Date of Award
2007
Degree Name
Biological Sciences
College
College of Science
Type of Degree
M.S.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Thomas Pauley
Second Advisor
Frank Gilliam
Third Advisor
Jeffrey May
Abstract
The Black Mountain Salamander, Desmognathus welteri, is listed as S2 by the WVDNR. Given the threat of extirpation, this species is in need of studies to facilitate a conservation effort. The following studies were completed as part of this work: Comparative morphology of the genus Desmognathus in West Virginia; Distribution of D. welteri in West Virginia; Habitat partitioning of Desmognathine salamanders; and Phenology of Desmognathus spp. Ratios of morphometrics of the tail were found to be most useful for distinguishing Desmognathus spp. D. welteri was found in three of 22 streams searched, meaning there are now 21 documented occurrences of this species in southern West Virginia. Habitat partitioning was demonstrated to occur between D. welteri and the next largest sympatric species, D. monticola. Finally, Desmognathus spp. completed their movement to winter retreats when the water temperature dropped to 7○ C and emerged in the spring at the same water temperature.
Subject(s)
Dusky salamanders - West Virginia.
Dusky salamanders - Habitat.
Dusky salamanders - Morphology.
Recommended Citation
Bond, Tristan, "A study of the genus Desmognathus in West Virginia, with emphasis on Desmognathus welteri, the Black Mountain Salamander" (2007). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 504.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/504
