Welcome to the Amphibian and Reptile Ecology Laboratory at Lakehead University.  The laboratory is located in the Centennial Building (Main Lab: CB 3021, Phone 343-8670; Wet Lab and Animal Care Lab: CB 0026).  The laboratory is supervised by Dr. Stephen J. Hecnar with technical and research assistance provided by Mrs. Darlene Hecnar, B.Sc., and Dan Brazeau, M.Sc.

We conduct both basic and applied ecological research using amphibians and reptiles as model organisms.  Our research approach is empirical, largely field-based, and focuses on documenting and explaining the spatial and temporal dynamics of populations, communities and regional faunas.  Much of our research also involves conservation of herpetofauna.  Our lab-based research focuses on macroecology and ecotoxicology.  Financial support of our research has been provided by NSERC, U.S. EPA, PREA, Parks Canada, Ontario’s MNRF, Ontario Parks (Rondeau P.P.).  We frequently provide species identifications, advice and consulting services regarding amphibians and reptiles to the public, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.  Dr. Hecnar teaches courses in ecology, biogeography, global change biology, and herpetology, supervises honours and graduate thesis students, and he advises students in Biology, Water Resource Science, and Forest Sciences Programs.

 

Photographs and other content of personal pages © 2008-2016 S.J. Hecnar or used by permission of copyright holder.