The document summarizes a workshop on the biology and conservation of the California tiger salamander. It provides details on the salamander's life cycle, habitat requirements, threats, and strategies for conservation. It also describes activities at the workshop including a field trip, aquatic sampling techniques, and an introduction to monitoring methods. The document highlights the overlap between the salamander's range and PG&E's service territory and facilities.
1. This document describes a study that developed a protocol using underwater videography to quantify trout populations. Video recordings were taken and analyzed from multiple cameras suspended in pools in Pauma Creek, part of the San Luis Rey River system in Southern California. This provided more accurate population data than other survey methods and was less detrimental to the imperiled fish populations.
2. The goal was to establish a lightweight camera system that could be easily deployed in remote areas to survey trout populations in less than an hour, as an alternative to electrofishing, netting, or snorkel surveys which can stress or harm the fish. The study focused on quantifying the native trout population in Pauma Creek, which historically contained coastal steelhead
The document summarizes a study on the effects of a sediment trap installed in 1994 on the North Branch of the Boardman River in Michigan. Macroinvertebrate populations were sampled upstream and downstream of the trap and compared. While some differences existed, populations were not pronouncedly different between the sites. The sediment trap was last emptied in 2006, so continued impacts of sedimentation are possible. Further sampling was recommended.
This study examined mudpuppy populations in the St. Clair-Detroit River System using trapping data, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and land cover analysis. The objectives were to determine if eDNA is a useful monitoring tool for mudpuppies and quantify the relationship between land cover and mudpuppy presence. The results showed that sites with higher percentages of forest cover and lower development upstream had higher mudpuppy occupancy. eDNA results were inconclusive for monitoring. Ongoing sampling and protocol adjustments may help validate the use of eDNA to monitor mudpuppy populations.
Alison Gould is a Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of bioluminescent symbioses between marine organisms. She has over 10 publications on topics including the life history of luminous reef fish and copepods. Gould has received numerous awards and grants including an NSF DDIG. She has taught several courses and mentored many undergraduate researchers.
This study examined relationships between land use, stream chemistry, and fish diversity in six headwater streams in the Little Miami River watershed. Fish and water chemistry samples were collected from each site. A total of 25 fish species were identified across sites. Stream chemistry was generally stable. Fish diversity, as measured by Simpson's Diversity Index, was positively correlated with the percentage of developed land use in the watershed and negatively correlated with the percentage of agricultural land use, though the latter was not statistically significant. Sites with more developed land use in their watersheds had greater fish diversity.
Peter Novak conducted the first study of the life cycle of the cherabin, a small freshwater prawn species found in northern Australian rivers. Over three years, he monitored over 4,500 adult cherabin and tens of thousands of juveniles across a 400 km stretch of the Daly River. He discovered that the cherabin's reproduction and hatching of larvae is timed to the wet season rains from December to March. After the rains, juvenile cherabin migrate upstream in April and May, with up to 14-15 million juveniles replenishing nutrients in the river system. The cherabin must complete their migration to saltwater nurseries within seven days of hatching to survive.
1. This document describes a study that developed a protocol using underwater videography to quantify trout populations. Video recordings were taken and analyzed from multiple cameras suspended in pools in Pauma Creek, part of the San Luis Rey River system in Southern California. This provided more accurate population data than other survey methods and was less detrimental to the imperiled fish populations.
2. The goal was to establish a lightweight camera system that could be easily deployed in remote areas to survey trout populations in less than an hour, as an alternative to electrofishing, netting, or snorkel surveys which can stress or harm the fish. The study focused on quantifying the native trout population in Pauma Creek, which historically contained coastal steelhead
The document summarizes a study on the effects of a sediment trap installed in 1994 on the North Branch of the Boardman River in Michigan. Macroinvertebrate populations were sampled upstream and downstream of the trap and compared. While some differences existed, populations were not pronouncedly different between the sites. The sediment trap was last emptied in 2006, so continued impacts of sedimentation are possible. Further sampling was recommended.
This study examined mudpuppy populations in the St. Clair-Detroit River System using trapping data, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and land cover analysis. The objectives were to determine if eDNA is a useful monitoring tool for mudpuppies and quantify the relationship between land cover and mudpuppy presence. The results showed that sites with higher percentages of forest cover and lower development upstream had higher mudpuppy occupancy. eDNA results were inconclusive for monitoring. Ongoing sampling and protocol adjustments may help validate the use of eDNA to monitor mudpuppy populations.
Alison Gould is a Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of bioluminescent symbioses between marine organisms. She has over 10 publications on topics including the life history of luminous reef fish and copepods. Gould has received numerous awards and grants including an NSF DDIG. She has taught several courses and mentored many undergraduate researchers.
This study examined relationships between land use, stream chemistry, and fish diversity in six headwater streams in the Little Miami River watershed. Fish and water chemistry samples were collected from each site. A total of 25 fish species were identified across sites. Stream chemistry was generally stable. Fish diversity, as measured by Simpson's Diversity Index, was positively correlated with the percentage of developed land use in the watershed and negatively correlated with the percentage of agricultural land use, though the latter was not statistically significant. Sites with more developed land use in their watersheds had greater fish diversity.
Peter Novak conducted the first study of the life cycle of the cherabin, a small freshwater prawn species found in northern Australian rivers. Over three years, he monitored over 4,500 adult cherabin and tens of thousands of juveniles across a 400 km stretch of the Daly River. He discovered that the cherabin's reproduction and hatching of larvae is timed to the wet season rains from December to March. After the rains, juvenile cherabin migrate upstream in April and May, with up to 14-15 million juveniles replenishing nutrients in the river system. The cherabin must complete their migration to saltwater nurseries within seven days of hatching to survive.
