifford (Avila University) searches for sleeping lizards at night.

Study sites in the Dominican Republic have ranged from high-elevation pine- and cloudforests, mid-elevation rainforests, to low-elevation deserts.

Roland Sosa (San Diego State University and Loma Linda University) removes an interloper from a "sticky trap" placed to catch secretive, nocturnal lizards. Roland participated in the '95 program and joined the '99 program as a member of the faculty.

 

  

 

In 2000, we conducted research on Anguilla, where the herpetofauna is considerably less diverse than on Hispaniola. In addition to work on native species, we also documented the colonization of two exotic forms introduced by humans.

Stesha Pasachnik (Earlham College) uses a cliffside vantage point to observe activity of critically endangered Anguillian iguanas (Iguana delicatissima).

Even on a small island like Anguilla, environmental conditions vary from site to site, affecting the relationships between animals and the local climate.

April White (Southwest Missouri State University) seeks to capture an Anguillian Ground Lizard (Ameiva plei) using a noose fashioned from a fishing pole (upper left). The noosed lizards (upper right) were unceremoniously subjected to having their temperatures taken (lower) for a study of thermal biology.

 

  

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The fieldwork is intense, although students have been known to take a break by visiting the beach or playing tourist.

Saul Nava (University of Texas at El Paso) collects data on the microhabitat of a Dwarf Gecko (Sphaerodactylus parvus)

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Although this hillside on Grenada looks like pristine forest, all except the steepest slopes have been converted to agriculture — in this case, banana and nutmeg (the latter contributing to Grenada becoming known as the "spice island").

Jenny Germano (Miami University) and Jenn Sander (Lee University) collect data on the composition of herpetofaunal communities in variously altered habitats

  

 

Although the tropical sun is intense, students soon become acclimated to the climate.

Brian Greene (Wofford College) works to noose a Grenadian Ground Lizard (Ameiva ameiva).

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Sometimes field studies require getting to know your subjects.

Kate Williamson (Ohio Wesleyan University) holds an anole (Anolis aeneus)

  

 

  
Higher elevations on The Quill, a 600-m high volcanic peak on St. Eustatius, support diverse biotic communities.

Aaron Savit ( St. John's College, now at Earlham College) watches a Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris) forage through the litter on the slopes of The Quill.

 

 

Projects often include methods used to estimate population sizes.

Sarah Wissman ( University of New England, left) and Randa Hensley ( Haskell Indian Nations University) laying out a transect on the slopes of The Quill.

 

  

 

  

 

Low areas on tropical islands are often very dry.

Trevor Joyce ( University of Alaska) conducted a study in the dry, rugged hills of the Boven sector on St. Eustatius.

 

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"Doing" biology means getting to know your subjects.

Pamela Medina Díaz ( University of Puerto Rico) and a Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris).

  

 

  

Mark-recapture projects involve catching animals that often don't cooperate.

Angela Kerr ( Western Illinois University) attempting to noose a Ground Lizard (Ameiva erythrocephala).

 

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Technology is helpful when videotaping the foraging behavior of treeboas at night.

Alex Muensch (Avila University) and Helen Arnold (Arkansas State University-Beebe) try to follow a Cook's Treeboa (Corallus cookii) as it forages for sleeping lizards on St. Vincent.

  

 

  

Some subjects of research projects are not shy.

Alex Muensch ( Avila University) and a Cook's Treeboa (Corallus cookii).

 

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Assessing population densities and microhabitat associations involves marking animals (in this case, with a "paintgun").

Carlos Rodríguez (University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras) "shoots" an anole high overhead on a palm tree.

  

 

 

Close personal contact with the research subject isn't usually recommended.

Chris Mallery ( Willam Patterson University) and a Green Iguana (Iguana iguana).

 

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Sometimes you have to hike to a study site.

David Steinberg (Vanderbilt University) and Jessica Hite (University of Tennessee) return from sampling plots for Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus vincenti).

  

 

 

Getting to know your research subjects is important.

Sylvia Powell (Earlham College) and Mike Treglia (Cornell University) examined habitat associations of Cook's Treeboas (Corallus cookii).

 

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For some types of studies you have to get your hands on your subjects.

