Angelo Coast Range Reserve

16 Jun, 06 AM - 19 Jun, 04 AM

Global climate change will impact many natural systems, including headwater streams. Headwaters provide important nutrients to the surrounding forest, and to downstream, fish-bearing waters. Disturbance in headwater streams can lead to changes in these connected ecosystems. I study a salamander (Southern Torrent Salamander, Rhyacotriton variegatus) that is very sensitive to disturbance, and is used as an indicator of the health of the stream. I am studying the effects of global climate change on headwater streams by using Rhyacotriton variegatus as an indicator of ecosystem dysfunction. Specifically, I am using a combination of physiological ecology, survey, and modeling methods to look for the limiting factors in the health and survival of R. variegatus. The effects of global climate change will be first detectable at the warmest edge of the range of R. variegatus. This study concentrates on that southern edge, using the four following aims to assess effects of global climate change on this indicator species. Aim 1: Are R. variegatus disappearing from warming streams at the edge of their thermally defined range? Aim 2: What are the thermal tolerances of R. variegatus eggs? Aim 3: Are stress hormone levels of R. variegatus elevated in thermally degraded streams? Aim 4: How will global climate change affect the distribution of R. variegatus?

Visit #25426 @Angelo Coast Range Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 23819 | Research

An Integrated Approach to Gauge the Effects of Global Climate Change on Headwater Stream Ecosystems.

graduate_student - Oregon State University

Reservation Members(s)

Gwen Bury Jun 16 - 19, 2011 (4 days)
Gwen Bury Jun 16 - 19, 2011 (4 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Fox Creek Lodge 2 Jun 16 - 19, 2011
HQ House 2 Jun 16 - 19, 2011