Conservation genetics of a spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw 1802)) local population in southeast Tennessee

Currently there is a worldwide amphibian decline with numerous causes. Because of this, it is important to understand how genetic variation in local amphibian populations is affected by disturbance. The goal of this study was to assess the genetic impacts of past chemical and ammunition storage and present industrialization on a local population of Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw 1802) using thirteen microsatellite markers. Most loci exhibited no loss of heterozygosity but the low effective population size may indicate vulnerability to future declines. No population substructure or sex-biased dispersal was detected. Possible explanations for the reduction in genetic diversity at four loci include a past anthropogenic decline, natural population cycles, and impending effects of a decline. Close monitoring of the population is necessary because genetic diversity may decline in the future due to current anthropogenic disturbances.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Armstrong, Daniel Scott

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wilson, Thomas P.
• Kovach, Margaret J.; Shaw, Joey
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Spotted salamander
• Animal population genetics

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/5

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1004