Chemical and Behavioral Ecology of the Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)

Intraspecific interactions are an important factor in shaping the population structure of terrestrial salamanders. Both physical interactions and scent-marking are vital components to the establishment of territories and influence dispersion of individuals. However, little is known about the terrestrial interactions of many salamander species, particularly that of the Coastal Giant Salamander (<em>Dicamptodon tenebrosus</em>). In this study, I observed the first evidence for the use chemical cues by terrestrial <em>D. tenerosus</em> in regards to shelter selection. I also observed the first accounts of agonistic and display behavior of terrestrial <em>D. tenebrosus</em>. These results suggest that terrestrial <em>D. tenebrosus </em>utilize chemical cues in their selection of refuge sites, and that they also display aggressive, territorial behavior.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Reavill, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ronald Wagner
• Wayne Quirk
• Robert Weaver

• Behavior
• territory
• ethogram
• shelter selection
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/912

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-1801