Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Sex-Biased Predation On Taricha By A Novel Predator In Annadel State Park, Amber Noelle Brouillette
Sex-Biased Predation On Taricha By A Novel Predator In Annadel State Park, Amber Noelle Brouillette
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023
Newts of the genus Taricha have long been studied due to the powerful neurotoxin found in their skin. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) acts by blocking receptors in sodium channels, ultimately resulting in death via asphyxiation. The only documented predators of species in this genus have been snakes of the genus Thamnophis. Recently, predation on Taricha in Ledson Marsh in Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa, CA was discovered. Predation was in the form of laceration or evisceration, and tracking of predation from 1998-2008 showed that it was male-biased. Two species of Taricha were found living sympatrically at this location, the California newt …