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Lizard Stress, Cognition, and Urban Evolution (SCUE)
As cities continue to expand across Southern California, wildlife is being forced to adapt in real time. For lizards, this means navigating new environments filled with human activity, altered habitats, and introduced species—all of which may influence how they think, behave, and survive.
Cognition—the ability to acquire, process, store, and act on information—is a critical part of how animals interact with their environment. But how is urbanization shaping these cognitive processes in native and non-native lizards?
Join the San Diego Herpetological Society for an engaging evening with Amber Singh M.S., a San Diego State University herpetology researcher studying how stress and urban environments influence lizard behavior, cognition, and evolution.
Amber will share insights from her research and discuss how environmental pressures may be driving changes in how lizards respond to challenges in their ecosystems. She will also highlight opportunities for community members to get involved in ongoing research efforts here in Southern California.
Amber will provide an overview of:
• How cognition functions in reptiles and why it matters
• The role of stress in shaping animal behavior and decision-making
• How urbanization impacts native and introduced lizard species
• Research findings from studies on Western Fence Lizard
• Opportunities to volunteer and contribute to active research projects
About the Speaker
Amber Singh earned her B.S. from the University of Florida, where she conducted herpetological research on frogs across Florida and West Africa. She later completed her M.S. at San Jose State University in the Ensminger Lab, focusing on how maternal stress influences hatchling habitat choice in Western Fence Lizards.
Her research centers on lizard cognition and behavior, particularly how urbanization and invasive species may be influencing evolutionary processes. She is passionate about making herpetology accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
Outside of research, Amber enjoys knitting, hiking, and caring for her many pets.
Amber's info: https://biology.sdsu.edu/doctoral/evolutionary/people/amber-singh/
Event Details
San Diego Herpetological Society Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, April 21
7:00 PM
Balboa Park – Prado Room 104, San Diego
The meeting is open to the public and welcomes anyone interested in reptiles, amphibians, conservation, and wildlife education.
Parking Update
We know there have been ongoing updates with parking in Balboa Park. We are continuing to monitor the best options—please stay up to date here:
https://www.sandiego.gov/parking/balboapark
Get Involved
This research includes opportunities for volunteers to participate in real-world herpetology studies. If you're interested in contributing to local research and conservation, this is a great way to get started.
Research & Media Note
All work depicted reflects research conducted under approved California permits and IACUC protocols.
Recording Notice
This presentation may be recorded for remote viewing and educational purposes.
Join the Community
The San Diego Herpetological Society (SDHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, conservation, and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. Our monthly meetings feature guest speakers, researchers, and field experts who share knowledge and experiences from across the field of herpetology.
Whether you are a student, hobbyist, researcher, or simply curious about reptiles and amphibians, we invite you to join us.
