Date
8-4-2022 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Globally, greater than half of amphibian species have suffered significant population declines and are now listed as threatened or endangered. Captive rearing has become a powerful management tool to address dwindling population numbers. While captive rearing has been used effectively for a small subset of species recovery programs for decades, captive rearing remains in its infancy for other species, like the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). To this end, much remains unknown regarding critical components ofex situ approaches for this declining species. We are conducting a seven-month study to assess the impact captive densities have on Eastern Hellbender growth rates. We plan to assess the difference in growth rates for 91 hellbenders using three density trials: high (22 hellbenders/tank), medium (15 and 14 hellbenders/tank), and low (9 hellbenders/tank). We will collect data bimonthly on growth rates including weight, snout-vent length (SVL), and total length (TL) for all individuals. We predict the low density will have the greatest growth rates due to reduced resource competition. Determining the optimal captive-rearing density to maximize facility space, personnel efforts, and hellbender growth rates will help ensure future success for the recovery of the species.
Effect of Density on Growth Rates of Captive Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)
Globally, greater than half of amphibian species have suffered significant population declines and are now listed as threatened or endangered. Captive rearing has become a powerful management tool to address dwindling population numbers. While captive rearing has been used effectively for a small subset of species recovery programs for decades, captive rearing remains in its infancy for other species, like the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). To this end, much remains unknown regarding critical components ofex situ approaches for this declining species. We are conducting a seven-month study to assess the impact captive densities have on Eastern Hellbender growth rates. We plan to assess the difference in growth rates for 91 hellbenders using three density trials: high (22 hellbenders/tank), medium (15 and 14 hellbenders/tank), and low (9 hellbenders/tank). We will collect data bimonthly on growth rates including weight, snout-vent length (SVL), and total length (TL) for all individuals. We predict the low density will have the greatest growth rates due to reduced resource competition. Determining the optimal captive-rearing density to maximize facility space, personnel efforts, and hellbender growth rates will help ensure future success for the recovery of the species.
Comments
2022 FNR Poster Competition, Undergraduate Research, 1st Place