I will study how the woody encroachment (shrubs and trees takeover into grasslands) of American prairies changes the amphibian and reptile diversity within prairie communities. I will learn how these communities and species abundances are affected by woody encroachment across all three types of prairies (shortgrass, mixed and tallgrass prairie). The results of this study will be used to propose management actions to preserve key habitat for amphibian and reptile species in American prairies