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
endeavorand 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

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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 |
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The
Avila University REU Programs include 12 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.
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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. |
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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.
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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 |
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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) |
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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.
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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.
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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PUBLICATIONS
BY UNDERGRADUATE PARTICIPANTS IN
AVILA
REU PROGRAMS
(names of undergraduate
participants are in bold type)
- Ackley, J.W.
2008. Most by land, some by sea: Photographing the obscure in Dominica. Iguana
15: 162–169.
- 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.
- Banbury,
B.L. and Y.M.
Ramos. 2005. The Rock Iguanas of Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos. Iguana
12: 256–261
- 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): 37.
- 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: 5455.
- 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: 155160.
- 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.
- 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: 784785.
- 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: 109110.
- Calderón, S., S.R. Bowersox, J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell.
1995. Anolis barahonae. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (609): 13.
- 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: 113116.
- 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:
258266.
- 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: 252255.
- 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.
- Díaz-Lameiro, A.M.,
H. Kaiser, and R. Powell.
2008. Pristimantis shrevei.
Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (844): 1–4.
- 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): 1825.
- Eaton, J.M., K.G. Howard, and R. Powell. 2001. Geographic
distribution: Anolis carolinensis. Herpetol. Rev. 32: 118.
- 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: 2736.
- Fobes, T.M., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1993. Anolis
cybotes. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (564): 15.
- 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:
200207.
- 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.
- 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: 279281.
- 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.
- Gifford, M.E. and R. Powell. 2002. Anolis longitibialis.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (749): 14.
- Gifford, M.E. and R. Powell. 2002. Anolis sheplani.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (750): 12.
- 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: 1520.
- Glor, R.E., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1998. Cyclura ricordii.
Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (657): 13.
- Glor, R.E., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. Cyclura
cornuta. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (709): 16.
- Greene, B.T., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2003. Mastigodryas
bruesi. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (777): 13.
- 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:
270272.
- 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.
- 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: 149151.
- Hartley, L.M., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee. 1998. Ameiva lineolata.
Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (654): 14.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hensley, R.L.
and R. Powell. 2006. Sphaerodactylus sabanus. Cat. Amer. Amphib.
Rept. (809): 1–3.
- Hensley, R.L.,
A.Z. Savit, and R. Powell. 2006. Anolis schwartzi.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (816): 1–5.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hite, J.L.,
D.S. Steinberg,
and R. Powell. 2008. Sphaerodactylus kirbyi.
Catalogue of American Amphibians
and Reptiles (852): 1–2.
- 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: 702706.
- 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): 7782.
- Howard, K.G., J.M. Eaton, S.C. Larimer, and J.H.
Townsend. 2001. Geographic distribution: Alsophis rijgersmaei.
Herpetol. Rev. 32:121.
- 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: 285288.
- 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.
- 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: 5053.
- 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: 1114.
- 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: 162169.
- Kerr, A.M.,
V.H. Zero , and R. Powell. 2006. Ameiva erythrocephala.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (817): 1–4.
- 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.
- Lenart, L.A., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis
armouri. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (607): 13.
- 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: 117123.
- 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): 97100.
- 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. 442443.
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.
- 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): 29.
- Maley, A.J. 2004. Species profile: Alsophis rufiventris.
Iguana (J. Intl. Iguana Soc.) 11: 147.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: 1522.
- 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: 147156.
- 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: 296306.
- Moster, J.A., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis
brevirostris. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (610): 14.
- 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: 150161.
- Nava, S.S., K.V.D. Hodge, J.J. Shew, and
R. Powell. 2001. Geographic distribution: Sphaerodactylus sputator.
Herpetol. Rev. 32: 121.
- 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: 455464.
- Nava, S.S., C.R. Lindsay, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2002.
Sphaerodactylus parvus. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (752): 12.
- Nava, S.S., J.J. Shew, and R. Powell.
2001. Geographic distribution: Sphaerodactylus parvus. Herpetol. Rev.
32: 120121.
- 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): 16 + 4 figs. + 2 tables ( http://www.cnah.org/ch/ch/2001/1/index.htm).
- Nelson, S.E. and R. Powell, R. 2002. Leiocephalus semilineatus.
Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (751): 12.
- Pasachnik, S.A., J.J. Shew, J.H.
Townsend, and R. Powell. 2002. Iguana delicatissima. Activity.
Herpetol. Rev. 33: 5152.
- Pasachnik, S.A.,
M. Breuil, and R. Powell. 2006. Iguana delicatissima. Cat. Amer.
Amphib. Rept. (811): 1–14.
- 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: 310.
