Matthew F Metcalf
Matthew Metcalf is a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey based in South Florida. He supports research on invasive reptiles in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, contributing to efforts that improve detection, monitoring, and management of species such as Burmese pythons and Argentine black and white tegus.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Matthew earned a B.S. in Zoology from Auburn University and an M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University. While his scientific interests span a wide range of taxa and ecosystems, his primary passion and expertise lie in herpetology.
Matthew’s previous work has focused on the conservation of native reptiles and amphibians, as well as mentoring the next generation of scientists. He has conducted extensive radio telemetry studies on Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, Eastern indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises. His research also includes assessments of native treefrog (Hylid) communities in Florida and studies of herpetofaunal responses to urbanization in the Peruvian Amazon.
Now based in South Florida, Matthew applies his expertise to understanding the ecological impacts of invasive reptiles and continues to mentor early-career scientists in the field. His work supports science-based management strategies aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the Everglades.
Professional Experience
Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey - Fort Collins, CO
Visiting Instructor/Researcher - Florida Gulf Coast University - Fort Myers, FL
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Environmental Science, Florida Gulf Coast University, 2017
B.S. in Zoology, Auburn University, 2010
Science and Products
Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards
Post-hatching maternal attendance in wild Burmese Pythons in southern Florida Post-hatching maternal attendance in wild Burmese Pythons in southern Florida
Consumption of a non-native Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by a Florida Green Watersnake (Nerodia floridana) in Everglades National Park Consumption of a non-native Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by a Florida Green Watersnake (Nerodia floridana) in Everglades National Park
Cold-induced vomiting of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by an invasive Burmese python (Python bivitattus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA Cold-induced vomiting of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by an invasive Burmese python (Python bivitattus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA
An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards
Post-hatching maternal attendance in wild Burmese Pythons in southern Florida Post-hatching maternal attendance in wild Burmese Pythons in southern Florida
Consumption of a non-native Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by a Florida Green Watersnake (Nerodia floridana) in Everglades National Park Consumption of a non-native Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) by a Florida Green Watersnake (Nerodia floridana) in Everglades National Park
Cold-induced vomiting of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by an invasive Burmese python (Python bivitattus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA Cold-induced vomiting of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by an invasive Burmese python (Python bivitattus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA
An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.