Title	Associate Professor
Expertise	Evolutionary ecology and conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles
Education	Ph.D. University of New Mexico
Office Phone	(979) 862-7480
Office Fax	(979) 845-3786
Email	lfitzgerald@tamu.edu
Office	110H Old Herman Heep
Web Site	http://herpetology.tamu.edu/Fitzgerald/Index.htm

Current Research

My program is best described as evolutionary ecology and conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles. I use reptiles and amphibians as study systems at the community and landscape level to address the general questions, “What are mechanisms influencing the fit between organism and environment?”, and “How do community-level processes influence species persistence and distribution of species across the landscape?” This program addresses various conservation issues, for example, habitat requirements of single species, determinants of local and regional diversity, or mechanisms determining the fate of invasive and native species.

Recent Publications

• Chan, L., L.A. Fitzgerald, and K. Zamudio. 2007. Characterization of microsatellite markers for the endemic sand dune lizard, Sceloporus arenicolus. Molecular Ecology Notes 7(2): 337-339.
• Perotti, M.G., L.A. Fitzgerald, L. Moreno, and M. Pueta. 2006. Behavioral responses of Bufo arenarum tadpoles to odonate naiad predation. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 1(2): 117-120.
• Mieres, M.M. and L.A. Fitzgerald. 2006. Monitoring and managing the harvest of tegu lizards in Paraguay. The Journal of Wildlife Management 70(6): 1723-1734.
• Saenz, D., L.A. Fitzgerald, K.A. Baum, R.N. Conner. 2006. Abiotic correlates of anuran calling phenology: the importance of rain, temperature, and season. Herpetological Monographs 20:64-82.
• Dayton, G. and L.A. Fitzgerald. 2006. Habitat suitability models for desert anurans. Biological Conservation 132: 40-49