Shortwave investigates urban lizards and frogs in Georgia and community science for amphibian monitoring

Shortwave follows a Lawrenceville, Georgia resident’s surprising experience with more lizards and frogs in her yard. The episode details how local herpetologists identify common species, why urban habitats attract amphibians and reptiles, and two paths for yard management: an eradication approach or a sharing approach that supports wildlife while reducing nuisance. The discussion also highlights the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program (MAMP), a community-science effort to document urban amphibian populations and fill gaps in long-term data. Listeners gain practical actions, from native-plant gardening to amphibian sanctuaries, and learn how community science can illuminate broader urban wildlife trends.

Overview and context

In this month’s Shortwave Nature Quest, Emily Kwang and Hannah Chin explore a suburban wildlife question from Lawrenceville, Georgia. Homeowner Shabnam Khan describes an influx of lizards and frogs in her yard, a situation that has grown more noticeable over the past few years. The episode then turns to local experts to identify the species involved and to discuss what urban development means for amphibians and reptiles in city-adjacent habitats.

Species snapshot and habitat cues

Shabnam sends photos of several species, including a common green anole, a blue-tailed salamander (likely a five-line skink), and a green tree frog. Daniel Sullenberger, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, explains that the yard is populated by adaptable, habitat-tolerant species that can thrive in neighborhoods, under porches, or near retention ponds. He emphasizes that these are not necessarily invasive, but rather common wildlife that respond to available resources in urban landscapes. A key observation is that the surrounding water features, even a nearby pool, support amphibians that rely on water-rich microhabitats.

How urbanization shapes amphibians and lizards

Urban expansion often reduces natural habitat while creating novel edge habitats that some species can exploit. Mara Dudley, a biology professor and urban ecologist, notes that whether a listener is within roughly 100 yards of a water body will strongly influence which species might appear. The conversation covers how fragmentation, pesticide use, and outdoor pets can impact amphibian and reptile populations. The experts discuss a trajectory in which development displaces species, forcing them into human-dominated spaces, and they stress the importance of understanding these dynamics to inform responsible yard management rather than default eradication.

Eradication vs sharing the landscape

The episode presents two broad approaches to reduce garden encounters with wildlife. The eradication approach advocates short mowing, removal of vegetation layers, and eliminating hiding places. The preferred alternative, described as a sharing approach, suggests creating a dedicated amphibian sanctuary within a garden, away from daily gardening, so wildlife can persist without becoming a nuisance. The guests emphasize that simple habitat enhancements, like native plants and water features, can benefit both gardeners and wildlife by promoting insect control while supporting biodiversity. They also remind listeners that a balance is needed because altering habitat affects other facets of the garden ecosystem, including birds and pollinators.

Community science and the data gap

The discussion shifts to the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program (MAMP), a community-science initiative aimed at filling long-term data gaps for metropolitan amphibians and reptiles. Mara and colleagues train volunteers to identify species and document sightings, with quizzes to ensure accuracy. The program demonstrates how public participation can contribute to credible, scalable data collection that mirrors professional monitoring efforts. The episode closes by pointing listeners toward Frog Watch USA and an online sign-up for MAMP trainings, inviting a broader audience to engage with local frogs and lizards while contributing to science.

Takeaways for listeners

Bringing wildlife-friendly practices to your yard can have multiple benefits, from insect pest control to pollinator support, while still allowing you to enjoy common lizards and frogs. Planting natives, reducing pesticide exposure, providing permanent wetlands or water features, and giving wildlife space to hide can reduce conflict. If you’re not in metro Atlanta, look for local amphibia-focused community science programs or Frog Watch chapters in your area to participate in ongoing monitoring and to learn species identification fundamentals.