2018 GIS in Conservation: Utah and Colorado Water ResourcesGIS in the Rockies
Since the completion of the Flaming Gorge Dam in 1964, artificial flow releases along the Green River have promoted channel narrowing and encouraged non-native vegetation encroachment into the active stream channel. These changes in the Green River’s flow regime have reduced the backwater habitat of four native endangered fish species: the Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), Humpback Chub (Gila cypha), and Bonytail (Gila elegans). To promote population recovery, this project developed the River Morphology Evaluation Toolbox (RMET), a Google Earth Engine (GEE) tool, to more efficiently and cost-effectively monitor changes in vegetation and hydrology across large spatial and temporal scales. Using imagery collected from Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) satellites, the team used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), and normalized difference water index (NDWI) to detect landcover changes. Trends in spectral index changes over user-selected focal years and the magnitudes of those changes were isolated and visualized through RMET. The project partners at the National Park Service and the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program will use RMET to identify potential sites where changes in riparian vegetation and the active stream channel may have reduced fish habitat to make more informed recommendations for flow releases from the Flaming Gorge Dam.
Estimating Extinction Rates: Habitat loss, species-area curves, and the “exti...Flinders University
This document discusses methods for estimating extinction rates and examines the limitations of using species-area relationships (SAR) to estimate extinction rates from habitat loss. Specifically, SAR methods may overestimate extinction rates because they assume species are randomly distributed when in reality species distributions are often non-random. The document explores how non-random spatial distributions violate the mirror-image relationship between forward and backward modeling using SAR and endemics-area curves. Data from forest plots are analyzed showing SAR may not accurately capture extinction risks from habitat loss for non-randomly distributed species.
The document discusses r and K selection strategies. r strategists prioritize rapid growth and reproduction over survival and have characteristics like small size, short lifespans, early maturity, and generalism. K strategists emphasize long-term survival over rapid reproduction and tend to be large, live long lives, mature late, invest heavily in parental care, and specialize in narrow niches. Most species exhibit a mix of r and K traits along a continuum.
This study characterized baseline conditions in minimally impacted headwater streams in three major river drainages in southern West Virginia. Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected in the summer and fall of 2013 using a Hess sampler from sites in the New River, Guyandotte River, and Tug Fork drainages. The macroinvertebrates were identified to genus level and several biotic indices were calculated, including the WVSCI and GLIMPSS(CF), to assess stream health.
Growth patterns, sex ratios and fecundity estimates in blue crab (callinectes...Alexander Decker
- The study investigated growth patterns, sex ratios, and fecundity estimates in blue crab (Callinectes amnicola) from Yewa River in southwest Nigeria between June 2011 and May 2012.
- A total of 250 crabs were collected ranging from 5.2-14.8 cm in length and 8.2-165 g in weight. Growth was negative allometric for both sexes. The sex ratio was 1 male to 1.45 females.
- Fecundity estimates ranged from 260,000 to 2,150,692 eggs. Relationships between fecundity and carapace length and weight were determined. The study provides baseline data on the population dynamics of blue crab
This thesis examines landscape ecology, survival, and space use of lesser prairie-chickens in the southern Great Plains. The author evaluated nonbreeding female survival using known-fate models and found survival was high but not explained by landscape variables. Home range size was larger for birds tracked with GPS versus VHF and larger in one nonbreeding season versus another. Males and females were tied to leks throughout the nonbreeding season. Habitat use differed among study sites but not temporally. The author also found survival differed between study sites corresponding to grassland amount, and increasing landscape heterogeneity and distance from fences positively and negatively influenced survival, respectively.
Jared Sartini completed a capstone project studying the effects of a remnant dam on Rum Creek in Kent County, Michigan. Field measurements were taken upstream and downstream of the dam, including bank erosion rates, substrate composition, and macroinvertebrate sampling. No significant differences were found between upstream and downstream areas. The dam is scheduled for removal to restore natural stream functions. Post-removal monitoring over 3 years is planned to evaluate the ecological response.
1) Recruitment of sea fan Muricea californica explained nearly 40% of the variation in population size on an artificial reef, more than post-recruitment factors. Recruitment occurred annually after an initial large recruitment event in 2002.
2) Early recruitment of M. californica was strongly related to proximity to a nearby natural reef, with higher recruitment closer to the reef, indicating it was the likely larval source. This relationship disappeared after 2005.
3) M. californica colonies recruited to the artificial reef grew rapidly, reaching reproductive size within 2 years. Frequent recruitment and growth led to a large increase in the reproductive population size, making the artificial reef self-sustaining
This document summarizes a student research project that studied the evolution and biogeography of stickleback fish armor traits across four watersheds on Vancouver Island, Canada. The students analyzed stickleback populations to explore how gene flow, natural selection, and population loss shape the geographic distribution of body armor morphs. They found variation in armor traits across watersheds that seems to be influenced by factors like gene flow patterns, introduced predators, and lake chemistry. Their results provide insights into how local ecological conditions and evolutionary processes interact to drive phenotypic diversity in these freshwater fish populations.
Ecohydraulics. Environmental Flow Assessment and river restoration. Habitat suitability models for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Studies of habitat-biota relationships at microhabitat, mesohabitat and macrohabitat (distribution) scale.
Application and adaptation of the physical habitat simulation and habitat analyses in rivers and wetlands of different regions of the globe.
Ecological modelling. Statistical techniques and machine learning are used to develop habitat suitability models for native, non-native and invasive fish species, as well as for macroinvertebrate's taxa.
