Sarah Timko & Christian Law check for red back salamanders at James River Park.

Sarah Timko & Christian Law check for red back salamanders at James River Park.

We are part of the Salamander Population Adaptation Research Collaboration Network (SPARCnet), a network of researchers studying the effects of climate change and land use on the eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus).

We are studying the dynamics of red back populations in the James River Park System in Richmond, VA.

Interested in joining the Red-backed Salamander project?

The population dynamics of eastern red-backed salamanders project is a great way for students to gain hands on experience with field research. We are always looking for interested students who want to get involved! Below are some resources for you to review that will provide more background information on red-backed salamanders, the SPARCnet project and framework, and how this data is being used across a larger scale for habitat and species conservation. After reviewing this information, if this still seems like something you want to get involved with, please contact Dr. Kristine Grayson (kgrayson@richmond.edu) and Hannah Coovert (hcoovert@richmond.edu).

Two Red-backed Salamanders found under a cover board. (Photo: Hannah Coovert)

Juvenile Red-backed Salamander with lead color morph. (Photo: Hannah Coovert)