Animal Sciences Commons^™

Unidad De Los Anfibios Modernos Como Grupo Natural, Rafael O. De Sá

Biology Faculty Publications

RESUMEN

La monofilia de la infraclase Lissamphibia ha sido cuestionada. Algunos autores sugieren un origen independiente del Orden Gymnophiona basados en la condición compacta (= estegocrotafía) del cráneo de la cecilias. La presente revisión indica la irrelevancia del estegocrotafismo para establecer las relaciones filogenéticas del grupo. Los datos disponibles sugieren: 1) el estegocrotafismo es secundariamente derivado en cecilias, y 2) Lissamphibia representa un grupo monofilético.

SUMMARY

Unity of modern Amphibians as a natural group

The monophyly of Lissamphibia has been previously questioned. Some authors suggested an independent origin of Gymnophiona based on the solid condition (= stegokrotaphy) of the caecilian …

Changes In Small Mammal Community Attributes Associated With Increasing Pine Stand Age In Managed Pine Plantations In Southeastern Virginia, James Douglas Dolan

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Loblolly pine plantations were examined at different ages to identify small mammal community attributes in relation to the succession of the plant community. Forest floor and understory plant communities were characterized. Small mammals were collected by Fitch (live) traps and pitfall traps in four age classes during five seasons of study. Fitch live traps and pitfall traps were used in conjunction with one another to obtain the most accurate depiction of the small mammal community. Fitch traps accounted for 65 % of small mammal captures and 7 of 9 species captured. Small mammal abundance and biomass declined with increasing stand …

A Strategy For The Future Management Of The Joint Authority Northern Shark Fishery. A Discussion Paper., Tim Bray, Jo Kennedy

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper discusses the current status of the Joint Authority Northern Shark Fishery (JANSF), and the major issues affecting it. The main aim of the document is to present a seires of recommendations to enable effective future management of this resource. The paper provides a brief introduction to the JANSF, followed by an examination of the resource base of the fishery (primary species, stock distribution and stock assessment).

Western Rock Lobster Management - Options And Issues, Kevin Donohue

Fisheries Management Papers

Following the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meeting of the 3 March 1998 the Minister has advised that his position is that there will be no management changes for the 1998/99 season. The purpose of this paper is primarily to provide information explaining management options and issues for consideration of the long term management of the fishery. The paper is divided into three main sections which detail options that have been identified as having the potential to increase the catch value over the next three years. In the first section, an option for enhancing the catch value by transferring lobsters …

Fisheries Research Report No. 110 - A Research Vessel Survey Of Bottom Types In The Area Of The Abrolhos Islands And Mid-West Trawl Fishery., C. J. Dibden, L. M. Joll

Fisheries Research Reports

To address the concern expressed by Commercial rock lobster fishers operating in the Abrolhos Islands area, that expanding saucer scallop trawl activity was damaging the sea floor biota in areas which they considered good rock lobster habitat and poor scallop habitat, an underwater video survey was conducted by the Fisheries Department Research Division, with the following objectives:

1. Examine, classify and map the benthic habitat of areas currently and historically trawled for scallops in the Abrolhos Islands area and adjacent waters;

2. Examine, classify and map the benthic habitat of areas adjacent to these trawled areas, where potential for conflict …

Summary Of Submissions To Fisheries Management Paper No 108 - Issues Affecting Western Australia's Inshore Crab Fishery, Cathy Campbell

Fisheries Management Papers

The summary of submissions is a record of comments offered in respect to the contet of Fisheries Management Paper No. 108 : Issues affecting Western Australia's inshore crab fishery (the Issues Paper) and submitted by groups or individuals who have an interest in inshore crab fishing activity in this State. Concerns of the respective parties included a percieved decline in recreational crab catches at specific locations; instances of conflict between commerical and recreational crabs fishers in Geographe Bay; concern for the types of gear used to take crabs; a substantial rise in the catch of crabs in the Cockburn Sound …

Effect Of Sampling Errors On Estimates Of Recruitment And Fishing Mortality From Separable Virtual Population Analysis, Emmanis Dorval

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Separable virtual population analysis (SVPA) models provide estimates of historical recruitment and fishing mortality from analyzing catch data based on the separability of fishing mortality into age specific-gear selection and yearly mortality. These models assume that the catch is randomly sampled and that sampling error is a random variable with constant variance and mean equal to zero. These models do not account for sampling measurement errors that occur when the catch partitioned by age is not measured on every sampling unit without error, and spatio-temporal errors that occur when the observed catch is not representative of the harvested population throughout …

Ecology And Natural History Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton, In West Virginia, Robert B. Tucker

