Winthrop University Explores Reptile Research
In a preliminary meeting to define possible fellowships/internships, Dr. Kiyoshi Sasaki from Winthrop University, along with four students and two volunteers visited the Carolina Wildlands Foundation Biological Field Station at Southern 8ths Farm to explore habitats for future research projects on reptiles.
Reptiles such as the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), Yellow Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta), Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula), and many other species are found on the property.
The Winthrop group experienced a five-hour tour of the property’s various habitats. Southern 8ths has various ecosystems supporting a wide range of wildlife including fresh water streams, still ponds, bottomland and pine forests, rocky outcroppings, and prairies. The Winthrop Fellows hope to propose student research projects studying Timber Rattlesnakes and the Easter Box Turtle.
Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)
The students found some reptile species on their tour including the Eastern Box Turtle and Yellow Bellied Slider. Some other interesting sights on the tour included deer tracks, old beaver dam, tree burl, hog damage, and Amanita fungi.
We are looking forward to working with the staff and students from Winthrop University and seeing the results of their research!
