On remnant lush native tallgrass prairies in Arkansas, a team of University of Arkansas Willson Lab biologists over the past two summers have discovered rare reptiles and amphibians, some in need of ecological conservation.
University of Arkansas Biologists Track Ancient Tallgrass Prairie Reptiles, Amphibians
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Ethan Royal holds an ornate box turtle affixed with a transmitter for tracking.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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The team has been scouring Chesney Prairie for rare creatures. The prairie is a protected native grassland remnant west of Siloam Springs.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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Ethan Royal, left, with Chelsea Kross and visiting Tufts University student, Gabriel Yerdon, are cataloging both common and rare reptiles and amphibians on Chesney Prairie.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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The team has spent hundreds of hours walking and searching various Arkansas prairie ecosystems in all weather conditions.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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The 82-acre Chesney Prairie contains endemic flowering plants and grasses, some in full summer bloom.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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Prairie bluestem grass roots extend several feet deep into prairie soil.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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Chelsea Kross carefully lifts a plywood coverboard, set in place earlier in the season to attract reptiles and amphibians.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
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A map shows historic remnant prairie and grassland parcels in northwest and western Arkansas.
Chelsea Kross / Willson Lab, University of Arkansas