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Very little has been written on the ecology and natural history of the Cow Knob salamander, Plethodon punctatus Highton, since it was described by Highton (1971). Plethodon punctatus is known only from the higher elevations of Great North (above 2,800 ft) and Shenandoah (above 3,000 ft.) Mountains in Virginia and West Virginia (Highton, 1972; Conant and Collins, 1991). The type locality is Cow Knob, Pendleton County, West Virginia. Plethodon punctatus is a large (up to 75 mm snout-to-vent length) dorso-ventrally flattened salamander with creamish iridiophore spots on the back and sides, webbed feet for a fossorial lifestyle, and large …

Life History, Ecology, And Low Ph Tolerance Of The Freshwater Prawn, Palaemonetes Kadiakensis Rathbun, In A Mitigated Wetland Of The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, West Virginia, Jennifer Ann Aderman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

An ecological life history study of the freshwater prawn Palaemonetes kadiakensis was conducted at the mitigated wetland of the Green Bottom Wildlife management Area (GBWMA). Monthly samples were collected from November 1996 through November 1997. In addition, weekly samples were collected from May through November for growth and reproductive analysis. Monthly samples yielded 520 prawns. Palaemonetes kadiakensis had a one-year life cycle, with all adults dying by September. Males averaged 23.82 mm (range = 14.15 to 36.75 mm) and females averaged 26.78mm (range = 15.06 to 38.60 mm) in length. Males averaged 0.087g (range = 0.014to 0.293 g) and females …

An Assessment Of The Prevalence Of The Bass Tapeworm, Proteocephalus Ambloplitis, And Other Parasites In Five Species Of Basses From River And Lake Ecosystems In West Virginia, J. Alyce Bradbury

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Two-hundred and fifteen basses were collected from four river sites (Racine Locks and Dam, Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam; Ashland, KY—Ohio River; London Locks and Dam—Kanawha River) and five reservoir sites (Beech Fork Lake, East Lynn Lake, Summersville Lake, Burnsville Lake, and Stonewall Jackson Lake,). The five species of bass caught were: largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieui; spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus; white bass, Morone chrysops; and hybrid bass, Morone chyrsops x Morone saxatilis. Basses were collected by three methods: 1) local anglers (hook and line), 2) gill netting surveys; and 3) …

The Use Of Emergent Rocks As Refugia For The Cheat Mountain Salamander, Plethodon Nettingi Green, Beth Anne Pauley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Plethodon nettinqi was listed as a threatened species in 1989 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Pauley, 1991). Its total range is within 5 counties in eastern West Virginia. There are fewer then 60 disjunct populations known and most populations are above 3,000 ft. and are associated with emergent rocks or narrow ravines with Rhododendron. It is hypothesized the P. netting! survived lumbering practices at the turn of the century by taking refuge beneath large emergent rocks and narrow ravines with Rhododendron. This study examined environmental factors associated with emergent rocks that might regulate the distribution of P. …

Ecological Life History Of Caenis Amica Hagen (Emphemeroptera: Caenidae) From The Mitigated Area Of Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, Cabell County, West Virginia, Gail Lynn Perrine

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The ecological life history of a population of Caenis amica Hagen from the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area was studied from November 1996 to November 1997. Water quality data and 2,505 larvae were collected from the newly mitigated area of Green Bottom Swamp. Total body lengths of larvae were measured using a computer-digitizing program. These results indicated a bivoltine life cycle. Most larvae were found in the spring and summer months of April, June, and July. The highest peak of larvae (1,035) occurred in July. The pH values ranged from 7.0 to 8.0 with a mean of 7.6. Temperatures ranged …

Chondrocranial Anatomy And Skeletogenesis In Dendrobates Auratus, Rafael O. De Sá, Shannon Hill

Biology Faculty Publications

The larval chondrocranium and visceral skeleton of Dendrobates auratus ls described and compared with those of other dendrobatids. Four characters, i.e. lack of fusion between orbital cartilages and otic capsules, wide processus muscularis palatoquadrati, lack of processus pseudopterygoideus, and lack of processus anterolateralis hyalis, represent derived conditions for Dendrobates within Dendrobatidae. Cranial and postcranial ossification sequences are reported for D. auratus and Epipedobates tricolor. Skeletogenesis is earlier in E. tricolor, but the overall pattern of ossification is similar in the two species.

Habitat Selection, Reproductive Success, And Impaling Patterns Of A Migratory Population Of Loggerhead Shrikes, Jeffrey D. Esely Jr.