Modelling relations between Flow regime and Riparian vegetation.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Crab, Pompano- An Analysis of Marine and Estuarine S...Cody Gramlin
This document analyzes marine and estuarine species sampled along South Carolina's Atlantic coast. Samples were collected from three locations at Hunting Island State Park using fyke and seine nets between August 8-14, 2016. A variety of fish and crab species were identified. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was calculated for each net deployment to analyze sampling effectiveness. The six most commonly caught species were identified for each sample location.
1. This study examined the interaction between western fence lizards and western black-legged ticks across different habitats at the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve in California.
2. The researchers found the highest numbers of lizards in human-inhabited and chaparral habitats, which provide good structures for basking and sheltering. Beach lizards had significantly more ticks than other habitats.
3. Habitat type was found to influence tick loads on lizards, with beach lizards having the most ticks, but gender and size of the lizard did not affect tick numbers. Understanding these lizard-tick dynamics can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
This research aims to identify the most cost-effective combination of upland, riparian, and in-stream conservation practices to reduce sediment loads in the Fort Cobb watershed. Research includes modeling erosion under different land management scenarios and surveying stakeholders. Preliminary results show streambank erosion contributes significantly to sediment loads. Field studies quantified streambank erodibility, which varies within the watershed. Process-based models are being used to predict streambank erosion at site and reach scales. Landowner surveys found enrollment in conservation programs increases with farm revenue, education, and stewardship mindsets.
This document summarizes a study that examined the reproductive biology of barred sand bass off the coast of southern California from June to September 2011. Researchers collected fish and removed and analyzed their gonads histologically to determine spawning characteristics. They found that females spawned for approximately three months during this period. Spawning fraction, interval, and frequency varied monthly, with July having the shortest interval of 1.74 days and highest frequency. This study provides improved estimates of barred sand bass reproductive timing and parameters over the entire spawning season.
Island biogeography in continental areas: inferring dispersal based on distri...Oscar Mahecha
This document summarizes a study on the distribution patterns of Pronophilina butterflies in the northern Andean massifs. The study applied island biogeography methods to examine dispersal between the mountain ranges. It found that the elevation at which mountain ranges touch was a better predictor of species affinities and richness between ranges than horizontal distance alone. This implies dispersal occurred through past ecological corridors rather than isolated jumps. The analysis provides indirect evidence on past vertical movements of vegetation zones and is a valuable tool for paleoecologists.
This study investigated the genetic basis of local adaptation in American pikas living along an altitudinal gradient in British Columbia, Canada. Hair samples were collected from 32 pikas across five populations ranging from 300-1500 meters above sea level. A genomic scan using AFLP markers identified 1238 loci, of which 5 loci (0.4%) showed strong evidence of being under natural selection based on their differentiation across populations. These outlier loci may be responsible for local adaptation to varying environmental conditions with altitude.
Behavioral and Morphological Variation in Brachycentrids (Brachycentridae Bra...KellieWatkins1
BEHAVIORAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN BRACHYCENTRIDS (BRACHYCENTRIDAE BRACHYCENTRUS SPP.) OF TWO NORTHERN MICHIGAN STREAMS
Authors: Maya Chang, Kellie Watkins, Jillian Geyer
University of Michigan Biological Station Summer of 2009
Faculty Mentor: Jordan Price, PhD
Re-evaluating models to take on new challenges in ecology and evolutionLiliana Davalos
This document discusses models used to analyze ecological and evolutionary relationships in the Caribbean region. It summarizes species-area relationships for three Caribbean archipelagos at the last glacial maximum and present day, finding highly significant relationships. It also examines how changes in species numbers relate to changes in island area from the last glacial maximum to present. Additionally, it analyzes evolutionary relationships among bat species based on DNA sequences and anatomical features, finding some discordant relationships. The document explores various models for understanding these relationships and incorporating multiple data types.
Through the use of acoustic telemetry, researchers tracked 8 green sea turtles in Akumal Bay, Mexico. They found that the turtles' presence decreased drastically between 8am-3pm each day, likely due to high tourist activity during those hours. A linear regression analysis showed the turtles' movements could be predicted 86% based on time of day. The study aims to help inform future conservation efforts by further analyzing correlations between turtle movements and tourist numbers.
This study examined painted turtle spatial ecology at three ponds in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Trapping data from 220 turtles showed that 28 (12.73%) migrated between ponds, with most movements occurring in summer and between Kingfisher Pond and other ponds. Radio tracking of 5 turtles in Mallard Pond found they remained there and favored deeper areas. Simulated nests showed 17% predation within a week at 50m from ponds, with predators including dogs, coyotes, and deer.
This study analyzed the stomach contents and stable isotope ratios of over 960 juvenile fish and their potential food sources from pelagic and littoral habitats in the tidal freshwater region of the San Francisco Estuary. The results showed evidence of two predominant food web pathways. Pelagic fish and some littoral fish relied on a zooplankton-phytoplankton trophic pathway, while the majority of littoral fish had diets and carbon isotope ratios consistent with energy from submerged aquatic vegetation and epiphytic macroalgae. Analysis with a mixing model revealed that littoral fish obtained the overall majority of their nutrition from consuming grazer amphipods. Examining both stable isot
2018 GIS in Conservation: Utah and Colorado Water ResourcesGIS in the Rockies
Since the completion of the Flaming Gorge Dam in 1964, artificial flow releases along the Green River have promoted channel narrowing and encouraged non-native vegetation encroachment into the active stream channel. These changes in the Green River’s flow regime have reduced the backwater habitat of four native endangered fish species: the Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), Humpback Chub (Gila cypha), and Bonytail (Gila elegans). To promote population recovery, this project developed the River Morphology Evaluation Toolbox (RMET), a Google Earth Engine (GEE) tool, to more efficiently and cost-effectively monitor changes in vegetation and hydrology across large spatial and temporal scales. Using imagery collected from Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Instrument (MSI) satellites, the team used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), and normalized difference water index (NDWI) to detect landcover changes. Trends in spectral index changes over user-selected focal years and the magnitudes of those changes were isolated and visualized through RMET. The project partners at the National Park Service and the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program will use RMET to identify potential sites where changes in riparian vegetation and the active stream channel may have reduced fish habitat to make more informed recommendations for flow releases from the Flaming Gorge Dam.
