SEBASTIAN SUMMO ELIAS
M.S. Student
Graduate Research Assistant

E-mail: sebastian.summoelias (at) enmu.edu

Research Project: Validating a species distribution model for the Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) in eastern New Mexico

Education:
M.S. Biology; Eastern New Mexico University, 2026
B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida, 2022

Research Overview: My thesis research is based on conducting surveys for the state-threatened Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) in eastern New Mexico in order to validate a habitat suitability model for the species created by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. While doing these surveys, additional data will be collected on the snakes to identify population trends, answer ecological questions, and better understand threats facing this species across the region. I am also working on a project mapping core and peripheral populations of the parthenogenic New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus) across its range in the southwestern USA.

Publications:
Summo Elias SD, Freitas KA, Travieso RE, Davis DR. 2024. Phelsuma grandis (Madagascar giant day gecko). Diet. Herpetological Review 55:569. [PDF]

Hutcherson ZA, Green KE, Summo Elias SD, Davis DR. 2024. Geographic distribution: Hemidactylus turcicus (Mediterranean gecko). Herpetological Review 55:371–372. [PDF]

Summo Elias SD, Davis DR. 2024. Tantilla nigriceps (plains black-headed snake). Predation. Herpetological Review 55:290–291. [PDF]

Summo Elias SD, Cuevas-Hernandez J, Davis DR. 2024. Geographic distribution: Hemidactylus mabouia (wood slave). Herpetological Review 55:218–219. [PDF]