Project T-113-R1

Project Title: Critical Conservation Issues and Adaptive Management of Imperiled Herpetofauna in Illinois

Community and/or Species Focus: SGCN herpetofauna

1. Identify information gaps and determine the needed conservation actions for SGCN herpetofauna
2. Create species best management practices guide sheets for the remaining endangered and threatened (E&T) herpetofauna
3. Select at least 2 high priority E&T herpetofauna and draft a conservation plan for each
4. Provide guidance documentation for conducting controlled burns on SGCN and E&T herpetofauna
5. Continue ongoing efforts for the alligator snapping turtle as part of its recovery plan

1. ​A list of information gaps and ranked conservation actions for SGCN herpetofauna and prioritized rankings of species in the most need of conservation
2. A fully written best management practices guidelines for all E&T herpetofauna
3. At least 2 conservation plans for 2 separate species
4. Guidelines for the timing and use of prescribed fire for managing​ herpetofauna habitat
5. A 6-year assessment of the efficacy of alligator snapping turtle reintroduction

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 1/1/17 - 12/31/19

Principle Investigator(s): Mike Dreslik (Illinois Natural History Survey) 

Final Report: Project is currently underway; "Achievements" are projections of what is to be accomplished.