Below are examples of some of our contracts and research projects.  We also conduct research for publication in peer reviewed publication and work with museums and academic institutions.   Salamander Research We currently have several projects underway which focus on cave salamanders (genus Eurycea).  Click here for more information. Private Contracts George Veni and Associates. 1993- present.  Karst feature surveys, biological monitoring, cartography, and gate construction for various clients across central Texas.   Paul Price and Associates.  2003. Aquatic invertebrate fauna survey at Hueco Spring Creek, Comal County, Texas. Pulte Homes. 2003.  Cave gate construction at home development sites in Travis County, Texas. Rare and Endangered Species Studies: Under a grant from USFWS and TPWD, Zara conducted a study of karst invertebrate detectability in 2007. Recovery Plan for endangered karst invertebrates in Bexar County Texas, working through the Illinois Natural History Survey (in progress). Regional Habitat Conservation Plan for Hays County, Texas, subcontracted under Loomis Austin. Habitat Conservation Plan for Lakeline Mall, Austin, Texas. Zara has conducted implementation of this plan including biological monitoring and preserve management. Department of Defense Department of Defense (subcontracted through Texas Cave Management Association).  1999-present.  Bat habitat monitoring and control of red imported fire ants at cave and karst features on Camp Bullis military installation, San Antonio, Texas. Department of Defense, U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (subcontracted through Illinois Natural History Survey). 2002-present.  Studies on the endemic Plethodon salamander in caves at Ft. Hood, Texas. Department of Defense, U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (subcontracted through Illinois Natural History Survey). 2003-present.Examining the role of cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) in cave ecosystems: Preliminary studies of isotope ratios (d13C, d15N) and radio tracking. Department of Defense, U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (subcontracted through Illinois Natural History Survey). 2001-2003. Investigation of the potential for red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) impacts to the ecology of karst invertebrates at Ft. Hood, Texas. Department of Defense, U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (subcontracted through Illinois Natural History Survey). 2003.  The distribution of red imported fire ants at Ft. Hood, Texas. Biological Inventories: Department of the Interior Department of the Interior (Sequoia, King’s Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, California).  2003-2005.  A biological inventory of caves on these three parks.   Deliverables include a faunal database, photographs, keys, interpretation assistance and making long-term monitoring recommendations. Department of the Interior (subcontracted through Illinois Natural History Survey).  2003-2004.  A biological inventory of eight caves in Great Basin National Park, Nevada. Preserve Management: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., 1992- present. Ongoing endangered species monitoring, exotic species control, and maintenance of three mitigation preserves in Travis and Williamson County, Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., 1998-2004. Exotic species control and cave gate construction at Government Canyon State Natural Area, Bexar Co., Texas Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., 2002. Construction of cave gate at Kickapoo Caverns State Natural Area. Television Documentaries The Real Lost World  (broadcast on Discovery HD) poster True Adventures of the Ultimate Spider-Hunter (PBS) What Lies Below (Discovery Channel)