Esther Daniells (Colorado State University) draws blood for DNA analysis from a Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on Dominica. Lyndon Prince, who is working on a long-term study of iguanas on Dominica, is holding the iguana.

  

 

 

Recognizing individuals can be critically important.

Patrick Turk (Avila University) and Natalie Wyszinski (University of Tennessee) are painting a number on a Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) to facilitate individual recognition.

 

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Fieldwork in the tropics can be hot and sweaty.

Nelson Vélez (University of Puerto Rico) marks a Dominican Anole (Anolis oculatus) with a unique paint pattern in order to trace individual movements and behavior.

  

 

 

Although often not the focus of any project, encounters with rarely seen species can add some spice to the tropical experience.

Seth Rudman (University of Rochester) examining a Dominican Clouded Boa (Boa nebulosa) up close.

 
     

PUBLICATIONS BY UNDERGRADUATE PARTICIPANTS IN

AVILA REU PROGRAMS

(names of undergraduate participants are in bold type)

  1. Ackley, J.W. 2008. Most by land, some by sea: Photographing the obscure in Dominica. Iguana 15: 162–169.
  2. Ackley, J.W., P.J. Muelleman, R.E. Carter, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2009. A rapid assessment of herpetofaunal diversity in variously altered habitats on Dominica. Applied Herpetology 6: 171–184.
  3. Banbury, B.L. and Y.M. Ramos. 2005. The Rock Iguanas of Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos. Iguana 12: 256–261
  4. Banbury, B.L., Y.M. Ramos, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. The Cyclura of Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos. Iguana Times (J. Internatl. Iguana Soc.) 8(2): 3–7.
  5. Bowersox, S.R., S. Calderón, G. Cisper, R.S. Garcia, C. Huntington, A. Lathrop, L. Lenart, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., R. Powell, A. Queral, D.D. Smith, S.P. Sowell, and K.C. Zippel. 1994. Miscellaneous natural history notes on amphibians and reptiles from the Dominican Republic. Bull. Chicago Herpetol. Soc. 29: 54–55.
  6. Bowersox, S.R., S. Calderón, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1994. Nahrung eines Riesenanolis, Anolis barahonae, von Hispaniola, mit einer Zusammenfassung des Nahrungsspektrums westindischer Riesenanolis-Arten. Salamandra 30: 155–160.
  7. Brennan, A.M. , E.J. Censky, and R. Powell. 2009. Effects of chigger mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) infections on Ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) from the Anguilla Bank. Contemporary Herpetology 2009(1): 1–3.
  8. Bui, H.T., R. Powell, D.D. Smith, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and A. Lathrop. 1992. A new coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) from Anolis distichus (Sauria: Polychridae) in the Dominican Republic. J. Parasitol. 78: 784–785.
  9. Bui, H.T., D.D. Smith, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and A. Lathrop. 1992. A redescription of Eimeria helenlevineae (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Hemidactylus brooki haitianus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Hispaniola. Carib. J. Sci. 28: 109–110.
  10. Calderón, S., S.R. Bowersox, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis barahonae. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (609): 1–3.
  11. Calderón, S., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1994. Hemidactylus haitianus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) from the Dominican Republic: revisited after two years. Dactylus 2: 113–116.
  12. Cast, E.E., M.E. Gifford, K.R. Schneider, A.J. Hardwick, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 2000. Natural history of an anoline lizard community in the Sierra de Baoruco, República Dominicana. Carib. J. Sci. 36: 258–266.
  13. Cisper, G.L., C. Huntington, D.D. Smith, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and A. Lathrop. 1995. Four new Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from anoles (Lacertilia: Polychrotidae) in the Dominican Republic. J. Parasitol. 81: 252–255.
