Josh Ream, a graduate student at UAF, researches amphibians near Shakes Hot Springs on June 11. Reams will be in Wrangell later this month to conduct research on frogs native to Alaska.
A graduate student from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks is undertaking a study of Wrangell’s amphibians at Muskeg Meadows golf course – and is asking for the public’s help in his research.
According to Joshua Ream, a doctoral candidate at UAF, the golf course is of particular interest because amphibians found on the island are easier to access and research near the property.
“The majority of my project on local knowledge of amphibian species and the six native species found in Alaska are all in Southeast,” Ream said. “The Stikine in particular is extremely biodiverse. Through local accounts, I have been told the area near the golf course is a place where people can interact fairly frequently with amphibians.”
Ream is scheduled to be in the Wrangell area June 17-21 to conduct his research and is asking for community support in his endeavor.
“I have been traveling to Wrangell for about three years now, and I like to interview people about their knowledge when I am in town. I also did a mail survey around Wrangell to get an idea of local knowledge about amphibians, which I am still analyzing. Wrangell has been very generous to me in my studies and research, so I am looking for ongoing support as my research moves forward.”
A logbook is being kept at the course to allow those interested in helping with Ream’s research. Specifically, Ream is looking for information relating to where frogs are found on the golf course and their size, whether frogs can be heard during spring months, and if tadpoles can be seen in ponds.
“If they are able to take pictures for me, that is the best way they can contribute as citizen-scientists,” he added. “Beyond finding out what is on the island, we’re looking for a long-term citizen involvement.”
Wrangellites interested in taking part in the research can stop by the golf course and enter their data into the logbook during regular business hours. Information about particular species in Alaska can be found at http://www.akherpsociety.org.
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