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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until July 21, 2027

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The impacts of habitat characteristics on the conservation of a forest-associated amphibian

Wetsch, Olivia
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3126-6528
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658489896577654

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Science, Miami University, Biology.
As habitat loss and degradation continually threaten biodiversity, understanding the habitat requirements of species is as important as ever for wildlife management and conservation. All species require certain habitat features to persist, whether that be at the microhabitat scale or the landscape scale. Here I aimed to determine habitat features important for spotted salamanders, a cryptic species with a complex life cycle. My central hypothesis is that microhabitat features and landscape-level features will both impact spotted salamander individuals and populations. I used an experimental study to assess impacts on individuals and a field survey to assess populations. Overall, I found that larval density and pond cover both impact captive reared spotted salamander metamorphosis, and that leaf litter impacts the recapture of individuals after overwintering. Finally, I found that the prevalence and abundance of wild spotted salamanders are associated with the amount of leaf litter, the amount of shrub/scrub habitat surrounding breeding ponds, and the distance of the breeding pond to the nearest pond. This research demonstrates the importance of studying habitat features at various scales to accurately study species occupancy and manage natural areas in a way that best accommodates wildlife.
Michelle Boone (Advisor)
Tereza Jezkova (Committee Member)
Nancy Solomon (Committee Member)
73 p.
Biology; Conservation; Ecology; Freshwater Ecology; Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management; Zoology
wildlife conservation, amphibian declines, complex life cycles, habitat characteristics, larval rearing

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wetsch, O. (2022). The impacts of habitat characteristics on the conservation of a forest-associated amphibian [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658489896577654

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wetsch, Olivia. The impacts of habitat characteristics on the conservation of a forest-associated amphibian. 2022. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658489896577654.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wetsch, Olivia. "The impacts of habitat characteristics on the conservation of a forest-associated amphibian." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658489896577654

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1658489896577654
© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.