Estimating Extinction Rates: Habitat loss, species-area curves, and the “exti...Flinders University
This document discusses methods for estimating extinction rates and examines the limitations of using species-area relationships (SAR) to estimate extinction rates from habitat loss. Specifically, SAR methods may overestimate extinction rates because they assume species are randomly distributed when in reality species distributions are often non-random. The document explores how non-random spatial distributions violate the mirror-image relationship between forward and backward modeling using SAR and endemics-area curves. Data from forest plots are analyzed showing SAR may not accurately capture extinction risks from habitat loss for non-randomly distributed species.
The document discusses r and K selection strategies. r strategists prioritize rapid growth and reproduction over survival and have characteristics like small size, short lifespans, early maturity, and generalism. K strategists emphasize long-term survival over rapid reproduction and tend to be large, live long lives, mature late, invest heavily in parental care, and specialize in narrow niches. Most species exhibit a mix of r and K traits along a continuum.
This study characterized baseline conditions in minimally impacted headwater streams in three major river drainages in southern West Virginia. Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected in the summer and fall of 2013 using a Hess sampler from sites in the New River, Guyandotte River, and Tug Fork drainages. The macroinvertebrates were identified to genus level and several biotic indices were calculated, including the WVSCI and GLIMPSS(CF), to assess stream health.
Growth patterns, sex ratios and fecundity estimates in blue crab (callinectes...Alexander Decker
- The study investigated growth patterns, sex ratios, and fecundity estimates in blue crab (Callinectes amnicola) from Yewa River in southwest Nigeria between June 2011 and May 2012.
- A total of 250 crabs were collected ranging from 5.2-14.8 cm in length and 8.2-165 g in weight. Growth was negative allometric for both sexes. The sex ratio was 1 male to 1.45 females.
- Fecundity estimates ranged from 260,000 to 2,150,692 eggs. Relationships between fecundity and carapace length and weight were determined. The study provides baseline data on the population dynamics of blue crab
This thesis examines landscape ecology, survival, and space use of lesser prairie-chickens in the southern Great Plains. The author evaluated nonbreeding female survival using known-fate models and found survival was high but not explained by landscape variables. Home range size was larger for birds tracked with GPS versus VHF and larger in one nonbreeding season versus another. Males and females were tied to leks throughout the nonbreeding season. Habitat use differed among study sites but not temporally. The author also found survival differed between study sites corresponding to grassland amount, and increasing landscape heterogeneity and distance from fences positively and negatively influenced survival, respectively.
Jared Sartini completed a capstone project studying the effects of a remnant dam on Rum Creek in Kent County, Michigan. Field measurements were taken upstream and downstream of the dam, including bank erosion rates, substrate composition, and macroinvertebrate sampling. No significant differences were found between upstream and downstream areas. The dam is scheduled for removal to restore natural stream functions. Post-removal monitoring over 3 years is planned to evaluate the ecological response.
1) Recruitment of sea fan Muricea californica explained nearly 40% of the variation in population size on an artificial reef, more than post-recruitment factors. Recruitment occurred annually after an initial large recruitment event in 2002.
2) Early recruitment of M. californica was strongly related to proximity to a nearby natural reef, with higher recruitment closer to the reef, indicating it was the likely larval source. This relationship disappeared after 2005.
3) M. californica colonies recruited to the artificial reef grew rapidly, reaching reproductive size within 2 years. Frequent recruitment and growth led to a large increase in the reproductive population size, making the artificial reef self-sustaining
This document summarizes a student research project that studied the evolution and biogeography of stickleback fish armor traits across four watersheds on Vancouver Island, Canada. The students analyzed stickleback populations to explore how gene flow, natural selection, and population loss shape the geographic distribution of body armor morphs. They found variation in armor traits across watersheds that seems to be influenced by factors like gene flow patterns, introduced predators, and lake chemistry. Their results provide insights into how local ecological conditions and evolutionary processes interact to drive phenotypic diversity in these freshwater fish populations.
Ecohydraulics. Environmental Flow Assessment and river restoration. Habitat suitability models for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Studies of habitat-biota relationships at microhabitat, mesohabitat and macrohabitat (distribution) scale.
Application and adaptation of the physical habitat simulation and habitat analyses in rivers and wetlands of different regions of the globe.
Ecological modelling. Statistical techniques and machine learning are used to develop habitat suitability models for native, non-native and invasive fish species, as well as for macroinvertebrate's taxa.
Modelling relations between Flow regime and Riparian vegetation.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Crab, Pompano- An Analysis of Marine and Estuarine S...Cody Gramlin
This document analyzes marine and estuarine species sampled along South Carolina's Atlantic coast. Samples were collected from three locations at Hunting Island State Park using fyke and seine nets between August 8-14, 2016. A variety of fish and crab species were identified. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was calculated for each net deployment to analyze sampling effectiveness. The six most commonly caught species were identified for each sample location.
1. This study examined the interaction between western fence lizards and western black-legged ticks across different habitats at the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve in California.
2. The researchers found the highest numbers of lizards in human-inhabited and chaparral habitats, which provide good structures for basking and sheltering. Beach lizards had significantly more ticks than other habitats.
