Turtles are one of the most endangered groups of animals, with approximately 2/3 of species at risk of extinction.  Their iconic and recognizable shells evolved as a means of protection over 200 million years ago, long before humans made their first appearance on the planet.

The main threats to turtles include habitat destruction, road mortality and collection for the pet trade, which are all things caused by humans.  We need informed solutions to maintain turtle populations into the future, and the research my lab does aims to find those solutions.

Dr. Litzgus will focus on the biology and conservation of these endangered freshwater turtles.

Dr. Jackie Litzgus obtained her BSc in Wildlife Biology (1993) and her MSc in Ecology (1996) from the University of Guelph, Canada. She then worked as a research lab coordinator (1996-99) in the Cryobiology lab at Miami University, Ohio. Litzgus obtained her PhD (2003) in Biology from the University of South Carolina, and then began her faculty position at Laurentian University, Canada in 2004.  She has been working on the ecology and conservation of reptiles since 1991. The basic and applied research outcomes from the Litzgus Lab have been used in policy changes and management plans related to protecting turtles and snakes.