J. Whitfield Gibbons

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
P O Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
(803) 725-5852 / 725-5733 office
(803) 725-3309 fax
gibbons(at)srel.edu

My research interests focus on the population dynamics and ecology of aquatic and semiaquatic vertebrates and have involved detailed population studies of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, particularly turtles. One objective has been to determine functional relationships between population parameters (e.g., survivorship, reproductive output, dispersal rate) and environmental conditions. A recent focus has been on documenting and explaining the distribution and abundance patterns of herpetofauna. The ultimate goals have been to explain findings at the ecological and evolutionary levels. An emphasis has been placed on application of basic research to environmental impact and conservation issues, particularly in regard to natural and degraded wetlands.

Recent books:

Salamanders of the Southeast. 2010. (Joe Mitchell and Whit Gibbons). UGA Press.
Lizards and Crocodilians of the Southeast. 2009. (Whit Gibbons, Judy Greene and Tony Mills). UGA Press.
Turtles: The Animal Answer Guide. 2009. (Whit Gibbons and Judy Greene). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. 2008. (Mike Dorcas and Whit Gibbons). UGA Press.
Turtles of the Southeast. 2008. (Kurt Buhlmann, Tracey Tuberville, and Whit Gibbons). UGA Press.
Snakes of the Southeast. 2005. (Whit Gibbons and Mike Dorcas). UGA Press. Winner--National Outdoor Book Award. UGA Press.