  14. Daniells, E.A., J.W. Ackley, R.E. Carter, P.J. Muelleman, S.M. Rudman, P.A. Turk, N.J. Vélez Espinet, L.A. White, and N.N. Wyszynski. 2008. An annotated checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of Dominica, West Indies. Iguana 15: 130–141.
  15. Díaz-Lameiro, A.M., H. Kaiser, and R. Powell. 2008. Pristimantis shrevei. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (844): 1–4.
  16. Díaz-Lameiro, A.M. , R. Powell, and Craig S. Berg. 2007. Colour and pattern polymorphism in Pristimantis shrevei and Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (Leptodactylidae) on St. Vincent, West Indies. Herpetological Bulletin (101): 18–25.
  17. Eaton, J.M., K.G. Howard, and R. Powell. 2001. Geographic distribution: Anolis carolinensis. Herpetol. Rev. 32: 118.
  18. Eaton, J.M., S.C. Larimer, K.G. Howard, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2002. Population densities and ecological release of a solitary species: Anolis gingivinus on Anguilla, West Indies. Carib. J. Sci. 38: 27–36.
  19. Fobes, T.M., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1993. Anolis cybotes. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (564): 1–5.
  20. Fobes, T.M., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1992. Natural history of Anolis cybotes (Sauria: Polychridae) in a disturbed habitat in Barahona, Dominican Republic. Carib. J. Sci. 28: 200–207.
  21. Fogarty, S.P., V.H. Zero, and R. Powell. 2004. Revisiting St. Eustatius: Estimating the population size of Lesser Antillean Iguanas ( Iguana delicatissima ). Iguana 11: 138–146.
  22. Garcia, R., A. Queral, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1994. Evidence of hybridization among green anoles (Lacertilia: Polychrotidae) from Hispaniola. Carib. J. Sci. 30: 279–281.
  23. Germano, J.M., J.M. Sander, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2003. Herpetofaunal communities in Grenada: A comparison of altered sites, with an annotated checklist of Grenadian amphibians and reptiles. Carib. J. Sci. 39: 68–76.
  24. Gifford, M.E. and R. Powell. 2002. Anolis longitibialis. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (749): 1–4.
  25. Gifford, M.E. and R. Powell. 2002. Anolis sheplani. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (750): 1–2.
  26. Gifford, M.E., Y.M. Ramos, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2003 ("2002"). Natural history of a saxicolous anole, Anolis longitibialis from Hispaniola. Herpetol. Nat. Hist. 9: 15–20.
  27. Glor, R.E., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1998. Cyclura ricordii. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (657): 1–3.
  28. Glor, R.E., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. Cyclura cornuta. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (709): 1–6.
  29. Greene, B.T., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2003. Mastigodryas bruesi. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (777): 1–3.
  30. Greene, B.T., D.T. Yorks, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2002. Discovery of Anolis sagrei in Grenada with comments on its potential impact on native anoles. Carib. J. Sci. 38: 270–272.
  31. Harris, B.R., D.T. Yorks, C.A. Bohnert, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 2004. Population densities and structural habitats in lowland populations of Anolis lizards on Grenada. Carib. J. Sci. 40: 31–40.
  32. Hartley, L.M., R.E. Glor, A.L. Sproston, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. Germination rates of seeds consumed by two species of Rock Iguanas (Cyclura spp.) in the Dominican Republic. Carib. J. Sci. 36: 149–151.
  33. Hartley, L.M., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee. 1998. Ameiva lineolata. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (654): 1–4.
  34. Heinz, H.M., A.J. Maley, A.Z. Savit, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2004. Behaviour and time allotment in the West Indian snake, Alsophis rufiventris (Colubridae). Herpetol. Bull. (89): 22–25.
  35. Heinz, H.M., A.Z. Savit, A.Z., A.J. Maley, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2005. Alsophis rufiventris. Foraging and diet. Herpetol. Rev. 36: 186–187.
  36. Hensley, R.L. and R. Powell. 2006. Sphaerodactylus sabanus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (809): 1–3.
