Angelo Coast Range Reserve

21 Jun, 05 AM - 24 Jun, 07 AM

Collecting genetic material and toe clips to conduct a pilot skeletchronology and genetic study of R. boylii and R. catesbeiana. Genetic analysis of both species within the Angelo Reserve may illuminate whether geographic distance or the presence of non-native species alter gene flow within the population. The maintenance of genetic diversity is of great concern because it is associated with species survival in the event of changing conditions. The proposed study will contribute to our understanding of invasive bullfrogs and their relationship to R. boylii declines. Determining whether skeletochronology is a viable method in temperate species such as R. boylii is important. Very little is known about R. boylii, particularly during the period between metamorphosis and maturity (breeding). Time to sexual maturity, lifespan, and non-breeding season growth/activity rates are unknown for R. boylii. A lack of distinct LAGs may indicate that R. boylii continue growth and activity cycles through the winter months. If discrete LAGs exist for R. boylii, and LAGs are suitable for age structure analysis, a comparison of various watersheds across an elevational and geographical range will provide important insight into whether LAGs differ in temperate species inhabiting various climates (e.g., coastal, foothill, and mountain), and how activity cycles and growth rates may vary across those regions.

Visit #15571 @Angelo Coast Range Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 10117 | Research

Rana boylii conservation: Understanding post-metamorphic ontogeny in a native population through skeletochronology and gene flow

graduate_student - University of San Francisco

Reservation Members(s)

Ryan Peek Jun 21 - 24, 2008 (4 days)
Group of 2 Faculty Jun 21 - 24, 2008 (4 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Day use 3 Jun 21 - 24, 2008
Fox Creek Lodge 3 Jun 21 - 24, 2008