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My research interests are rooted in the ecology and natural history of vertebrates.   Specific projects focus on population ecology: geographic distribution, movements, reproduction, and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

Current research projects are as follow: 

1. Population ecology and conservation of the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
2. Herpetological survey of the Upper Mobile/Tensaw Delta
3. Status of the Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin along coastal Alabama
4. Vertebrate road-kill survey along the Mobile Bay Causeway (US90/98)

Although I am still involved in research since my retirement, I am no longer supervising student research projects.

• Nelson, D. H. (2004). Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius). Pages 72-73 in Alabama Wildlife (Volume III), Imperiled Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Edited by R.E. Mirarchi, M.A. Bailey, T.M. Haggerty and T. L. Best. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, 225 p.
• Nelson, D. H. and Turner, W. M. (2004). Alabama Red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis). Pages 54-55 in Alabama Wildlife (Volume III), Imperiled Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Edited by R.E. Mirarchi, M.A. Bailey, T.M. Haggerty and T. L. Best. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, 225 p. 
• Nelson, D. H. (1998). Final Report: Population ecology of the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis).   Submitted to the Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Nelson, D. H. and S. D. Carey.  (1993).  Range extension of the Mediterranean gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) along the northeast gulf coast of the United States.   Northeast Gulf Science 13 (1): 53-58.
• Gibbons, J. W. and D. H. Nelson.  (1978).  The evolutionary significance of delayed emergence from the nest by hatchling turtles.   Evolution 32: 297-303.
• Nelson, D. H . and J. W. Gibbons. 1972.   Ecology, abundance and seasonal activity of the scarlet snake,Cemophora coccinea .   Copeia.   1972: 582-584.