Factors Affecting Red-Spotted Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens Abundance in the EdmQnd Niles Huyck Preserve
Loading...
Authors
Clegg, Paul
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study focused on identifying factors associated with Notophthalmus
viridescens abundance within"the Edmond Niles Huyck preserve in RennselearvilIe, New
York. Both rough categorization and quantitative factors were compared against eft
abundance data for the year 2007 as well as a ten year data set. Rough categorizations
included elevation, geographical location, amphibian removal status, and forest type. I
analyzed rough categorizations factors through the use of univariate general linear
models. Quantitative factors included soil moisture content, soil pH, and leaf litter depth.
I also constructed stepwise linear regressions using quantitative factors. I confirmed
quantitative observational findings through the use of habitat preference studies in the
laboratory. For the year 2007, eft abundance was significantly different with respect to
geographical location, elevation, amphibian removal status, and soil moisture. Eft
abundance, when analyzed using the long term data set, was significantly influenced by
geographical location, elevation, amphibian removal status, forest type, soil moisture, and
leaf litter depth. Eft abundance increased as both soil moisture and leaf litter depth
increased. I propose that these trends were due to eft life history and dispersal of eft from
their natal ponds and their need for water, as they do not uptake in through their skin as
most salamanders do. I suggest that leaf litter depth was important to efts because of its ability to retain water. Differences in results between the short term and long term data
sets highlight the importance of continuous ecological studies, as many trends do not
reveal themselves with short term studies.
Description
vii, 30 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.