BRADEN J. DEWEERD
M.S. Student
Graduate Research Assistant
Education:
M.S. Biology, Eastern New Mexico University (in progress)
B.S. Biology, Calvin University, 2025
Research Project: Assessing the distribution of SGCN frog species and their threats in eastern New Mexico
Research Overview: I am a wildlife enthusiast dedicated to understanding and protecting imperiled herpetofauna. At ENMU, I will be conducting surveys for three SGCN frog species along the Pecos River: the Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi), Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Rana berlandieri), and Plains Leopard Frog (R. blairi). Additionally, I may also conduct surveys for the Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii) in east-central New Mexico. Using the collected survey data, I will evaluate habitat correlates for species presence to inform conservation and management decisions. I will also monitor invasive American Bullfrog (R. catesbeiana) populations and will contribute to management efforts through community engagement and individual frog removal in the field.
Publications:
Green KE, Kuschel JE, Summo Elias SD, DeWeerd BJ, Davis DR. In review. New distributional records of Hemidactylus aff. malcolmsmithi from south Texas, USA. Herpetological Review.
Davis DR, Haag MM, DeWeerd BJ. In review. Geographic distribution: Hemidactylus turcicus (Mediterranean gecko). Herpetological Review.
Haag MM, DeWeerd BJ, Myers CJ, Davis DR. In review. Rana catesbeiana (American bullfrog). Diet. Herpetological Review.
DeWeerd BJ, Gorum LW, Davis DR. In review. Crotalus atrox (western diamond-backed rattlesnake). Diet. Herpetological Review.
Technical Reports:
DeWeerd BJ, Davis DR. 2026. Assessing the distribution and threats of SGCN frog species in eastern New Mexico. Final Report to New Mexico Department of Wildlife. 32 pp.
Presentations:
DeWeerd BJ, Davis DR. 2026. Updating distribution and threat assessments for SGCN anurans along the Pecos River. New Mexico Department of Wildlife, State Wildlife Action Plan Core Team; November 2026 [oral presentation]
DeWeerd BJ, Davis DR. 2026. Updating distribution and threat assessments for SGCN anurans along the Pecos River. Eastern New Mexico University, Student Research and Creativity Conference; Portales, New Mexico; April 2026 [poster presentation]
