@article{hutchens_deperno_2009, title={Efficacy of sampling techniques for determining species richness estimates of reptiles and amphibians}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1903-220X"]}, DOI={10.2981/08-024}, abstractNote={The ability to detect reptiles and amphibians is influenced by environmental and behavioural variables and detection probabilities, but studies to determine herpetofauna species richness often employ only a small number of sampling techniques, primarily drift fence arrays, visual encounter surveys, and coverboards (i.e. primary techniques). However, using only two or three sampling techniques can underestimate species richness. To evaluate the efficacy of sampling methodologies in determining the species richness of herpetofauna, we employed 11 different sampling techniques. We hypothesized that adding standardized road searches, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping grids, line transects, auditory surveys (i.e. secondary techniques), opportunistic encounters, aquatic funnel traps, crayfish traps and basking traps (i.e. tertiary techniques) would better portray species richness. Observed species richness (Sabs, species physically detected or observed), Chao2 estimates of species richness (S), unique species captured (i.e. species detected by only one technique), cost, and cost‐per‐species‐captured for individual techniques and categories (i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary) were used to determine efficacy. Primary capture methodologies detected 13 species (S = 14). Secondary and tertiary sampling techniques captured 18 and 24 species, respectively (S = 29 and 25). All sampling methodologies combined captured 33 species for a Chao2 estimate of 34. More unique species were captured by tertiary techniques than by primary or secondary methodologies. Costs for primary techniques were much higher than for secondary and tertiary methodologies. To better determine species richness, we recommend that future research incorporate multiple sampling methodologies in addition to more common techniques.}, number={2}, journal={WILDLIFE BIOLOGY}, author={Hutchens, Stan J. and DePerno, Christopher S.}, year={2009}, month={Jun}, pages={113–122} }
 @article{hutchens_deperno_2009, title={Measuring species diversity to determine land-use effects on reptile and amphibian assemblages}, volume={30}, ISSN={["1568-5381"]}, DOI={10.1163/156853809787392739}, abstractNote={AbstractPopulations of herpetofauna are declining globally primarily due to land-use practices (e.g., silviculture or conversion to agriculture) and declines require monitoring of all herpetofauna communities. Therefore, forest management plans for Bull Neck Swamp, a pocosin wetland in North Carolina, USA, initiated an inventory of the herpetofauna community. Our objectives were to: (1) derive diversity measures for four designated habitat preserves (i.e., Atlantic whitecedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides], Pond pine [Pinus serotina], Non-riverine Swamp, and Shoreline/Islands) and a Forest manageable area, (2) determine if there were benefits to habitat preserves for the herpetofauna community, and (3) provide recommendations for future monitoring. We employed 11 different sampling techniques across the four habitat preserves and Forest manageable area. Species richness estimates and similarity indices were derived using EstimateS 8.0. For post hoc comparisons, we derived species distributions with the Nestedness Temperature Calculator Program. Observed species richness ranged from 7 to 32 species (S = 13 to 44) and abundances ranged from 99 to 873 individuals. Similarity indices suggested species compositions were similar among habitats. Further, nestedness temperature (T = 12.6°C) indicated an even species distribution among assemblages. Comparable similarity indices among habitats, an even species distribution, and habitat continuity suggested management practices would have little impact on the herpetofauna community. Nevertheless, future management practices should be carefully considered and planned to mitigate effects to individual species. We recommend studies employ species richness, relative abundance, species composition, and distribution as conservation tools when inventorying or monitoring herpetofauna communities.
         }, number={1}, journal={AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA}, author={Hutchens, Stan and DePerno, Christopher}, year={2009}, month={Feb}, pages={81–88} }