  37. Hensley, R.L., A.Z. Savit, and R. Powell. 2006. Anolis schwartzi. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (816): 1–5.
  38. Hensley, R.L., S.M. Wissman, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2004. Habitat preferences and abundance of Dwarf Geckos (Sphaerodactylus) on St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Carib. J. Sci. 40: 427–429.
  39. Hite, J.L., C.A. Rodríguez Gómez, S.C. Larimer, A.M. Díaz-Lameiro, and R. Powell. 2008. Anoles of St. Vincent (Squamata: Polychrotidae): Population densities and structural habitat use. Caribbean Journal of Science 44: 102–115.
  40. Hite, J.L., D.S. Steinberg, and R. Powell. 2008. Sphaerodactylus kirbyi. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (852): 1–2.
  41. Howard, A.K., J.D. Forester, J.M. Ruder, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1999. Natural history of a terrestrial Hispaniolan anole: Anolis barbouri. J. Herpetol. 33: 702–706.
  42. Howard, A.K., J.D. Forester, J.M. Ruder, and R. Powell. 1997. Diets of two syntopic frogs: Eleutherodactylus abbotti and E. armstrongi (Leptodactylidae) from the Sierra de Baoruco, Hispaniola. Herpetol. Nat. Hist. 5(1): 77–82.
  43. Howard, K.G., J.M. Eaton, S.C. Larimer, and J.H. Townsend. 2001. Geographic distribution: Alsophis rijgersmaei. Herpetol. Rev. 32:121.
  44. Howard, K.G., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 2001. Natural history of the edificarian geckos Hemidactylus mabouia, Thecadactylus rapicauda, and Sphaerodactylus sputator on Anguilla. Carib. J. Sci. 37: 285–288.
  45. Huntington, C. and G.L. Cisper. 1994. A new host and locality record for Eimeria leiocephali (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) with comments on the type-host. Carib. J. Sci. 30: 152.
  46. Huntington, C., G. Cisper, D.D. Smith, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and A. Lathrop. 1996. Two new Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Amphisbaena manni (Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae) in the Dominican Republic. Carib. J. Sci. 32: 50–53.
  47. Huntington, C., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., G.L. Cisper, D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1997. Two new Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) from Ameiva spp. (Lacertilia: Teiidae) in the Dominican Republic. Rev. Brasileira Biol. 57: 11–14.
  48. Kerr, A.M., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2005. Ameiva erythrocephala (Teiidae) on Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles: Baseline data on a small population in a severely altered habitat. Carib. J. Sci. 41: 162–169.
  49. Kerr, A.M., V.H. Zero , and R. Powell. 2006. Ameiva erythrocephala. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (817): 1–4.
  50. Larimer, S.C. , R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2006. Effects of structural habitat on the escape behavior of the lizard, Anolis gingivinus . Amphibia-Reptilia 27: 569–574.
  51. Lenart, L.A., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis armouri. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (607): 1–3.
  52. Lenart, L.A., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1997. Anoline diversity in three differentially altered habitats in the Sierra de Baoruco, República Dominicana, Hispaniola. Biotropica 29: 117–123.
  53. Lenart, L.A., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1994 (1995). The diet and a gastric parasite of Anolis armouri, a cybotoid anole from montane pine forests in southern Hispaniola. Herpetol. Nat. Hist. 2(2): 97–100.
  54. Lenart, L.A. and S.P. Sowell. 1996. Anoline diversity in three differentially altered habitats in the Sierra de Baoruco, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola (abstracts in English, Spanish, and French), pp. 442–443. In R. Powell and R.W. Henderson (eds.), Contributions to West Indian Herpetology: A Tribute to Albert Schwartz. Soc. Study Amphib. Rept. Contrib. Herpetol., vol. 12. Ithaca, New York.
  55. Lynxwiler, J.R., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1991. Notes on the natural history of Hemidactylus brookii haitianus from the Dominican Republic. Dactylus 1(1): 2–9.
