Our Mission:
To educate the general public about these frequently misunderstood animals, promote conservation of all wildlife, especially reptiles and amphibians, and to encourage cooperation between amateur and professional herpetologists toward a broader and deeper knowledge of this fascinating field.
Next Speaker :
2017-10-25
Christopher Pellecchia : Conservation and Ecology of Endangered Rock Iguanas in the Dominican Republic click for more/less infoThe Dominican Republic features a unique ecological phenomenon within the genus Cyclura: the sympatry of two species of Rock Iguana. The critically endangered Ricord's Rock Iguana (C. ricordii) has a limited distribution within the southwestern DR, while the vulnerable Rhinoceros iguana, (C. cornuta) has distinct geographically isolated populations throughout the country. Christopher Pellecchia is currently conducting field research in the Dominican Republic on both species of Cyclura. This presentation will be an overview of the current research being conducted on the species including field observations from the 2017 summer field season. This talk will dive into novel discoveries within the burrow ecology, nesting habits, population ecology, and interspecific interactions of both iguana species. You will also learn about the existential threats these iguanas face including poaching, the illegal charcoal trade, and habitat loss. This talk will also outline the trials and tribulations of international field research and reptile conservation.
Christopher Pellecchia is a Ph.D. student & NASA/MSSGC fellow at the University of Southern Mississippi and a staff member of the International Reptile Conservation Foundation, Inc. Christopher received his B.S. from Auburn University in 2013 and his M.S. from Jacksonville State University in Alabama in 2015. Christopher is also a member of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group. His research interests include exploring and understanding patterns in population/community ecology, evolution, and conservation biology of reptiles. Currently, he is interested in the conservation, ecology, behavior, reproduction, and life history strategies of iguanid lizards. His other research interests include management of invasive reptile populations, imperiled reptile species headstart program implementation with in situ conservation management, and the impacts of the illegal trade of reptiles. Christopher is also a passionate herpetoculturalist, with extensive experience in captive reptile husbandry and reproduction. His captive collection's current focal species are Rhinoceros Iguanas and Sand Boas. Christopher's herpeto-focused background spans academia, non-profit conservation organizations, international advocacy groups, federal and state agencies, the reptile hobby, and the reptile industry, providing a unique perspective on current reptile research, reptile conservation, and reptile ownership.
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