3. Habitat type was found to influence tick loads on lizards, with beach lizards having the most ticks, but gender and size of the lizard did not affect tick numbers. Understanding these lizard-tick dynamics can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
This research aims to identify the most cost-effective combination of upland, riparian, and in-stream conservation practices to reduce sediment loads in the Fort Cobb watershed. Research includes modeling erosion under different land management scenarios and surveying stakeholders. Preliminary results show streambank erosion contributes significantly to sediment loads. Field studies quantified streambank erodibility, which varies within the watershed. Process-based models are being used to predict streambank erosion at site and reach scales. Landowner surveys found enrollment in conservation programs increases with farm revenue, education, and stewardship mindsets.
This document summarizes a study that examined the reproductive biology of barred sand bass off the coast of southern California from June to September 2011. Researchers collected fish and removed and analyzed their gonads histologically to determine spawning characteristics. They found that females spawned for approximately three months during this period. Spawning fraction, interval, and frequency varied monthly, with July having the shortest interval of 1.74 days and highest frequency. This study provides improved estimates of barred sand bass reproductive timing and parameters over the entire spawning season.
Island biogeography in continental areas: inferring dispersal based on distri...Oscar Mahecha
This document summarizes a study on the distribution patterns of Pronophilina butterflies in the northern Andean massifs. The study applied island biogeography methods to examine dispersal between the mountain ranges. It found that the elevation at which mountain ranges touch was a better predictor of species affinities and richness between ranges than horizontal distance alone. This implies dispersal occurred through past ecological corridors rather than isolated jumps. The analysis provides indirect evidence on past vertical movements of vegetation zones and is a valuable tool for paleoecologists.
This study investigated the genetic basis of local adaptation in American pikas living along an altitudinal gradient in British Columbia, Canada. Hair samples were collected from 32 pikas across five populations ranging from 300-1500 meters above sea level. A genomic scan using AFLP markers identified 1238 loci, of which 5 loci (0.4%) showed strong evidence of being under natural selection based on their differentiation across populations. These outlier loci may be responsible for local adaptation to varying environmental conditions with altitude.
Behavioral and Morphological Variation in Brachycentrids (Brachycentridae Bra...KellieWatkins1
BEHAVIORAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN BRACHYCENTRIDS (BRACHYCENTRIDAE BRACHYCENTRUS SPP.) OF TWO NORTHERN MICHIGAN STREAMS
Authors: Maya Chang, Kellie Watkins, Jillian Geyer
University of Michigan Biological Station Summer of 2009
Faculty Mentor: Jordan Price, PhD
Re-evaluating models to take on new challenges in ecology and evolutionLiliana Davalos
This document discusses models used to analyze ecological and evolutionary relationships in the Caribbean region. It summarizes species-area relationships for three Caribbean archipelagos at the last glacial maximum and present day, finding highly significant relationships. It also examines how changes in species numbers relate to changes in island area from the last glacial maximum to present. Additionally, it analyzes evolutionary relationships among bat species based on DNA sequences and anatomical features, finding some discordant relationships. The document explores various models for understanding these relationships and incorporating multiple data types.
Through the use of acoustic telemetry, researchers tracked 8 green sea turtles in Akumal Bay, Mexico. They found that the turtles' presence decreased drastically between 8am-3pm each day, likely due to high tourist activity during those hours. A linear regression analysis showed the turtles' movements could be predicted 86% based on time of day. The study aims to help inform future conservation efforts by further analyzing correlations between turtle movements and tourist numbers.
This study examined painted turtle spatial ecology at three ponds in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Trapping data from 220 turtles showed that 28 (12.73%) migrated between ponds, with most movements occurring in summer and between Kingfisher Pond and other ponds. Radio tracking of 5 turtles in Mallard Pond found they remained there and favored deeper areas. Simulated nests showed 17% predation within a week at 50m from ponds, with predators including dogs, coyotes, and deer.
This study analyzed the stomach contents and stable isotope ratios of over 960 juvenile fish and their potential food sources from pelagic and littoral habitats in the tidal freshwater region of the San Francisco Estuary. The results showed evidence of two predominant food web pathways. Pelagic fish and some littoral fish relied on a zooplankton-phytoplankton trophic pathway, while the majority of littoral fish had diets and carbon isotope ratios consistent with energy from submerged aquatic vegetation and epiphytic macroalgae. Analysis with a mixing model revealed that littoral fish obtained the overall majority of their nutrition from consuming grazer amphipods. Examining both stable isot
TERN Supersites and Carbon Monitoring_Mike LiddellTERN Australia
The document summarizes research from several TERN supersites on carbon monitoring across Australia. The supersites provide baseline carbon measures, link field data to carbon dynamics at different scales, connect high resolution data to remote sensing, and inform ecosystem modeling. Specific sites discussed include the Great Western Woodlands, FNQ Rainforest, and Warra Tall Eucalypt supersites. Research at these sites measures vegetation, biomass, carbon stocks, and contributes long-term data to understand carbon cycles and impacts of changes like forest management.
Spawning Behavior of Trout and Utility of Redd Countsrobertvierck
Presented by Dr. Robert F. Carline at the November 2016 Meeting of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this presentation details the spawning behavior of trout in streams. It also addressed the value of utilizing Redd Counts to determine the health of stream.
This study examined three species of aquatic freshwater turtles in Costa Rica for haemogregarine infections. All turtles sampled were positive for intraerythrocytic haemogregarines, representing the first report of these parasites in turtles from Central America. Black river turtles had a significantly higher average parasitemia (0.34%) than white-lipped mud turtles (0.05%). Parasites in the single scorpion mud turtle examined were smaller and did not displace the host cell nucleus like those in the other two species. This is the first report of haemogregarines in the white-lipped mud turtle, scorpion mud turtle, and any Rhinoclemm
This document summarizes a coastal bird stewardship program in Alabama that monitored and protected beach-nesting birds like least terns and snowy plovers. Volunteers surveyed four sites and installed protective fencing around key nesting areas. They observed 110 least tern pairs but high coyote predation led to a 61% nest failure rate. Snowy plover monitoring saw 3 pairs fledge 1 chick each. Abundance surveys found 42 bird species and human disturbance was the primary threat. Outreach engaged over 500 people to increase awareness of conservation efforts for these declining coastal species. Multi-agency collaboration was effective but program expansion is still needed.
