Nathan Shepard's photostream  

Currently I'm writing my master's thesis on the effects of trails and roads on the survivorship of the Cheat Mountain Salamander. I am also looking into human disturbances and how these disturbed habitats can alter competitive interactions with sympatric woodland salamanders. Aside from my work I often travel, whether for a weekend break nearby or for longer periods somewhere across the country. I find it hard to settle down too long in one place, there is always something new to see. I try to enjoy life and do the sort of things that I think fulfill it while still trying to realize everything we do as a species and as individuals has a impact on the whole. Just like in nature I try to live at a balance.


Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi) - My research animal.

As a side project I am monitoring an isolated population of the Stream-Side Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri). This species is rare in West Virginia and might only be surviving in one small area within the state.

Stream-Side Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri).