Doug Kaylor

Undergraduate Degree:  Shorter College

Thesis Topic: Ambystomatid Community Ecology in an Ephemeral Wetland

 Ambystomatid salamanders and other pond-breeding species have been adversely affected by the loss of wetlands and bottomland forests.  Marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum), Jefferson salamanders (A.  jeffersonianum), Spotted salamanders (A. maculatum), and Small-mouthed salamanders (A. texanum) have been found in the same ephemeral wetland in Mason County, providing a unique opportunity to study a salamander community in West Virginia.  Ambystoma texanum is listed as a species of special concern class 1 and A. jeffersonianum is listed as a species of concern class 3 in West Virginia.  This study will provide more information about this valuable habitat.  Data that will be collected will include morphometrics, diet, distribution in the habitat, microhabitat information, reproductive biology, and metamorphosis. The result of this research will be a better understanding of the natural histories and community interactions of these four Ambystomatid species in West Virginia. Data collected will also greatly improve the management of these species within the state.