UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Chellman, Isaac C.
Dept./Program:
Natural Resources
Year:
2011
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a large, fully aquatic salamander that holds a rare status in Vermont and is classified as a high priority species of greatest conservation need. Mudpuppies have been subjects of conservation concern in the Lake Champlain basin because of limited population demographic knowledge, habitat alteration, and increased mortality rates observed in rivers following application of 3-trifluromethyl-4-nitrophenal (TFM), a chemical used to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). This research was undertaken to assess baseline mudpuppy population biological parameters in Vermont, including abundance, survivorship, and genetic diversity. To assess population demographic parameters, we used mark-recapture techniques in which mudpuppies were sampled using modified, baited minnow traps set during two winter-spring periods (2008-2009 and 2009-2010) in the Lamoille River, which was treated with TFM in early October 2009.
Each mudpuppy was marked with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag, and released after collecting morphological measurements and a tissue sample for genetic analyses. No changes occurred in survivorship and male abundance between sampling periods. However, female abundance decreased between the two sampling periods and there was a change in sex ratio from 50:50 in 2008-2009 to male-biased in 2009-2010. To investigate genetic diversity, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA from tissue samples collected in the Lake Champlain basin and other systems in the Northeast.
We performed an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and phylogeographic analysis on sampled haplotypes, which revealed significant differentiation between Lake Champlain basin and Connecticut River samples. Phylogeographic analysis placed Connecticut River samples in a cluster separate from all other Northeast samples. Unique haplotypes were found in several systems, including the Great Chazy River, NY; Scriba Creek, NY; Grand River, OH; and Connecticut River, MA. These results may help inform management decisions in the Northeast to meet conservation goals.
Each mudpuppy was marked with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag, and released after collecting morphological measurements and a tissue sample for genetic analyses. No changes occurred in survivorship and male abundance between sampling periods. However, female abundance decreased between the two sampling periods and there was a change in sex ratio from 50:50 in 2008-2009 to male-biased in 2009-2010. To investigate genetic diversity, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA from tissue samples collected in the Lake Champlain basin and other systems in the Northeast.
We performed an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and phylogeographic analysis on sampled haplotypes, which revealed significant differentiation between Lake Champlain basin and Connecticut River samples. Phylogeographic analysis placed Connecticut River samples in a cluster separate from all other Northeast samples. Unique haplotypes were found in several systems, including the Great Chazy River, NY; Scriba Creek, NY; Grand River, OH; and Connecticut River, MA. These results may help inform management decisions in the Northeast to meet conservation goals.