Masters Theses

I studied habitat selection and reproductive success of a migratory population of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) as well as the temporal and spatial patterns of impaling exhibited by this population during the nesting season. The selection of breeding habitat was investigated at different spatial scales. Thirty-eight (67%) of 57 nests were located in osage orange (Maclura pomifera) trees. Shrike territories (area ≤ 200 m from nest site) contained significantly more pasture, fenceline, and perch sites, but less com, alfalfa, and forest than random sites. At larger spatial scales, more grassland was detected within 300 m …

Draft: Plan For The Management Of The Houtman Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area (Schedule 1), Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Council, Fisheries Department Of Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

This document is a separate draft plan which has been prepared to meet the requirements of Section 117 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. It contains a description of the area; outlines the purposes for which the area is to be set aside; and lists the recommendations contained in Fisheries Management Paper No. 104, Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System, which relate to the management of the proposed Fish Habitat Protection Area.

Management Of The Houtman Abrolhos System, Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Council, Fisheries Department Of Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

In November 1995 Cabinet resolved that the Minister for Fisheries would establish the Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee (AIMAC) pursuant to Section 42 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. The role of AIMAC is to advise the Minister for Fisheries about the management of the Abrolhos Islands and the adjoining State Territorial Waters, as detailed in Section 2.2.3.1 of this report. The AIMAC has overseen the preparation of this report on behalf of the Minister for Fisheries. This draft report contains a brief description of the Abrolhos System and its special values. It also states goals and objectives for …

Management Options For Pilbara Demersal Line Fishing, Gaye Looby

Fisheries Management Papers

Fisheries Western Australia licensing arrangements allow all vessels with an unrestircted fishing boat licence ('wetline licence') to take scalefish throughout the State. These arrangements have led to a high level of excess capacity in the licensed 'wetline' fishing fleet to exploit the scalefish resources. The declaration of the Kimberley Interim Line Fishery and forthcoming declaration the Northern Demersal Scalefish Fishery have resolved this problem for the Kimberley waters. However, the high level of excss capacity in the 'wetline' fleet to exploit the waters of the Pilbara remains a problem Preview access and develop a management plan for the Pilbara demersal …

Abalone Aquaculture In Western Australia. Discussion Paper And Draft Policy Guidelines., Cameron Westaway, Jeff Norriss

Fisheries Management Papers

The purposes of this discussion paper is to highlight relevant issues associated with abalone aquaculture development and outline a set of draft policy guidelines. The paper is being disseminated to members of the aquaculture industry, commercial and recreational fishing bodies and the broader community to allow comment.

Discussion Paper: Future Management Of The Aquatic Charter Industry In Western Australia, Tour Operators Fishing Working Group

Fisheries Management Papers

The Tour Operators Fishing Working Group (TOFWG) was established by the Hon Monty House MLA, Minister for Fisheries, in recognition of the growing importance of this element of the tourism industry and in recognition of the need to ensure that the development of this industry occurs in an ecologically sustainable framework across the State. This discussion paper is the result of extensive consultation with the aquatic charter operators' industry by the TOFWG. Proposals outlined here for community discussion are intended to establish a management framework within which the aquatic charter operators’ industry may continue to develop, and which will ensure …

Draft: Optimising The Worth Of The Lobster Catch: Options And Issues, Marec Pty Ltd

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of this document is to contribute to informed discussion on alternative measures which might be adopted to optimise the worth of the lobster catch. In doing so, it provides a number of possible initiatives which could be more closely examined for adoption. Details of issues are provided which should be taken into consideration when assessing the various proposals. The industry as it is today is examined and assessed, and its achievements analysed. The possible initiatives proposed stem from this research. As a consequence of this document, the rock lobster industry could undertake to proceed with a detailed examination …

Marine Farm Planning And Consultation Processes In Western Australia, Dave Everall

Fisheries Management Papers

The development of a sustainable aquaculture industry in Western Australia is considered to be a high priority by the Government. The marine farming industry has a bright future in Western Australia, but there is a need to balance its developing needs for suitable waters with those of existing activities, and with community expectations for accountability and transparency in the resolution of equity and resource sharing decisions. The purpose of this report is to review the existing planning and consultation processes for pearling and aquaculture in WA and recommend how they may be improved and incorporated into a single process. It …

The Annual Reproductive Cycle Of Oryzomys Palustris In A Virginia Tidal Marsh, Erin A. Dreelin

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The objectives of my study were to determine when the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) begins and ends reproduction during the year, if there are seasonal changes in litter size, and the weight at which sexual maturity is reached. Monthly samples of rice rats were trapped from May 1995 to May 1996 in Northampton County, Virginia. Rice rats were trapped with Fitch live traps, euthanized in the field, and brought to the lab for necropsy. Data from two other studies of rice rats in Northampton County were also examined. Potential breeders did not reproduce with equal intensity throughout the …

Ecological Relationships Between The Marsh Rice Rat (Oryzomys Palustris) And The Meadow Vole (Microtus Pennsylvanicus) In Two Virginia Tidal Marshes, Christopher P. Bloch

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Small mammals were trapped for 23 months on two live trap grids in tidal marshes in Northampton County, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, to examine ecological relationships between the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) and the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Population density, survival rates, capture probability, recruitment, residence time, and home range size were calculated for each species. Patterns of reproductive activity and fluctuations in mean weight were also observed.

