The relationship between climate change and armadillo migration in Kentucky (2015-2025)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Minor
Wildlife Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Robin Zhang
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
In this study, the trends of armadillo migration and climate change were investigated across the state of Kentucky from the year 2015 to 2025. Crowd sourced sightings in iNaturalist were studied to determine the directional trend of armadillo observations between three regions of the state (western, central, eastern). Temperature and precipitation data of the three regions were compared over the ten-year span as well. It was found that there have been more armadillo sightings in northern and eastern counties of Kentucky in more recent years. It was also found that temperature and precipitation in these regions had increased from 2015 to 2025. This study helps determine the new path of dispersion for armadillos and explains how the species is now able to survive in previously uninhabitable regions.
Fall Scholars Week 2026
Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
The relationship between climate change and armadillo migration in Kentucky (2015-2025)
In this study, the trends of armadillo migration and climate change were investigated across the state of Kentucky from the year 2015 to 2025. Crowd sourced sightings in iNaturalist were studied to determine the directional trend of armadillo observations between three regions of the state (western, central, eastern). Temperature and precipitation data of the three regions were compared over the ten-year span as well. It was found that there have been more armadillo sightings in northern and eastern counties of Kentucky in more recent years. It was also found that temperature and precipitation in these regions had increased from 2015 to 2025. This study helps determine the new path of dispersion for armadillos and explains how the species is now able to survive in previously uninhabitable regions.