University of Michigan-Flint

Faculty Name:  Ernest Szuch

Department:  Biology

Campus Address:  264 Murchie Science Building

Email:  eszuch@umflint.edu

Phone:  810-762-3360

Project Description:  Murphy Lake State Game Area, located in southern Tuscola County, Michigan, is home to the only population of a lizard known as the Six-lined Racerunner, Aspidoscelis sexlineata, in Michigan. Although this species is legally protected in the State, more information is required to begin to appropriately manage Six-lined Racerunners in Michigan. Radio transmitters will be attached to some individuals (adult males and females) in order to track them throughout the active season (June - August)to generate detailed information on daily activity patterns, seasonal activity patterns and patterns of habitat use of the extremely small area where the animals are located. This project will also generate estimates of distances travelled, home range sizes and use of marginal habitats available to the animals. This information will be disseminated to biologists at the state level which may allow wildlife managers to make proper decisions when managing the species.

Semesters Desired:  Fall 2011 AND Winter 2012

GSRA Position Description:  Primary research duties include the following: capturing lizards using drift fences and pitfall traps; making routine morphological measurements of captured animals (e.g., SVL & mass); attaching radio-transmitters to lizards; tracking transmitter-equipped lizards using a scanning receiver and antenna; marking locations of transmitter-equipped lizards using a GPS unit; re-capturing transmitter-equipped lizards to remove transmitters.  Additional duties include assisting with the following: bi-weekly Visual Encounter Surveys of lizards; fluorescent powder marking and tracking of juvenile and hatchling lizards.  Analyze GPS data using GIS.

Specific Day/Time Requirements:  None identified

Special Requirements:  Strong desire to work in a natural setting with live animals and a demonstrated interest in wildlife biology.  Previous experience with reptiles and field work.  Ability to use GPS and radio telemetry equipment.  Ability to analyze GPS data using GIS.

Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply:  Candidate in mind