I am broadly interested in the ecology, evolution, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles. I am also a conservation biologist, and use these systems to understand eco-evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genetic and biodiversity. Much of my current work combines genomics, lab & field experiments, museum collections, and fieldwork to elucidate mechanisms underlying species declines and persistence.
My research is supported by organizations such as the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), National Geographic, and the National Science Foundation.
My research is supported by organizations such as the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), National Geographic, and the National Science Foundation.
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of species persistence in Harlequin frogs
Tags: conservation + evolutionary genomics | microbiome symbiosis | global change | Atelopus
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Harlequin frogs (Atelopus) are some of the most emblematic frogs in the global decline narrative, with about 70% of the genus critically endangered or extinct. For many species, the narrative describes abrupt and catastrophic declines starting in the 1980's with presumed extinction after decades of no sightings. However, in recent years, many species have been rediscovered! We are working to understand how some species have persisted, while others have gone extinct.
Projects underway include: 1) Characterizing spatial and temporal patterns of rediscoveries in the genus Atelopus 2) Developing molecular resources for investigation of genomic signatures underlying population declines and potential selection in response to a novel disease 3) Identifying patterns in the skin microbiome of rare and endangered species in rediscovered/persisting communities |
Harlequin frog extinctions and rediscoveries (Jaynes et al. In Review)
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Host-pathogen-environment dynamics of a global amphibian disease
Tags: disease + microbial ecology | Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
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Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungal pathogen that causes the disease Chytridiomycosis in amphibians, and has been linked to population declines at a global scale. Despite the impressive efforts to understand Bd in the last two decades since its description, we still lack basic information on Bd ecology and interactions with hosts and the environment. These data are crucial for predicting the spread of disease and coexistence with hosts, and informing conservation efforts to curb declines. We are working to understand how Bd disease dynamics shift over time in changing environments.
Projects underway include: 1) Investigating Bd prevalence in a group of rediscovered, but highly susceptible frogs and their surrounding amphibian communities 2) Assessing largely un-tested vectors of transmission using lab experiments and field sampling |
Conceptual figure of the disease triangle framework and hypothetical shifts from epizootic to enzootic states (Jaynes et al. In Review)
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Biogeography and natural history of amphibians and reptiles
Tags: population genomics | morphological traits | biogeography | Leptopelis
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I first got into biology by thinking about and studying organisms. Alongside my applied research, I am also interested in uncovering a foundational understanding of the natural & life history of amphibians and reptiles.
Previously, I've worked on African Giant Tree Frogs (Leptopelis), where I set out to determine the mainland relative of an island endemic, Leptopelis palmatus and showed that the island endemic is not closely related to any of the mainland giants, suggesting gigantism evolved repeatedly in the genus (Jaynes et al. 2021. Herpetological Journal). |
An island endemic giant tree frog (orange) is distantly related to mainland giants (green) (Jaynes et al. 2021. Herpetological Journal)
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Inter and intraspecific diversity is generated and maintained through physical barriers, climate, and reproductive traits across West and Central Africa (Jaynes et al. 2021. Molecular Ecology)
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We then characterized genetic and phenotypic diversity in the mainland species complex and showed that diversification occurred through physical barriers, climate, and reproductive traits during secondary sympatry (Jaynes et al. In Press. Molecular Ecology). Projects underway include: 1) Long-term mark-recapture project of painted and Blanding's turtles in Michigan |
Banner photo: Foggy mountain landscape in Northern Ecuador. Photo credit: Morley Read