- Powell, M.A.,
R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2006. Anolis sabanus. Cat. Amer. Amphib.
Rept. (815): 1–5.
- 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: 155157.
- 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: 5153.
- Powell, R. and R.W. Henderson. 2005.
A new species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the West
Indies. Carib. J. Sci. 41:
709–715.
-
Powell,
R. and R.W. Henderson. 2008. Exploitation of the night-light niche by a
Dominican Racer. Iguana 15: 156–157.
- 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.
- 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: 116117.
- 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. 374387. In R.W. Henderson
and R. Powell (eds.), Biology of the Boas and Pythons. Eagle Mountain Publishing
LC, Eagle Mountain, Utah.
- 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: 313321.
- Ramos, Y.M. and R. Powell. 2001. Anolis chlorocyanus.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (728): 16.
- Ramos, Y.M. and R. Powell. 2001. Anolis coelestinus.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (729): 15.
- Ruder, J.M., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1995. Eleutherodactylus
rufifemoralis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (601): 12.
- 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.
- Sander, J.M., H. Kaiser, and R. Powell. 2003. Eleutherodactylus
euphronides. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (764): 1–3.
- Savit, A.Z. 2004. [Review
of:] Lizards: Windows to the Evolution of Diversity, by E.R. Pianka and L.J.
Vitt. Iguana 11: 183184.
- 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: 418421.
- Schell, P.T., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1993. Ameiva
chrysolaema. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (563): 16.
- 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: 859862.
- 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: 321323.
- Schreiber, M.C., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 1995. Leiocephalus
schreibersii. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (613): 14.
- 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: 1827.
- Shew, J.J., E.J. Censky, and R. Powell. 2002. Ameiva corvina.
Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (747): 12.
- 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: 136138.
- Sifers, S.M., M.L. Yeska, and R. Powell.
2001. Eleutherodactylus abbotti. Pattern polymorphism. Herpetol. Rev.
32: 180181.
- 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: 5562.
- 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: 124134.
- Smith, D.D., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., R. Powell, L.R. White, and A. Lathrop.
1991. Tropidophis haetianus. Locomotion. Herpetol. Rev. 22: 132133.
- Smith, D.D., R. Powell, P.A. Zani, and A. Lathrop. 1991. Osteopilus
dominicensis. Behavior. Herpetol. Rev. 22: 129.
- 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: 148149.
- Smith, J.W., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis
olssoni. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (611): 15.
- 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: 6775.
- Sosa, R.A., R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 1995. Hypsirhynchus,
H. ferox. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (617): 14.
- Sowell, S.P., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1995. Anolis
bahorucoensis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (608): 13.
- 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:
131136.
- Sproston, A.L., J.H. Greve, and R. Powell. 1997. Ameiva chrysolaema
ficta. Parasitism. Herpetol. Rev. 28: 201.
- Sproston, A.L., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee. 1998. Ameiva leberi.
Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (670): 12.
- Steinberg,
D.S.,
J.L. Hite, R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2008. Sphaerodactylus
vincenti.
Catalogue of American Amphibians
and Reptiles (853): 1–6.
- 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: 326332.
- 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: 326328.
- Townsend, J.H., R. Powell, and R.W. Henderson. 2000. Alsophis
rijgersmaei. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (717): 13.
- Treglia, M.L.
2006. An Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of St. Vincent,
West Indies. Iguana 13: 251–262.
- 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 .
- White, A.M., E.J. Censky, and R. Powell.
2002. Ameiva corax. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (746): 12.
- 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: 517523.
-
White,
L.A. and P.J. Muelleman. 2008. Juvenile pattern
and ontogenetic pattern changes in Dominican Racers. Iguana 15: 157–159.
- White, L.R., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1992. Typhlops
syntherus. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (551): 12.
- White, L.R. and R. Powell. 1996. Celestus agasepsoides.
Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (627): 12.
- 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: 518520.
- 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.
- Williamson, K.E. and R. Powell. 2004. Gymnophthalmus
underwoodi. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (793): 1–5.
- 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: 4550.
- Yeska, M.L., R. Powell, and J.S. Parmerlee, Jr. 2000. The lizards
of Cayo Pisaje, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola. Herpetol. Rev. 31: 1820.
- Yorks, D.T., R.W. Henderson, and R. Powell. 2003. Typhlops
tasymicris. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. (780): 12.
- 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.
- 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: 250253.
- Zippel, K.C., J.S. Parmerlee, Jr., and R. Powell. 1994. Ialtris
dorsalis. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. (592): 13.
- 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: 4349.
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

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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