  56. Maley, A.J. 2004. Species profile: Alsophis rufiventris. Iguana (J. Intl. Iguana Soc.) 11: 147.
  57. Maley, A.J., A.Z. Savit, H.M. Heinz, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2006. Alsophis rufiventris. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (818): 1–4.
  58. Mallery, C.S., Jr. , M.A. Marcum , R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R.W. Henderson. 2007. Herpetofaunal communities of the leeward slopes and coasts of St. Vincent: A comparison of sites variously altered by human activity. Appl. Herpetol. 4: 313–325.
  59. Marcum, M.A., M.A. Powell, A.J. Muensch, H.F. Arnold, and R. Powell. 2008. Social behaviour of the dwarf gecko Sphaerodactylus vincenti vincenti on St. Vincent, Lesser Antilles. Salamandra 44: 15–22.
  60. Micco, S.M., G.J. Lahey, R.A. Sosa, R. Powell, E.J. Censky, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1997 (1998). Natural history of Leiocephalus barahonensis (Tropiduridae) on the Península de Barahona, Hispaniola: an examination of two populations. Herpetol. Nat. Hist. 5: 147–156.
  61. Medina Díaz, P., H.M. Heinz, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 2005. Population densities and structural habitats of Anolis lizards on St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Carib. J. Sci. 41: 296–306.
  62. Moster, J.A., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis brevirostris. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (610): 1–4.
  63. Moster, J.A., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1992. Natural history notes on a small population of Anolis brevirostris (Sauria: Polychridae) from altered habitat in the Dominican Republic. Bull. Maryland Herpetol. Soc. 28: 150–161.
  64. Nava, S.S., K.V.D. Hodge, J.J. Shew, and R. Powell. 2001. Geographic distribution: Sphaerodactylus sputator. Herpetol. Rev. 32: 121.
  65. Nava, S.S., C.R. Lindsay, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2001. Microhabitat, activity, and density of a dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus parvus) on Anguilla, West Indies. Amphibia-Reptilia 22: 455–464.
  66. Nava, S.S., C.R. Lindsay, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2002. Sphaerodactylus parvus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (752): 1–2.
  67. Nava, S.S., J.J. Shew, and R. Powell. 2001. Geographic distribution: Sphaerodactylus parvus. Herpetol. Rev. 32: 120–121.
  68. Nelson, S.E., B.L. Banbury, R.A. Sosa, and R. Powell. 2001. Natural history of Leiocephalus semilineatus in association with sympatric Leiocephalus schreibersii and Ameiva lineolata. Contemp. Herpetol. 2001(1): 1–6 + 4 figs. + 2 tables ( http://www.cnah.org/ch/ch/2001/1/index.htm).
  69. Nelson, S.E. and R. Powell, R. 2002. Leiocephalus semilineatus. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (751): 1–2.
  70. Pasachnik, S.A., J.J. Shew, J.H. Townsend, and R. Powell. 2002. Iguana delicatissima. Activity. Herpetol. Rev. 33: 51–52.
  71. Pasachnik, S.A., M. Breuil, and R. Powell. 2006. Iguana delicatissima. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (811): 1–14.
  72. Poche, A.J., Jr., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2005. Sleep-site selection and fidelity in Grenadian anoles (Reptilia: Squamata: Polychrotidae). Schlafplatzwahl und -treue bei Echsen der Gattung Anolis aus Grenada (Reptilia: Squamata: Polychrotidae). Herpetozoa 18: 3–10.
  73. Powell, M.A., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2006. Anolis sabanus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (815): 1–5.
  74. Powell, R., J.H. Greve, and A.K. Howard. 1998. Hispaniolan Eleutherodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) as hosts of immature Terranova (Nematoda: Ascarididae), with notes on additional nematodes. Carib. J. Sci. 34: 155–157.
  75. Powell, R., P.J. Hall, D.D. Smith, and J. Riley. 1993. The occurrence of Raillietiella sp. (Pentastomida: Cephalobaenida) in Hemidactylus haitianus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) from Hispaniola. Dactylus 2: 51–53.
  76. Powell, R. and R.W. Henderson. 2005. A new species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the West Indies. Carib. J. Sci. 41: 709–715.

