Date of Award

2010

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Thomas Pauley

Second Advisor

Dan Evans

Third Advisor

Charles Somerville

Abstract

Natural history traits have not been thoroughly collected and analyzed on the "common hoptoad," Bufo a. americanus (eastern American toad) in West Virginia. Updating natural history information is important to understand the present population status (Jackson, 2001). I chose to have two study sites at opposing physiographic regions to constitute a better understanding of B. a. americanus natural history in WV. The study was initiated in spring 2008 at Beech Fork State Park and Green Bottom Swamp Wildlife Refuge (in Mason and Cabell counties) and in 2009 incorporated Canaan Valley of Tucker County. Ten natural history morphometrics and characters were recorded from each individual collected. These morphometrics were compared among males from Cabell and Mason counties (mean = 74.4mm) to Tucker County. Males in the Allegheny Mountains had larger snout-vent lengths than those in the Allegheny Plateau (Mean = 74.4). Morphometrics were compared between sexes and females had the following significantly larger characteristics: Snout-vent lengths (p<0.001), tibia lengths (p<0.001), eye diameters (p<0.001), and tympanic membranes. Three Song MetersTM were positioned: Song MeterTM #1 in a permanent pond at Beech Fork State Park, Song MeterTM #2 at a permanent wetland in Green Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Song MeterTM #3 at an ephemeral wetland in Beech Fork State Park. Seven species were recorded calling that provided valuable information on anuran breeding phenology in West Virginia such as their daily calling activity and optimal calling time. Shortterm studies such as these can be revolutionary to updating natural history data for species and improving protocols to monitor anurans.

Subject(s)

American toad.

Natural history - West Virginia.

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