Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

24 Jun, 07 AM - 16 Jul, 07 AM

The purpose of this research project is to examine the possible influence of the current velocity on predator impacts on local prey populations in streams. The objectives of this study are: 1) to explore the effects of natural invertebrate predators (Doroneuria baumanii) on local prey populations (Baetis tricaudatus) in streams; 2) to investigate how predator impacts vary across a gradient of current velocities; and 3) to investigate how prey density affects the perceived effects of predators on prey under different current regimes. The experiment will be performed in Convict Creek at the concrete pads in the lower reserve area using (36) flow through in situ channels constructed from plastic drain pipe (each, 10cm in diameter and 1 m length). Channels will be set in 3 arrays and channel bottoms will be lined with natural substrata. The current preferences of Doroneuria baumanii and Baetis tricaudatus will be assessed by measuring their population densities along a gradient of ambient flow conditions. Three experimiental flow regimens will be established in channels based on this analysis. Current regimes will then be crossed with the following experimental treatments: 1) Standardized density of predators and prey 2) Standardized density of predators and the local density of prey, 3) No predators and a standardized density of prey, and 4) No predators and local prey density. The local prey density treatments will be stocked with prey densities representative of the flow regimen. The experiment will be conducted for two days. At the end of the experiment the invertebrates remaining in the cages will be identified and enumerated. Appropriate statistical analysis will be conducted to determine if there are significant effects of experimental treatments on predator impacts on prey. The experiment is non invasive, of very short duration, and will have minimal impact on animal populations and little disturbance to the reserves ecosystem. I am requesting use of the concrete pads on Convict Creek in the lower reserve to set up the project. I require housing for two undergraduates researchers for the duration of the project and housing for 1 Faculty researcher for 3 days at the start of the project and four days at the end of the project. I am requesting space to set up 2 microscopes and lights, and the use of a sink.

Visit #9968 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 6720 | Research

context dependent predator effects

faculty - University of California, Santa Barbara

Reservation Members(s)

Thomas EVen Jun 24 - Jul 16, 2006 (23 days)
Group of 2 Undergraduate Student Jun 24 - Jul 16, 2006 (23 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Dorm 3 Jun 24 - Jul 16, 2006