Wildlife Research

In the Spring of 2011, I became involved in a study concerning the discovery, description, and naming of Rana kauffeldi, a new species of leopard frog first discovered in Staten Island, NY.  My research, conducted under direction of Dr. Jeremy A. Feinberg, had me traveling from state to state recording mating call data for analysis, photographing specimens for identification, measuring canopy coverage, water/air temperature, snout-to-vent measurements, spot counts, and more, ultimately leading to my collection of the holotype and co-authorship on the final report, Cryptic Diversity in Metropolis: Confirmation of a New Leopard Frog Species (Anura: Ranidae) from New York City and Surrounding Atlantic Coast Regions (Feinberg et. al 2014).  My photographs of the holotype were published widely online, from National Geographic, to The New York Times and CNN, as well as printed in Highlights Magazine.  

The Holotype

While many specimens were studied to conclude the existence of Rana kauffeldi as a new species, the holotype is the specimen upon which the naming and description of the species is based.  I collected the holotype of Rana kauffeldi in November of 2011, very late in the season for leopard frogs to be calling and breeding.  A detailed account of my experience on the night of the collection was published by The Guardian, and can be found here.

Discoveries Along the Way

During my research trips concerning Rana kauffeldi, I often encountered unique flora and fauna that furthered my understanding of and appreciation for biology and ecology.  Pictured above are two amplexed Pine Barrens Tree Frogs (Hyla andersonii), a state-endangered species in New Jersey that I found on one of my first outings.  

Further Studies

In the Spring and Summer of 2015, I began a research project hoping to conclude that a group of tadpoles I encountered in a vernal pool in New Jersey were the first documented members of Rana kauffeldi to have overwintered in their larval stage.  I acquired collection and holding permits and raised the tadpoles through their metamorphosis to complete the study.  As they developed, it was clear that they were actually members of Rana rana, the green frog.  While the hypothesis may not have been proven, I gained valuable skills throughout the study.  At the conclusion of the study, the juvenile frogs were released at their site of collection.  

Continuing Studies

Now, four years after the publishing of Cryptic Diversity in PLOS One, my research for the project continues.  Each Spring and Summer, I collect data on new populations of Rana kauffeldi, furthering the species description and providing a better understanding of where they occur, and what must be done to protect them.  I am always looking for new research projects to contribute to--if you feel I could make a valuable addition to your team, please contact me at curry.brian.r@gmail.com, or use this contact form.