A Quantitative Study of the Productivity of the Foraminifera in the SeaNicha Tatsaneeyapan
This study analyzed samples of the foraminifera Elphidium crispum taken monthly from tide pools and subtidal zones near Plymouth, England over 12 months. Chamber counts from over 500 individuals revealed life spans are usually 1 year in tide pools and 2 years including sexual and asexual phases below low tide. Growth is limited to spring and summer, and the subtidal zone saw 40% faster growth and 60% larger tests. Sexual and asexual reproduction occurred in March-April, with some asexual reproduction in September. Annual population increases were estimated at 30-fold in tide pools and 40-fold subtidally based on juvenile production and microspheric to megalospheric ratios. Populations exceeded 1
Dunn, Heidi, Ecological Specialists, Inc., Freshwater Mussels and the New Amm...Kevin Perry
Freshwater mussels are an important part of river ecosystems but many species are endangered. Mussels play key roles like filtering water and providing habitat. They are very sensitive to pollutants like ammonia and were among the most sensitive species considered in setting the 2013 US EPA ammonia standard. This standard will better protect mussels and other aquatic life in Missouri waters, though it may apply broadly across the state given mussels' widespread historical distribution. Cooperation will be important to successfully implement the new protective standard.
The document summarizes a study comparing amphibian diversity and abundance in two 30-year-old artificial ponds on a university campus. While both ponds contained the same 7 species, one "open" pond had higher abundances of American Bullfrog and Gray Tree Frog tadpoles, while the other more forested "covered" pond contained more Eastern Tiger Salamander larvae and Plains Leopard Frog tadpoles. Overall, both ponds provided suitable habitat for amphibians but differed in abundances of some species, indicating wetland restoration should aim to create different habitat types.
1) The study assessed the ecosystem services of the Southern Llano River in Texas by examining fish, invertebrate, and habitat characteristics.
2) A variety of sampling methods found 17 fish species present, with blacktail shiner and Guadalupe bass being most abundant. Invertebrate sampling identified several orders including mayflies and dragonflies.
3) Habitat measurements showed riparian vegetation ranging from 30-100% cover and suitable water quality parameters.
The study examined the spatial and temporal distribution of native and alien fish larvae (ichthyoplankton) in three habitat types (marsh edge, shallow open water, and river channel) across one natural and three restored marshes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta over two years. More than 25,000 fish larvae from 10 families were collected, with the assemblage dominated by alien fishes overall but with natives more abundant in winter/spring and aliens in summer. Abundance was highest in marsh edge habitats, suggesting it provides favorable rearing habitat. Restored sites varied in ichthyoplankton abundance depending on configuration, with the site having minimal tidal exchange and greater lower trophic productivity supporting
This study aimed to identify juvenile queen conch nurseries in South Eleuthera, Bahamas by conducting transects to locate and measure juvenile conch. The researchers hypothesized that juvenile conch would be found mostly in seagrass and sand habitats. They walked transects measuring habitat variables and recording any conch found, noting location, size, and habitat. Identifying nursery habitats is important for protecting this economically and ecologically significant species, as past studies have shown declining populations due to overfishing and lack of enforcement of fishing regulations.
This thesis studied sea turtle stranding events along the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia between 2008 and 2014. A total of 205 stranded sea turtles were admitted to a rehabilitation center, with 161 being green turtles and 36 hawksbills. Spatial analysis identified two regions and five hotspot locations with high stranding frequencies. Strandings peaked from October to December and some years had higher stranding numbers than others. A correlation was found between stranding events in some locations and lagged rainfall data, suggesting environmental factors may influence strandings. Heavy metal analysis found high concentrations in tissues of deceased turtles, though water samples did not show toxic levels, warranting further investigation into metal exposure sources.
This document summarizes a study that examined fish assemblages in reference and restored tidal freshwater marshes in the San Francisco Estuary. The study compared fish assemblages between one reference marsh and three restored marshes between 1998-1999. Fish were sampled using beach seines and purse seines in different habitats, including open water, submerged aquatic vegetation, offshore areas, tidal sloughs, and marsh edges. Overall, fish assemblages were dominated by introduced species and did not differ significantly between reference and restored marshes. However, fish assemblages did vary between habitats with and without submerged aquatic vegetation, and between offshore and nearshore habitats, with native fishes found more often in tidal sloughs
The document reports on a long-term study of large mammal populations in Costa Rica's Talamanca Cordillera region. Over four years of camera trap surveys across six areas, occupancy modeling estimated occupancy for 23 detected mammal species. The highest occupancy was 0.8661 for Dice's cottontail, while the lowest was 0.1254 for nine-banded armadillo. Elevation influenced occupancy for several predators and prey species. The study aims to improve understanding of keystone species like jaguar and address illegal hunting impacts.
This document summarizes the Asilomar State Beach Intertidal Monitoring Program which monitors 107 acres of coastline in California. The program partners with other organizations to conduct comprehensive biodiversity monitoring using various methods, including mapping and fixed quadrat sampling of black abalone. Results found 115 species with 4 sea star and 2 abalone species. Partnerships provide significant benefits like cost savings, involvement in long-term decision making, and public engagement through volunteer groups. The monitoring meets legal mandates and helps protect sensitive species like the endangered black abalone.
