Alexander Yan

Research Interests

My journey with herps started in undergrad when I worked with the critically endangered Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs. I worked in the captive breeding of these frogs and studied their behavior to aid in further conservation works. I have also worked with California Newts to study their toxins and conservation issues. In PERL, I would be working with Yellow-Backed Spiny Lizards and study their thermal and hydric physiology in the San Joaquin desert. In particular, I am interested in comparing the adaptations of these lizards across geographical and climatic gradients. The goal is to further our understanding of these lizards to better protect them in face of rapid climate change and habitat conversions. In my free time, I am a birder and do photography whenever I can.