David Nelson's Research Area
My research interests are rooted in the ecology and natural history of vertebrates. Specific projects focus on population ecology: geographic distribution, movements, reproduction, and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
Current research projects are as follow:
1. Population ecology and conservation of the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
2. Herpetological survey of the Upper Mobile/Tensaw Delta
3. Status of the Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin along coastal Alabama
4. Vertebrate road-kill survey along the Mobile Bay Causeway (US90/98)
Although I am still involved in research since my retirement, I am no longer supervising student research projects.
Recent Publications
- Nelson, D. H. (2004). Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius). Pages 72-73 in Alabama Wildlife (Volume III), Imperiled Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Edited by R.E. Mirarchi, M.A. Bailey, T.M. Haggerty and T. L. Best. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, 225 p.
- Nelson, D. H. and Turner, W. M. (2004). Alabama Red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis). Pages 54-55 in Alabama Wildlife (Volume III), Imperiled Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Edited by R.E. Mirarchi, M.A. Bailey, T.M. Haggerty and T. L. Best. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, 225 p.
- Nelson, D. H. (1998). Final Report: Population ecology of the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis). Submitted to the Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- Nelson, D. H. and S. D. Carey. (1993). Range extension of the Mediterranean gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) along the northeast gulf coast of the United States. Northeast Gulf Science 13 (1): 53-58.
- Gibbons, J. W. and D. H. Nelson. (1978). The evolutionary significance of delayed emergence from the nest by hatchling turtles. Evolution 32: 297-303.
- Nelson, D. H . and J. W. Gibbons. 1972. Ecology, abundance and seasonal activity of the scarlet snake,Cemophora coccinea . Copeia. 1972: 582-584.