• Refine Query
  • Source
  • Publication year
  • to
  • Language
  • 1
  • Tagged with
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
1

Distribution and Life History of Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori in the Upper Clinch River Watershed, Virginia

White, Shannon Lynn 21 December 2012 (has links)
In 1999, a new species of minnow, Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori (Clinch dace), was discovered in the Tennessee drainage of Virginia. Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori are listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia\'s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier II- Very High Conservation Need because of potential threats from habitat degradation, high population fragmentation, and a largely unknown distribution. Consequently, a management plan for C. sp. cf. saylori is of utmost importance, but more information regarding its distribution and life history is required before such a plan can be implemented. In 2011 and 2012 I sampled 60 headwater streams in the upper Clinch River watershed, Virginia.  From this and historical data, I conclude that C. sp. cf. saylori are restricted to eight small tributaries to the Clinch River.  Multivariate analysis of habitat correlates indicated that C. sp. cf. saylori populations are found in small, high elevation streams with gravel substrate and forested watersheds.  Three species distribution models were unable to predict C. sp. cf. saylori distribution.  Morphological traits were significantly different between C. sp. cf. saylori and other Chrosomus, thereby providing an initial indication of speciation and differing niche roles. I observed a nest association with Campostoma anomalum.  Gonad weight was lower for C. sp. cf. saylori than closely-related congeners. Together, this information indicates that C. sp. cf. saylori are narrowly distributed and populations are small, fragmented, and of questionable viability.  In the future, long-term monitoring efforts and genetics analyses should be completed and additional protection measures pursued. / Master of Science

Page generated in 0.0605 seconds