Papers by Joseph Wasilewski
MorphoBank datasets
Verified non-indigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida from 1863 through 2010: Outlining the ... more Verified non-indigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida from 1863 through 2010: Outlining the invasion process and identifying invasion pathways and stages (Zootaxa 3028) 64 pp.; 30 cm.
Reptiles & Amphibians
O ustalet's Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard 1894) (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae), is indigeno... more O ustalet's Chameleon, Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard 1894) (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae), is indigenous to Madagascar (Henkel and Schmidt 2000). This species is found in a variety of dry and humid habitats, including montane wet savannas, deciduous dry forests, tropical rainforests , degraded habitats, and inside villages and cities, but is often rare in primary forests (Glaw and Vences 2007). It is one of the largest extant chameleons, growing to 700 mm total length (Henkel and Schmidt 2000). This species has been introduced to southern Florida, USA, where it has
Journal of Thermal Biology
Conserv Genet, 2011
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a large apex predator with an extensive but fragmen... more The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a large apex predator with an extensive but fragmented range. Crocodylus acutus suffered a population crash and was almost extirpated from Florida (USA) during the 1970s; however, in 2007 it was federally downlisted from endangered to threatened based on an increase of suitable habitat and a growing population. A genetic assessment of this population has not been performed even though foreign crocodiles have been released into Florida waters. Herein, we use mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers to characterize relationships among American crocodiles along the southern coast of Florida and reference samples from other countries. We detected inter-and intra-specific hybridization and unexpected population structure attributed to human-mediated migration of crocodiles from Latin America and the Greater Antilles. Our results suggest that the population size of crocodiles actually native to Florida should be reevaluated, particularly in light of ongoing admixture in this population. We reemphasize the utility of genetic markers in conservation and management programs for endangered species; especially those that can hybridize with closely related congeners. The American crocodile in Florida has recovered owing to successful conservation initiatives, but a long-term management protocol that takes genetic data into account is still needed.
Journal of the Ohio Herpetological Society, Dec 1, 2012
Reptiles & Amphibians
More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threate... more More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threaten many of Florida’s natural resources. The frequency of new reports mandates the need for regular updates. Herein, we use photographic and specimen vouchers in addition to literature records to provide updated information on verified nonindigenous amphibians and reptiles in Florida. Between our most recent summary in 2012 and the end of 2015, 38 additional species are known to have been intercepted (n = 2) or introduced (n = 36). We also update the invasion stage of seven species previously reported from Florida and report that five additional taxa are now established. In total, 191 independent known introductions of 180 herpetofaunal taxa led to the establishment of 63 taxa. This suggests that one in three introduced herpetofaunal species becomes established in Florida. The pet trade represents the most common introduction pathway among these species animal importer in Hollywood, Browa...
Biological Invasions, 2014
Tupinambis merianae, is a large, omnivorous tegu lizard native to South America. Two populations ... more Tupinambis merianae, is a large, omnivorous tegu lizard native to South America. Two populations of tegus are established in the state of Florida, USA, but impacts to native species are poorly documented. During summer 2013, we placed automated cameras overlooking one American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nest, which also contained a clutch of Florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) eggs, and one American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) nest at a site in southeastern Florida where tegus are established. We documented tegu activity and predation on alligator and turtle eggs at the alligator nest, and tegu activity at the crocodile nest.
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Papers by Joseph Wasilewski