Connecting Amphibians and Reptiles: An Ecology + Rights Approach (2026-2027)

Background

The Triangle region is at a critical moment for biodiversity. Rapid development has fragmented forests, wetlands and other habitats, creating barriers that limit wildlife movement, reduce genetic exchange and constrain species’ ability to adapt to climate change. Recent models developed by the Triangle Connectivity Collaborative (TCC) identify priority habitat patches, wildlife corridors and road-crossing hot spots where conservation efforts could significantly improve ecological connectivity.

Duke Forest and neighboring lands managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) sit at the heart of this regional network. These properties provide an ideal setting to test and refine connectivity models using real-world ecological and community data. This project focuses on three indicator species — four-toed salamanders, slimy salamanders and eastern box turtles — whose movement patterns span wetlands, upland forests and mixed-use landscapes. These species serve as sensitive barometers of ecosystem health and corridor function.

While past conservation strategies have relied on Western ecological science and policy tools, many have not fully incorporated community knowledge or ethical perspectives on land stewardship. This project brings together ecologists, humanists, conservation practitioners and Indigenous partners to explore how a “Rights of Nature” approach — one that recognizes nature’s right to exist, thrive and move — can broaden and enrich regional strategies for protecting connected landscapes.

Project Description

This team will combine field ecology, spatial modeling and ethical inquiry to examine how amphibians and reptiles move across fragmented landscapes and to identify meaningful opportunities for improving connectivity.

Students will conduct field surveys, track box turtle movements using Very High Frequency (VHF) telemetry and implement fine-scale visual encounter and occupancy surveys for slimy and four-toed salamanders. A small pilot using lightweight transmitters on spotted salamanders will help evaluate methods for studying hard-to-track species.

These observations will be paired with GIS analysis and barrier assessments such as culverts, verges and roads to validate and refine priority corridors identified by the TCC. Students will integrate new field data with existing connectivity models to flag areas where targeted interventions such as signage, fencing or culvert enhancements could improve wildlife passage.

The team will also collaborate with humanities scholars, Indigenous leaders and community partners to explore how a Rights of Nature “right to be connected” framework might shape corridor design, stewardship language and management decisions. Through readings, discussions and co-design workshops, students will develop practical guidance and ethical tools for conservation organizations working to sustain connected ecosystems in a rapidly changing region.

Anticipated Outputs

• Updated corridor hot spots and refined priority habitat maps
• Telemetry datasets for eastern box turtles and pilot movement data for spotted salamanders
• Occupancy models for salamander species and a geotagged barrier and crossing inventory
• Reproducible R/Python code and spatial analysis workflows
• A Rights of Nature to be Connected guide with example stewardship language for land managers
• Cost estimates, monitoring plans and recommended near-term interventions
• A follow-on implementation plan outlining sites, roles and timelines for partners
• Student posters, capstones, public-facing maps
• Manuscript or white paper to support continued work

Student Opportunities

Ideally, this project will include 4 graduate students and 6 undergraduates interested in research that blends ecology, data science, ethics and community engagement.

Students will gain skills in:

• Wildlife field methods, mark-recapture techniques and VHF telemetry
• Visual encounter and occupancy surveys for amphibians
• GIS analysis, corridor modeling and spatial data interpretation
• Conducting interviews or focus groups with conservation partners, pending IRB approval
• Ethical inquiry and Rights of Nature frameworks
• Science communication, mapmaking and public-facing writing

Undergraduates will support field surveys, data management, spatial visualization and communication products. Graduate students will help lead subteams (e.g., field; GIS and analytics; and ethics and engagement), support partner coordination and guide analytic and ethical inquiry. All students will contribute to the spring showcase and to products designed for use by conservation organizations across the Triangle.

In Fall 2026, this team will meet on Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m.

Timing

Summer 2026 (optional): Finalize permits and coordination with partners

Fall 2026:

• Initial salamander surveys and box turtle telemetry
• GIS site selection and barrier assessments
• Corridor model refinement
• Ethics Colloquy I and Partner Workshop I

Spring 2027:

• Targeted resurveying and barrier and crossing audits
• Micro-intervention planning and vetting with partners
• Ethics Colloquy II
• Production of maps, briefs and implementation recommendations
• Spring showcase presentations

Crediting