The document discusses the concept of "trophic downgrading", which refers to the ecological consequences of removing large apex consumers from ecosystems. It outlines three main ecological theories that provide context: trophic cascades propagated through food webs by consumers, alternative stable states in ecosystems, and connectivity between species through interaction webs. Examples are given of how the absence of apex predators can indirectly impact disease prevalence, carbon sequestration, invasive species, and other ecosystem functions and services. The conclusion is that disruptions to trophic cascades from declining predation threaten biodiversity, and restoration of predation regimes may help address these issues.
The document describes the work of the Streamkeepers of Clallam County volunteer water quality monitoring program. It discusses the program's goals of collecting credible water quality data to track conditions, identify issues, and inform restoration efforts. It outlines the program's various monitoring activities including measuring physical, chemical and biological integrity. It also discusses the author's experiences assisting with projects monitoring stormwater runoff and conducting various other tasks to support the program.
This document provides a management plan for the Desert Experimental Range Management Area (DERMA). It addresses several key topics:
1) Watershed protection and hydrology, noting water is limited and proposing increasing water catchments like guzzlers.
2) Recreation considerations, proposing to continue recreation but restrict it to established roads and potentially close some trails to protect the land.
3) Wildlife management, describing the abundant wildlife including big game species like elk and mule deer that are part of management units.
4) Livestock grazing history and the need for careful management to continue providing a model for grazing practices.
The plan aims to balance the multiple uses of the land including research, recreation,
The document discusses several endangered animal species:
- Ganges River dolphins in Nepal which require better population estimates and habitat data to aid conservation efforts. Boat surveys were conducted in 3 river systems to gather this data.
- Manatee mortality in Florida which has been tracked since 1974, including cause of death and other biological data to evaluate protection zone effectiveness.
- The endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel which inhabits southern Appalachian forests and more data is needed to protect the species.
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Biology And Conservation Of The California Tiger Salamander Revised 2009
1. Biology and Conservation of the California Tiger Salamander ( Ambystoma californiense ) Alameda County Conservation Partnership Workshop Tri-Valley Mitigation Monitoring Summary
35. M ITIGATION AND M ONITORING E FFORTS FOR C ALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG ( R ANA DRAYTONII ) AND C ALIFORNIA TIGER SALAMANDER ( A MBYSTOMA CALIFORNIENSE ): S UCCESSFUL B REEDING IN A C ONSTRUCTED P OND KEVIN D. WISEMAN 1 , DEBIE MONTANA 2 , JOSEPH E. DRENNAN 1 , AND KARLA R. MARLOW 1 1 Garcia and Associates (GANDA) 2601 Mission St., Suite 600, San Francisco, California 94110 2 Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), 3401 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, California 94583 INTRODUCTION SURVEY METHODS RESULTS DISCUSSION Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Tri-Valley 2002 Capacity Increase Project facilitated increased current and future demand for electricity by constructing and operating two new distribution substations, 13.4 miles of 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, and related upgrades to existing facilities in the Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, and in portions of unincorporated Alameda and Contra Costa Counties adjacent to these cities. As part of mitigation requirements by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for this project, PG&E was required to construct and manage a 0.29 acre (~20 x 80 m) pond and 3.9 acres of surrounding upland habitat to enhance populations of federally threatened California red-legged frog ( Rana draytonii ) and California tiger salamander ( Ambystoma californiense ). The objectives of the survey effort were to evaluate colonization and breeding success of both amphibian species using the mitigation pond by conducting annual surveys and monitoring. The mitigation pond was created in the dry season (late fall) in 2005, adjacent to an unnamed tributary of Tassajara Creek near Dublin, California (Figure 2). The pond is located approximately 0.6 km northeast of the North Dublin Substation by way of an unpaved access road within open annual grassland habitat that is grazed and largely undeveloped. Currently, the pond is surrounded by a barbed wire fence which excludes cattle from entering the pond. An unnamed, ephemeral drainage to Tassajara Creek runs adjacent to the pond. Rana draytonii were known from the immediate area, and were documented breeding in a nearby pond, located approximately 80 m to the southeast (CDFG 2008). Ambystoma californiense is also known to occur within the area, and one adult was discovered during the grading of an unpaved access road to the site in July 2005. Figure 1. Location of the Tri-Valley Mitigation Pond. Figure 2. The Tri-Valley Mitigation Pond, February 12, 2008. REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Following the pond’s creation in 2005, annual surveys for R. draytonii and A. californiense were initiated in 2006 and continued in 2007-2008. Surveys consisted of daytime surveys focused on detecting egg masses, salamander larvae and tadpoles (Fig. 3), and nighttime surveys focused on detecting adult frogs when they are most likely to be observed (Fellers and Kleeman 2006). Surveys were conducted in accordance with standard protocols for both species (USFWS 2003, 2005). Survey Area. In addition to the mitigation pond, the study area also included a 1000 m reach of an unnamed tributary to Tassajara Creek (see Figure 7) which is a relatively narrow (~1-3 m), ephemeral, low-gradient drainage. Mark-recapture study. In 2008, a mark-recapture study of California red-legged frogs was initiated at the Tri-Valley Mitigation Site in order to identify individual frogs and facilitate population estimation. We implanted passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags (Biomark ® 8.5 mm, #TXP148511B; Figure 4A) into adult frogs (Figure 4B) following