Critical Habitat Assessment of the State Threatened Broad-Headed Skink

Authors

Allison Hullinger, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

Award Level

3rd Place - Empirical Graduate

Classification

Empirical Graduate

Abstract

The Broad-Headed Skink is a semi-arboreal species that inhabits deciduous forests of the southeastern United States. Eastern Kansas makes up the northwestern periphery of their range and thus serves as an important area for studying the conservation of the species. In order to better evaluate the conservation status of the Broad-Headed Skink and develop a Recovery Plan, critical habitat needs to be better defined. In 2016, we surveyed 117 sites at Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, and La Cygne Wildlife Area. We installed drift fences, performed visual encounter surveys, and conducted a habitat evaluation at each site. A total of 560 individuals were collected that represented 32 species and 39 Broad-Headed Skinks were observed. Critical habitat variables were assessed using a logistic regression where we found insignificant results. However, these results will help guide us into the final field season of this project where we hope to increase our sample size.

Faculty Advisor

Dr. William J. Stark

Department/Program

Biology

Submission Type

in-person poster

DOI

10.58809/IIQO8063

Date

5-3-2017

Rights

Copyright the Author(s)

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Hullinger, Allison (2017) "Critical Habitat Assessment of the State Threatened Broad-Headed Skink," SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days: Vol. 2017, Article 15.
DOI: 10.58809/IIQO8063
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2017/iss2017/15