P.J. is a senior undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Natural Resource Science program. His undergraduate thesis focuses on improving our ability to detect the highly elusive and cryptic Rubber Boa (Charina bottae). More specifically, P.J. is looking at how well ‘cover boards’ can be used as a short-term detection device, an approach highly touted but rarely evaluated. Working in areas where rubber boas are known to exist (see the MSc thesis by Maria Collins), P.J. has established a network of brand-new coverboards interspersed with older, existing ones. P.J. checks under the boards frequently for the presence of the snakes, while also monitoring temperature and humidity conditions under the boards. His thesis will address whether short-term inventory for boas can reliably use cover boards (old and new) as detection tools. When not checking on his boards, P.J. provides capable field assistance to Maria Collins.

P.J.’s work has been supported by grants from the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the university’s Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program, and Canada Summer Jobs. Collaboration with landowners Gary Shymko and Mike Sarell provided access to the study sites, and Mike Sarell is helping with data collection. PJ’s work takes place on the traditional territories of the Secwépemc and Syilx Okanagan Nations.