Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1992
Thesis Director
Edward O. Moll
Abstract
A herpetofaunal survey was conducted on two sand prairie areas in Will Co., IL.; The Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve (BD+S), and Sandridge Savanna. Drift fences with pitfall traps, herpetological attractor panels, aquatic hoop traps, and manual collecting were used to sample the two preserves. A species list was compiled, and the habitat preferences and relative abundance of each species present were determined. The species list was compared with the species lists of other Illinois sand areas and the Nebraska sandhills. Guilds represented by the herpetofaunae of each area were also compared.
Seventeen species were recorded at BD+S and five were recorded at Sandridge. Based on this and previous studies, a total of 20 reptile and amphibian species are believed to exist at BD+S. The herpetofaunal composition of BD+S and Sandridge was found to be similar to that of the Nebraska sandhills and even more similar to that of other sand areas in Mason Co., IL., while being least like the herpetofaunal composition of the non-sand areas of Will Co. Because of the sand-specific nature of many of the reptiles and amphibians present at BD+S and Sandridge, these areas, and others like them, are important in maintaining populations of such species in the county and the State.
Recommended Citation
O'Connell, Daniel J., "A Herpetofaunal Survey of the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve" (1992). Masters Theses. 2202.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2202