  77. Powell, R. and R.W. Henderson. 2008. Exploitation of the night-light niche by a Dominican Racer. Iguana 15: 156–157.

  78. Powell, R., R.W. Henderson, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2005. Reptiles and Amphibians of the Dutch Caribbean: St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Maarten. St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation, Gallows Bay, St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles.
  79. Powell, R., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., L.R. White, and D.D. Smith. 1992. Notes on neonate Tropidophis haetianus (Squamata: Serpentes: Tropidophiidae) from Hispaniola. Bull. Chicago Herpetol. Soc. 27: 116–117.
  80. Powell, S.D. , M.L. Treglia , R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. Treeboas in the West Indies: Responses of Corallus cookii and C. grenadensis to disturbed habitats, pp. 374–387. In R.W. Henderson and R. Powell (eds.), Biology of the Boas and Pythons. Eagle Mountain Publishing LC, Eagle Mountain, Utah.
  81. Queral, A., R. Garcia, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1995. Agonistic responses by a grass anole, Anolis olssoni from the Dominican Republic, to male conspecifics. Amphibia-Reptilia 16: 313–321.
  82. Ramos, Y.M. and R. Powell. 2001. Anolis chlorocyanus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (728): 1–6.
  83. Ramos, Y.M. and R. Powell. 2001. Anolis coelestinus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (729): 1–5.
  84. Ruder, J.M., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1995. Eleutherodactylus rufifemoralis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (601): 1–2.
  85. Sander, J.M., J.M. Germano, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2003. Colour and pattern polymorphism in Eleutherodactylus johnstonei on Grenada. Herpetol. Bull. (83): 22–25.
  86. Sander, J.M., H. Kaiser, and R. Powell. 2003. Eleutherodactylus euphronides. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (764): 1–3.
  87. Savit, A.Z. 2004. [Review of:] Lizards: Windows to the Evolution of Diversity, by E.R. Pianka and L.J. Vitt. Iguana 11: 183–184.
  88. Savit, A.Z., A.J. Maley, H.M. Heinz, R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2005. Distribution and activity periods of Alsophis rufiventris (Colubridae) on The Quill, St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Amphibia-Reptilia 26: 418–421.
  89. Schell, P.T., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1993. Ameiva chrysolaema. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (563): 1–6.
  90. Schell, P.T., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1993. Natural history of Ameiva chrysolaema (Sauria: Teiidae) from Barahona, Dominican Republic. Copeia 1993: 859–862.
  91. Schneider, K.R., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. Escape behavior of Anolis lizards from the Sierra de Baoruco, Dominican Republic. Carib. J. Sci. 36: 321–323.
  92. Schreiber, M.C., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1995. Leiocephalus schreibersii. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (613): 1–4.
  93. Schreiber, M.C., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1993. Natural history of a small population of Leiocephalus schreibersii (Sauria: Tropiduridae) from altered habitat in the Dominican Republic. Florida Sci. 56: 18–27.
  94. Shew, J.J., E.J. Censky, and R. Powell. 2002. Ameiva corvina. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (747): 1–2.
  95. Shew, J.J., S.C. Larimer, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2002. Sleeping patterns and sleep-site fidelity of Anolis gingivinus on Anguilla. Carib. J. Sci. 38: 136–138.
  96. Sifers, S.M., M.L. Yeska, and R. Powell. 2001. Eleutherodactylus abbotti. Pattern polymorphism. Herpetol. Rev. 32: 180–181.
  97. Sifers, S.M., M.L. Yeska, Y.M. Ramos, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2001. Anolis lizards restricted to altered edge habitats in a Hispaniolan cloud forest. Carib. J. Sci. 37: 55–62.
  98. Simmons, P.M., B.T. Greene, K.E. Williamson, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2005. Ecological interactions within a lizard community on Grenada. Herpetologica 61: 124–134.
  99. Smith, D.D., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., R. Powell, L.R. White, and A. Lathrop. 1991. Tropidophis haetianus. Locomotion. Herpetol. Rev. 22: 132–133.
  100. Smith, D.D., R. Powell, P.A. Zani, and A. Lathrop. 1991. Osteopilus dominicensis. Behavior. Herpetol. Rev. 22: 129.
  101. Smith, D.D., P.T. Schell, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1994. Pharyngeal myiasis by sarcophagid larvae (Diptera) in Ameiva chrysolaema (Sauria: Teiidae) from the Dominican Republic. Carib. J. Sci. 30: 148–149.
  102. Smith, J.W., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis olssoni. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (611): 1–5.
  103. Smith, J.W., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., D.D. Smith, and A. Lathrop. 1994. Natural history notes on a population of Anolis olssoni (Sauria: Polychrotidae) from the Dominican Republic. Bull. Maryland Herpetol. Soc. 30: 67–75.
  104. Sosa, R.A., R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 1995. Hypsirhynchus, H. ferox. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (617): 1–4.
  105. Sowell, S.P., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis bahorucoensis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (608): 1–3.
  106. Sproston, A.L., R.E. Glor, L.M. Hartley, E.J. Censky, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1999. Niche differences among three sympatric species of Ameiva (Reptilia: Teiidae) on Hispaniola. J. Herpetol. 33: 131–136.
  107. Sproston, A.L., J.H. Greve, and R. Powell. 1997. Ameiva chrysolaema ficta. Parasitism. Herpetol. Rev. 28: 201.
  108. Sproston, A.L., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee. 1998. Ameiva leberi. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (670): 1–2.
  109. Steinberg, D.S., J.L. Hite, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2008. Sphaerodactylus vincenti. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (853): 1–6.
  110. Steinberg, D.S. , S.D. Powell , R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R.W. Henderson. 2007. Population densities, water loss rates, and diets of Sphaerodactylus vincenti on St. Vincent, West Indies. J. Herpetol. 41: 326–332.
  111. Townsend, J.H., J.M. Eaton, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R.W. Henderson. 2000. Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Anguilla, Lesser Antilles. Carib. J. Sci. 36: 326–328.
  112. Townsend, J.H., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2000. Alsophis rijgersmaei. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (717): 1–3.
  113. Treglia, M.L. 2006. An Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of St. Vincent, West Indies. Iguana 13: 251–262.
  114. Treglia, M.L., A.J. Muensch, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2008. Invasive Anolis sagrei on St. Vincent and its potential impact on perch heights of Anolis trinitatis. Caribbean Journal of Science 44: 251–256 .
  115. White, A.M., E.J. Censky, and R. Powell. 2002. Ameiva corax. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (746): 1–2.
  116. White, A.M., R. Powell, and E.J. Censky. 2002. On the thermal biology of Ameiva (Teiidae) from the Anguilla Bank, West Indies: Does melanism matter? Amphibia-Reptilia 23: 517–523.

