Urban Ecology

Salamander population dynamics in relation to land-use in Eastern Kentucky

Human-induced, land-use changes are among the primary causes of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Across central Appalachia, land-use change represents a stressor to stream ecosystems. Read more.

Long-term Response of an Upland Oak Forest to Repeated Prescribed Fire

Our understanding that fire of mostly anthropogenic origin has been an important disturbance agent in upland oak ecosystems in the Central Hardwood and Central Appalachian regions prehistorically has led to increased interest in the use of prescribed fire by contemporary forest managers. Read more.

Impacts of snake fungal disease on wild snake populations

Snake fungal disease is an emerging threat to snake populations in the Commonwealth and throughout the eastern US. Infected snakes often have skin ulcers, facial swelling, unusual molting and aberrant behaviors. Read more.

Biology and Ecology of wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), an exotic invasive plant species

Euonymus fortunei is an evergreen liana endemic to Asia and introduced to North America in the early 20th Century. It has since become a widespread and ecologically destructive invader, especially in the central Bluegrass where it limits the recruitment and growth of native plant species. Read more.