Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2018

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

R. Steven Wagner

Second Committee Member

Wayne Quirk

Third Committee Member

Robert Weaver

Abstract

I divided my thesis into two major studies focusing on the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad, Spea intermontana, at the Beverley Dunes (Beverley, WA). The first study explored the effects of temperature and water level on the rate of metamorphosis. We gathered data on rates of development, survival, body mass, snout-vent length, and hind leg length of metamorphs under 4 treatments: 20C x High Water, 30C x High Water, 20C x Water Loss, and 30C x Water Loss. These data show that temperature has a stronger effect on the overall rate of metamorphosis of Great Basin Spadefoot Toads. The second study used 5 categories of field data (hydrography, elevation, soil type, land use, and land cover), to produce a predictive model for finding novel populations of Spadefoot Toads in Washington State. Data from local and government agencies were combined with recent ecological and behavioral data from a single location for the model. This model could be an integral tool when researchers are making methodical choices during initial stages of surveying for a target species. We feel our model can serve as an excellent example of an applied GIS-based approach to survey and management techniques.

Language

English

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