methods used by Fellers and Kleeman (2007) and Bulger et al. (2003). During subsequent surveys, frogs are captured, measured (SUL, weight) and the frogs serial identification number is recorded using a reader device (Biomark ® Pocket Reader) which detects the signal of the PIT tag. Figure 3. Larval surveys at the Tri-Valley Mitigation Pond, March 11, 2008. Figure 4A. Figure 4B. We observed successful breeding by both California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander for the first time in the mitigation pond in 2008. Rana draytonii adults were observed in the mitigation pond during surveys conducted in 2006 (n=1) and 2007 (n=5), however both species did not use the mitigation pond for breeding until the third wet season, despite favorable habitat conditions in 2006 and 2007. CALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG On February 12, 2008, ten R. draytonii egg masses were observed at the southeastern end of the mitigation pond, estimated to have been deposited between January 31 and February 9 (Figure 5). Egg masses were deposited 170-410 cm (mean=321 cm) from shore and maximum depths at egg mass locations ranged from 26-50 cm (mean=38.7 cm) (Figure 6). Nine of ten egg masses were attached to dead bulrush fronds near the water surface. One egg mass was apparently unattached. Egg masses were located at the northeast and north edges of the mitigation pond (Figure 7). No evidence of breeding (egg masses or tadpoles) was observed in the tributary. Fig. 5. Rana draytonii egg mass. Fig. 6. Microhabitat of 10 R. draytonii egg masses. Figure 7. Locations of R. draytonii observed during surveys in 2008. CALIFORNIA TIGER SALAMANDER A total of five tiger salamander larvae were observed during dip-netting surveys conducted on May 18, 2008, which confirms successful breeding in the mitigation pond. Four larvae were found in the mitigation pond and one was found in a small (~1m 2 ; 25 cm deep) isolated pool in the tributary downstream of the mitigation pond (Figures 9, 10). The larva found in the tributary was much smaller (70 mm total length [TL]) than those in the mitigation pond (92, 93, 98, and 132 mm TL), perhaps due to higher productivity found in the pond compared to the tributary, or temporally separated breeding periods between habitats. A total of 30 adults (>55 mm SUL) were observed during seven surveys in 2008, some of which are likely repeat observations of individual frogs (Figure 7). However surveys conducted on February 21, March 11, May 18, and June 12 resulted in eight, 15, one, and six individual adult CRLF, respectively. Captured adult frogs ranged in size from 72-117 mm SUL (mean=96.9 ± 16.1 mm, N=11) and weighed 50-200 g (mean=104.5 ± 49.5 g; Figure 8). Fourteen adult frogs were observed in the mitigation pond and 16 frogs were observed in the tributary (Figure 7). Thirteen of 16 (81%) adult frogs observed in the tributary were located in the reach downstream of the mitigation pond, where bank gradients are higher and pools are more abundant than the reach upstream of the pond (Figure 7). Only one California-red legged frog was observed during daytime conditions, as compared to 29 individuals observed during nighttime surveys, similar to results observed by Fellers and Kleeman (2006). Three adult female California red-legged frogs were PIT-tagged during a nighttime survey on June 12 at the mitigation pond, none of which were recaptured during subsequent surveys. Tadpoles were commonly observed during surveys conducted in February, March, and May. On August 13, three juvenile CRLF were observed in a small pool (~1m 2 ) located within the tributary adjacent to the mitigation pond (Figure 7). The juveniles were found in 8 cm of water that was completely covered in duckweed ( Lemna sp.), and appeared to be the only source of standing water within the one kilometer reach of the tributary and the mitigation pond, which had completely dried by August 13. Fig. 8. Length and weight of captured R. draytonii adults (n=11). Figure 9. Locations of A. californiense larvae observed during surveys in 2008. Figure 10. A. californiense larva We would like to thank the many individuals who contributed to this project in numerous ways including: Mark Schexnayder, Ken DiVittorio, John and Carol Garcia, Daniel Marquez, Betsy Bolster, Jones and Stokes, Brian Galey, Jeff Steinman, Pierre Fidenci, Jeff Alvarez, and Brad Shaffer. The three-season lag time between pond creation and successful breeding by R. draytonii we observed at the Tri-Valley Mitigation Site is consistent with results from other studies conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area. For example, Alvarez et al. (in press) found that for 22 constructed ponds at Los Vaqueros Reservoir, R. draytonii eventually bred in all but one pond within 1-108 months (mean=23.9 months). At a mitigation pond created in 2006 near Montara, California, R. draytonii eventually bred on the second wet season in 2008 (Jason Minton, pers. comm.). Alvarez, J.A., M.A. Shea, and C. Dunn. In Press . Colonization of constructed mitigation ponds by California red-legged frogs. J. of Herpetology. Bulger, J.B., N.J. Scott Jr., and R.B. Seymour. 2003. Terrestrial activity and conservation of adult California red-legged frogs ( Rana aurora draytonii ) in coastal forests and grasslands. Biol. Conservation (110):85-95. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2008. California Natural Diversity Database, October update. Fellers, G.M. and P.M. Kleeman. 2006. Diurnal versus nocturnal surveys for California red- legged frogs. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(6):1805-1808. Fellers, G.M. and P.M. Kleeman. 2007. California red-legged frog ( Rana draytonii ) movement and habitat use: implications for conservation. J. of Herpetology 41(2):276-286.
Absence of burrows around potential breeding pond does not discount habitat b/c they move up to one kilometer . Disking does not discount CTS presence-depends on level of land management.
Ellen: Adults were captured more often closer to ponds, subadults were captured at greatest distance from pond and less frequently.
USFWS currently requiring mitigation for ag land depending on intensity of management.
Ellen and Deb did a study in 2004 behind Moss Landing power plant (before CTS listing) to determine if co. vehicles actually did crush burrow. We did multiple runs with various weight vehicles. We measured entrance to burrow before and after each run of each type of vehicle, as well as endoscoped to determine if any internal collapse occurred. All burrows were in Sand.