URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2015_Melissa-McCarthy

Nancy Karraker Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Science

time period. Karraker’s research combined with the survey results will help her build a management plan for the National Park Service to reduce turtle mortality. Regarding her conservation efforts, Karraker’s work has shed light on the complications of resolving the endangerment of reptiles and amphibians associated with harvesting. As to whether farming certain species may help ease the problem, Karraker responded with some hesitance. “Many cultures, such as people in China, Laos and Vietnam for example, view reptiles and amphibians as either as a primary source of protein or medicine,” she explains. “These cultures believe that wild turtles, for example, are much better for their health than any farmed animals might ever be. Also many turtle and frog farms end up becoming pools of disease; they are often overcrowded, contaminated and filled with stressed animals. Disease can quickly spread in these populations and many times animals escape only to introduce diseases to other naturally habituated populations.”

“I am a naturalist through and through. I want to see these same plants and animals that I love for as long as I live.”

- Nancy Karraker

fall | 2015 Page 47