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Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA

Collins, Merri K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493823781867991

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Environmental Studies (Voinovich).
Habitat destruction and anthropogenic drivers have led to a decline of amphibian populations worldwide, but the conservation status of many species remains in question. Environmental DNA is a new monitoring methodology that non-invasively detects the presence of imperiled, rare, and secretive species. Although the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species presence is increasing, it is not often paired with habitat data. This study focuses on the declining Common Mudpuppy salamander, Necturus maculosus. I conducted both traditional and eDNA field surveys at 10 stream sites located in Southeastern Ohio. I detected the presence of Mudpuppies at 6 of 10 streams using eDNA. In contrast, I only observed individuals at one site using stream surveys Presence was detected in fourhistoric streams, and established at two new locations. I quantified physical and chemical habitat characteristics over six months for each stream using water quality surveys. I recorded measurements of heavy metals, nutrients physical stream habitat, conductivity, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and oxygen. Logistic regression analysis determined that QHEI (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index) scores for riparian zone was the best predictor of mudpuppy presence. This sampling methodology could be broadly applied to study other aquatic species.
Shawn Kuchta (Advisor)
81 p.
Biology; Conservation; Freshwater Ecology; Genetics; Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management
Conservation Biology

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Collins, M. K. (2017). Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493823781867991

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Collins, Merri. Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA. 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493823781867991.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Collins, Merri. "Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493823781867991

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1493823781867991
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.