Angelo Coast Range Reserve

05 Jun, 01 PM - 08 Jun, 02 AM

My doctoral thesis explores the effects of global climate change on headwater streams, using torrent salamanders (Rhyacotriton variegatus) as indicators of ecosystem dysfunction. Specifically, I will use a combination of physiological ecology methods, field surveys, and modeling to determine the factors that limit the health and survival of R. variegatus populations. I propose that the effects of global climate change will be first detectable at the warmest edge of the range of R. variegatus. Global climate change is likely to exacerbate already extensive human alterations to forest ecosystems, especially stream-riparian communities, because they are among the most threatened and vulnerable ecosystems on earth (1). In particular, headwater streams of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are vital and abundant, but challenged ecosystems with an uncertain future. Amphibians found in PNW headwater streams represent ancient, unique lineages and are excellent indicators of ecosystem disturbance (2). Using one of the most sensitive PNW species, the Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus). R. variegatus are excellent indicators of climate change because they are highly sensitive to thermal disturbance. R. variegatus are restricted to the coast range from central Oregon to northern California, with some eastward projections (19). R. variegatus are small salamanders that live in the splash zone of low-order creeks, seeps, and springs; generally in late seral stage, closed canopy forests (11, 20-23). Miller et. al. (24) found that R. variegatus populations south of the Smith River are sufficiently genetically distinct to meet criteria for recognition as an ESU (evolutionary significant unit). The extreme thermal sensitivity of R. variegatus is revealed by its low critical thermal maxima (CTM), the lowest of all salamander species tested by Brattstrom (25). CTM is the temperature at which an animal stops basic body functions and, if not removed from that temperature, will die imminently (see (26)). Studies of R. variegatus population biology show that these amphibians are extremely sensitive to habitat degradation, especially to the thermal increases often seen with clear-cut logging (27, 28). I will take a synthetic and multidisciplinary approach to gain an integrated perspective on how global climate change affects cold water streams, as indicated by this sensitive species.

Visit #28709 @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 5 - 8, 2012 (4 days)
Gwen Bury Jun 5 - 8, 2012 (4 days)
Gwen Bury Jun 5 - 8, 2012 (4 days)
Gwen Bury Jun 5 - 8, 2012 (4 days)

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