Learn from UF/IFAS about the challenges associated with managing Burmese pythons, tegu lizards, and research with Peter’s rock agama!
Join us this winter at the annual CCI Lecture Series!
We are excited to welcome you to these in-person events at Blowing Rocks Preserve inside the Hawley Education Center’s Classroom.
Once registration is full, be sure to click the “Get Tickets” button to sign-up on our waitlist!
– All lectures are FREE of charge and fill up quickly.
– Advance registration is required and space is limited.
– Light refreshments provided.
– Recommended for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
*All attendees under 18 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult.
February 26 | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Title: On the Front Line: Florida’s Management Against Invasive Reptiles
Description:
Invasive, non-native species cause serious damage when introduced to Florida’s natural lands and waters. Because Florida’s climate is so hospitable, invasive species cause more of a crisis here than anywhere else in the continental United States. Come learn about the challenges associated with management of invasive reptiles and gain an overview of Dr. Miller’s research projects at the University of Florida/IFAS that aim to address these issues. Her focal projects include the initiation of a Burmese python telemetry scout program to increase python detection and removal, use of artificial intelligence smart traps to capture invasive tegu lizards, and research examining the potential impact of lesser studied nonnative reptiles, such as Peter’s rock agama.
Speaker: Dr. Melissa Miller
University of Florida / IFAS Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center
Invasion Ecologist
Biography:
Dr. Miller has over 13-years of experience studying biological invasions of large reptiles in Florida. She specializes in invasion ecology with a focus on understanding the mechanisms through which invasive species impact native ecosystems. Through applied and basic research of large invasive reptiles in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, she addresses ecological and evolutionary questions to further our understanding of the ecology, habitat use, and movement of invasive reptiles in southern Florida. This information helps aid natural resource managers with invasive species control efforts.
Be sure to check out the full series to register for more lecture topics scheduled for 1/29, 2/12, 3/12, and 3/26. All lectures take place 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
