Phylogeography and Conservation of the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus)

<p>The Arroyo Toad <em>(Bufo cakfomicus)</em> is an endangered species found in rivers of southern California, USA and northern Baja California, Mexico. It has experienced population declines throughout its range, as a result of urbanization, hydrologic alterations, and overall habitat loss. As part of the Recovery Plan for this species, it was determined that more research was needed to assist in management decisions. One of those research needs was to better understand the intraspecific genetic variation within the Arroyo Toad. I conducted a range wide genetic study of the Arroyo Toad to uncover lineages and genetic variation among and between all major watersheds. This information is essential to our understanding of the species by providing data to determine recovery units independent of geographic location, delimit metapopulations, identify closely related populations for the potential augmentation of declining or extinct populations, assess dispersal between watersheds, and quantify genetic diversity throughout its distribution. In the course of this project, I also identified a more precise range of the species in Baja California, Mexico, along with the issues and challenges facing its conservation in the poorly known southern portion of its range.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2009

Author dc:creator

• Lovich, Robert Edward

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ronald Carter
• L. Lee Grismer
• Penelope Duerken-Hughes
• Robert Ford
• William Hayes

• Biology
• Arroyo toad -- California, Southern; Arroyo toad -- Mexico -- Baja California (Peninsula); Phylogeography; Bufo -- Phylogeny; Bufo bufo; Phylogeny; Species Specificity; Genetic Speciation; Endangered Species.

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/724

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1779