  117. White, L.A. and P.J. Muelleman. 2008. Juvenile pattern and ontogenetic pattern changes in Dominican Racers. Iguana 15: 157–159.

  118. White, L.R., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1992. Typhlops syntherus. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (551): 1–2.
  119. White, L.R. and R. Powell. 1996. Celestus agasepsoides. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (627): 1–2.
  120. White, L.R., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1992. Food habits of three syntopic reptiles from the Barahona Peninsula, Hispaniola. J. Herpetol. 26: 518–520.
  121. Williamson, K.E., A.J. Poche, Jr., B.T. Greene, B.R. Harris, J.M. Germano, P.M. Simmons, D.T. Yorks, R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R.W. Henderson. 2002. Herpetofauna of Hog Island, Grenada. Herpetol. Bull. (82): 26–29.
  122. Williamson, K.E. and R. Powell. 2004. Gymnophthalmus underwoodi. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (793): 1–5.
  123. Wissmann, S.M., R.L. Hensley, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2005. Social behaviour in the dwarf geckos Sphaerodactylus sabanus and S. sputator from St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Salamandra 41: 45–50.
  124. Yeska, M.L., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. The lizards of Cayo Pisaje, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola. Herpetol. Rev. 31: 18–20.
  125. Yorks, D.T., R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2003. Typhlops tasymicris. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (780): 1–2.
  126. Yorks, D.T., K.E. Williamson, R.W. Henderson, R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2004. Foraging behavior in the arboreal boid Corallus grenadensis. Stud. Neotrop. Fauna Environ. 38: 167–172.
  127. Zani, P.A., S.I. Guttman, and R. Powell. 1993. The genetic relations of Anolis cristatellus (Sauria: Polychridae) from Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Carib. J. Sci. 29: 250–253.
  128. Zippel, K.C., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1994. Ialtris dorsalis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (592): 1–3.
  129. Zippel, K.C., R. Powell, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., S. Monks, A. Lathrop, and D.D. Smith. 1996. The distribution of larval Eutrombicula alfreddugesi (Acari: Trombiculidae) infesting Anolis lizards (Lacertilia: Polychrotidae) from different habitats on Hispaniola. Carib. J. Sci. 32: 43–49.

