Stephen F. Austin State University is in Nacogdoches, Texas, located in the far east region of the state (called "deep east Texas"). We are situated in an excellent area for research and teaching associated with natural biodiversity. A fifteen minute drive gets you to the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest (which is limited access national forest) and Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area. Other natural areas are close by, including Davey Crockett National Forest, Angelina National Forest, and the Big Thicket National Preserve.
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The natural biodiversity of east Texas is amazing. The area falls within the Texas ecoregion known as the Piney Woods (see more info on Texas ecoregions here). The Piney Woods is a mix of pines and hardwoods, with pines dominating sandy soils in higher areas, and hardwoods dominating clay soils in bottomlands. The area averages 49 inches (125 cm) of rainfall per year that is fairly evenly spread in each month, with a bit less rain in July and August. Warm summers and mild winters make the area particularly suitable for herpetofauna
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East Texas herpetofauna is diverse, with 11 species of salamanders, 21 species of anurans, 13 species of lizards, 34 species of snakes, 14 species of turtles, and 1 species of alligator. As you can see, frog and snake diversity is especially good, but there is opportunity to work with any of these groups. For more information on the herpetofauna of east Texas, please feel free to contact Dr. Kwiatkowski (email link in the upper right of this page).
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