Status of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis) in Missouri: a Comparison of Past and Present Populations

Eastern hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis, were collected from the Big Piney, Gasconade, and Niangua Rivers. Total length and mass measurements were taken for comparison with historical data from the same rivers. There have been substantial declines in the numbers of hellbenders captured from each river. Hellbenders from the 1998 samples were larger on average than historical individuals. This increase in size appears to be due to reduction of smaller size classes. Average body conditions have changed, but not consistently. More work is needed to determine the status of hellbenders in Missouri.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1999

Author dc:creator

• Prosen, Ethan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alicia Mathis

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Ethan Prosen

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/115

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1116