 

Future REU Programs

Natural History of a West Indian Herpetofauna

NOTE: The following information pertains to the 2008 REU Program in Dominica.

Avila University will NOT sponsor a program in 2009.

Please check this webpage for information pertaining to future programs.

 

Location of Dominica

For more information see: http://www.avirtualdominica.com/home.cfm

 

An anole (Anolis oculatus) on the windward coast of Dominica.

WHEN AND WHERE?

The program begins at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri on 26 May 2008 and terminates on 1 August 2008.

The three-week field trip to Dominica will be in June 2008.

 

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to undergraduates currently enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college or university who will not graduate before December 2008.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Applicants should have taken at least one science course and have an interest in pursuing a career in the natural sciences.

 

BENEFITS

The program will provide a $4500 stipend, all expenses associated with the field trip, and on-campus lodging for non-resident students.

An additional $800 is available for an accepted student residing outside the continental United States.

 

COSTS

Participants are financially responsible for travel to and from Kansas City, board while at Avila University, and tuition (at a reduced rate).

 

CREDIT

Students may earn up to 6 hrs of credit in biology research.

 

SENIOR FACULTY

Robert Powell, Professor of Biology, Avila University

John S. Parmerlee, Jr., Assistant Professor in Biology, Johnson County Community College

John Parmerlee with a Turnip-tailed Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) from Dominica.

Robert W. Henderson, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles, Milwaukee Public Museum

"Boa" Bob Henderson examining a Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) in Dominica

PROGRAM

Learn: (1) how to use the primary literature, (2) methods of field research, (3) computer applications (word processing, data analysis, graphics, presentations), (4) statistical data analysis, (5) writing for professional journals, (6) how to choose a graduate program, and (7) how to apply successfully to the graduate program of your choice.

Seminars: (1) history of Dominica, (2) political and economic realities in a developing nation, (3) tropical biology and conservation efforts in Caribbean nations, (4) how to write for science, (5) introduction to Macintosh computers, (6) using a research library, (7) the role of natural history museums in biological research, and (8) selection and application to graduate programs.

 

POSSIBLE RESEARCH PROJECTS

Natural History and Habitat Use by Anolis oculatus

Anolis oculatus

Male Anolis oculatus use their dewlaps (throat fans) to impress a lady or as part of an assertive behavioral display. These anoles are highly variable on Dominica. Compare this individual from the leeward coast to that illustrated in the figure above, which came from the windward coast.

 

Natural History and Habitat Use by Worm Lizards (Gymnophthalmus spp.)

 

These lizards are parthenogenetic (females produce viable eggs without fertilization). Almost nothing is known about their natural history.

 

Habitat Use and Foraging Behavior of Racers (Alsophis antillensis and Liophis juliae)

Very little is known about the ecology of these fast-moving snakes that feed primarily on lizards.

 

Habitat Use and Population Densities of Ground Lizards (Ameiva fuscata)

Dominican Ground Lizards are among the largest in the genus. These active foragers are dietary generalists.

 

Activity and Behavior of Lesser Antillean Iguanas (Iguana delicatissima)

Endangered throughout much of their range, these iguanas remain common on Dominica.

 

Other projects may examine the biology of Boa Constrictors, Skinks, or Geckos

 

Dominican Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor) differ from mainland populations in pattern and maybe in behavior.

The taxonomy of Lesser Antillean Skinks (Mabuya spp.) is not resolved and almost nothing is known about the ecology of any island populations. This individual is on a Strangler Fig (Ficus sp.) growing over the ruins of Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park.

Turnip-tailed Geckos (Thecadactylus rapicauda) are abundant on many Lesser Antillean islands, but few island populations have been studied.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form, carefully read the instructions, and submit it with an essay stating your career goals and any particular interests and skills you might bring to the program, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation from faculty members who know you and can assess accurately your abilities.

Deadlines are critical. We must make reservations for the trip as early as possible.

We will begin accepting applications in January 2008.

Applications received after 15 February 2008 will not be accepted.

 

Click here for a downloadable copy of an application form

Adobe Acrobat Reader required

 

Click here if you need to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 

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