Jan. 22, 2008

Jeff Parmelee, associate professor of biology, will deliver the spring Watson Lecture Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in Jordan Lecture Hall.

Parmelee spent part of the last year traveling across Iowa documenting the state’s amphibian and reptile populations. His lecture, entitled “The Thrill of the Chase: Hunting Down the 67 Species of Iowa’s Reptiles and Amphibians in 2007,” will discuss his journey. Parmelee will show photos and talk about the different species.

He estimates he logged more than 1,000 miles during the project. Parmelee could not find some rare species but said he was excited to discover two Eastern Hognose Snakes — a species he couldn't find during previous surveys — at a state preserve in Warren County.

He also plans to write a book about the topic.