Habitat Associations Of Stream-Dwelling Salamanders At Multiple Spatial Scales In Central Kentucky Headwaters.

<p>Headwater stream systems are productive habitats that are often at risk of human perturbation, and it is crucial that ecologists understand natural patterns and processes within these ecosystems. Using a multi-scale approach, I investigated factors influencing habitat associations of <em>Ambystoma barbouri<em> (streamside salamander) and <em>Eurycea cirrigera<em> (southern two-lined salamander) in a relatively undisturbed stream network in central Kentucky. I used likelihood ratio G-tests to identify associations between species and mesohabitat types (i.e., runs, riffles, and pools). I used second order Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC<em>c<em>) model selection to predict patterns of presence and abundance throughout headwater reaches. Fine-scale abiotic habitat conditions influenced habitat associations and distribution patterns at larger spatial scales. Individual <em>A. barbouri<em> displayed strong negative associations to riffle habitat at both micro- and stream-reach scales shortly after hatching, likely as a result of passive in-stream dispersal in response to increased water velocity and turbulence. <em>Ambystoma barbouri<em>, in later stages of development, displayed evidence of active dispersal, resulting in stronger positive associations to run habitat and stronger negative associations to riffles. Habitat associations in late spring suggested interspecific interactions between <em>A. barbouri<em> and <em>E. cirrigera<em>, and further research is needed on the potential reversal of predatory roles between the two species as <em>A. barbouri<em> larvae develop. My results demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-scale approach to investigating complex ecological processes of aquatic organisms and the utility of AIC<em>c<em> in selecting biologically relevant predictive models of salamander presence and abundance in aquatic habitats. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2013

Author dc:creator

• Yeiser, John Mark

• Ambystoma
• Eurycea
• salamanders
• habitat associations
• headwater streams
• larvae
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Zoology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 John Mark Yeiser

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/149

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1148