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Davis Herpetology Lab

The Davis Herpetology Lab at Eastern New Mexico University focuses on the applied ecology and conservation of North American amphibians and reptiles, particularly across the southwestern and midwestern United States. We have conducted studies involving emerging technologies (environmental DNA, drones), behavioral ecology, stress physiology, disease ecology, ecotoxicology, and natural history to gain a deeper insight into threats and challenges species and populations face, all with the goal of helping to conserve both species and critical habitat. Recent work has primarily focused on applied conservation projects, but questions expanding basic and theoretical knowledge have also been asked. In addition to field- and laboratory-based studies, my lab also utilizes museum collections and specimen-based research to further our understanding of topics concerning amphibian and reptile ecology and taxonomy, such as morphological studies, retrospective pathogen sampling, dietary studies, and examining community change through time. Studies understanding the distribution and ecology of non-native species have become a recent area of interest, particularly with non-native lizards.

**NEWS**: The DHL is moving to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas, starting in January 2027. I will be recruiting fully funded M.S. students for Fall 2027. Please check back for an official advertisement in Spring 2027, but I encourage interested students to go ahead and email me. UTRGV undergraduate students interested in getting involved in research should feel free to email me (drew.davis [at] utrgv.edu) to discuss their interests and opportunities to get involved with the lab.