There were considerable differences in population dynamics between the two sites. At Grid 2, where vegetative cover was more abundant, population densities of rice rats and meadow voles …

The Aquaculture Of Non-Endemic Species In Western Australia, Tina Thorne

Fisheries Management Papers

This Management Paper has been drafted in liaison with the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the principles of risk assessment and taking into account translocation issues of non-endemic species such as redclaw (Cheras quadricarninatus). It is considered that the implementation of this policy will protect the natural environment and native crayfish species. It will also allow for the development of a redclaw industry, and provide the first step towards self regulation of that industry.

Management Arrangements For The Western Rock Lobster Fishery For The 1997/98 Season, F. B. Prokop

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper deals with the proposed management strategies for the 1997/98 seasons. The purpose of this paper is to present the views of RLIAC on management arrangements for the 1997/98 rock lobster season and to indicate the strategic directions that long term management of this important fishery might take so as to ensure both its biological sustainability and the optimisation of product value for both the State and the participants in the fishery.

Management Of The South Coast Purse Seine Fishery, J Fowler, K Donohue, R.C. J. Lenanton, M. Moran, D Gaughan

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper has presented a strategy for moving the management of the small pelagics fishery off the south coast to management of the whole fishery, which facilitates a more biologically sound and economically stable fishery.

A Pricing Policy For Fisheries Agencies, Management Committee Of Scfa, Standing Committee Of Fisheries And Aquaculture (Sfca), Department Of Primary Industries And Energy

Fisheries Management Papers

The intent of this paper is to inform members of Standing Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SCFA) and the members of the Ministerial Council for Fisheries, Forestry and Aquaculture of the methods of fee setting that are currently applied by fisheries agencies in Australia, and alternative pricing policies for fisheries agencies.

Natural History Of The Red-Spotted Newt, Notophthalmus Viridescens Viridescens (Rafinesque), In West Virginia, Jennifer M. Piascik

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Many studies have been conducted on Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens but none have occurred in West Virginia. There are variations in the life history of newts depending on location. In this study, I studied a population of newts in Wayne County, West Virginia from February 1996 to June 1997. I examined population structure, seasonal activity, and reproductive biology.

The population structure can be divided into four classes: egg, larvae, eft, and adult. Eggs at Shoals were deposited in mid-May and larvae were present from mid-June to early September. Larvae began to transform at an approximate total length of 32.8 mm. Red …

Observations On Reproduction, Isozyme Patterns, And Meristics In Mosquitofish (Pisces: Poeciliidae) From West Virginia, Matt Mcreynolds

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Prior to 1988, two subspecies of the mosquitofish Gambusia affinis (G. a. affinis and G. a. holbrooki) were recognized along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts of the United States. Based on electrophoretic analysis, subsequent investigators recognized G. holbrooki and G. affinis as separate species. Populations in drainages west of Mobile Bay were considered G. affinis, and those east of this divide being G. holbrooki. The only mosquitofish population in West Virginia is found in the Meadow River wetlands (1392 ha). This wetland complex is located at the western end of Greenbrier County in the Allegheny Mountain Province. …

Diet And Growth Of Larval And Juvenile Grass Pickerel, Esox Americanus Vermiculatus, And Central Mudminnow, Umbra Limi, In The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, Cabell County, West Virginia, Erica Midkiff

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The grass pickerel, Esox americanus vermiculatus, is listed as Undetermined on the Vertebrate Species List of Concern in West Virginia. The central mudminnow, Umbra limi, is a disjunct population in Green Bottom Swamp. The lentic, vegetated areas that are required for spawning for the grass pickerel and the central mudminnow have been reduced by residential, agricultural, and industrial developments. Green Bottom Swamp, a naturally occurring wetland of 58 ha, and a nearby mitigated wetland of 29 ha, provides spawning habitat for the grass pickerel and the mudminnow. Fishes were collected in beds of Potamogetan crispus and Ceratophyllum demursum …