Matching Patterns of Newt Tetrodotoxin Levels and Snake Resistance in Multiple Predator–Prey Pairs
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
State of Sierra Frogs
State of Sierra Frogs A report on the status of frogs & toads in the Sierra Nevada & California Cascade Mountains State of Sierra Frogs A report on the status of frogs & toads in the Sierra Nevada & California Cascade Mountains By Marion Gee, Sara Stansfield, & Joan Clayburgh July 2008 www.sierranevadaalliance.org State of Sierra Frogs 1 Acknowledgements The impetus for this report was the invaluable research on pesticides by Carlos Davidson, professor at San Francisco State University. Davidson, along with Amy Lind (US Forest Service), Curtis Milliron (California Department of Fish and Game), David Bradford (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and Kim Vincent (Graduate Student, San Francisco State University), generously donated their time and expertise to speak at two public workshops on the topics of Sierra frogs and toads as well as to provide comments for this document. Our thanks to the other reviewers of this manuscripts including Bob Stack (Jumping Frog Research Institute), Katie Buelterman, Dan Keenan, and Genevieve Jessop Marsh. This project was fortunate to receive contributions of photography and artwork from John Muir Laws, Elena DeLacy, Bob Stack, Ralph & Lisa Cutter and Vance Vredenburg. Photo credits are found with each caption. This work was made possible by generous grants from the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment and the State Water Resources Control Board. Funding for this project has been provided in part through an Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) pursuant to the Costa-Machado Water Act of 2000 (Proposition 13) and any amendments thereto for the implementation of California’s Non-point Source Pollution Control Program. -
Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana Muscosa and Rana Sierrae) As Endangered Under the California Endangered Species Act
BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION A Petition to List All Populations of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae) as Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act Photo © Todd Vogel CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, PETITIONER January 25, 2010 Petition to California Fish & Game Commission to List the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog as Endangered Center for Biological Diversity January 25, 2010 Notice of Petition For action pursuant to Section 670.1, Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR) and Sections 2072 and 2073 of the Fish and Game Code relating to listing and delisting endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. I. SPECIES BEING PETITIONED: Common Name: mountain yellow-legged frog (southern mountain yellow-legged frog and Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog) Scientific Name: Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae II. RECOMMENDED ACTION: List as Endangered The Center for Biological Diversity submits this petition to list all populations of the mountain yellow-legged frog in California the as endangered throughout their range in California, under the California Endangered Species Act (California Fish and Game Code §§ 2050 et seq., “CESA”). This petition demonstrates that the both the southern mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) and the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) clearly warrant listing under CESA based on the factors specified in the statute. III. AUTHOR OF PETITION: Name: Lisa Belenky, Senior Attorney, Center For Biological Diversity (with the assistance of Ellen Howard, B.A. EPO Biology, University of Colorado) Address: 351 California Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-436-9682 x 307 Fax: 415-436-9683 Email: [email protected] I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, all statements made in this petition are true and complete. -
Target Species Mapping for the Green Visions Plan
Target Species Habitat Mapping California Quail and Mountain Quail (Callipepla californica and Oreortyx pictus) Family: Phasianidae Order: Galliformes Class: Aves WHR #: B140 and B141 Distribution: California quail are found in southern Oregon, northern Nevada, California, and Baja California, and have been introduced in other states such as Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah (Peterson 1961). In California, they are widespread but absent from the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, the White Mountains, and the Warner Mountains, and are replaced by the related Gambel’s quail (C. gambelii) in some desert regions (Peterson 1961, Small 1994). In southern California, they are found from the Coast Range south to the Mexican border, and occur as far east as the western fringes of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, such as in the Antelope Valley (Garrett and Dunn 1981, Small 1994). California quail range from sea level to about 5000 ft (1524 meters; Stephenson and Calcarone 1999) Mountain quail are resident from northern Washington and northern Idaho, south through parts of Oregon, northwestern Nevada, California, and northern Baja California (Peterson 1961). In southern California, mountain quail are found in nearly all of the mountain ranges west of the deserts, including the southern Coast Ranges, from the Santa Lucia Mountains south through Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and the Peninsular Ranges south to the Mexican border (Garrot and Dunn 1981, Small 1994). In the Transverse Ranges, a small population occurs in the western Santa Monica Mountains, and larger populations occur in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains (Small 1994). Mountain quail are found at elevations from below 2000 ft (610 meters) to over 9000 ft (2743 meters; Stephenson and Calcarone 1999). -
Here Describe This Pattern of Absence and Lay out a Plan for Restoring the Species to Areas Where the Species Has Recently Gone Extinct
San Joaquin Valley Natural Communities Conference March 25, 2021 Virtual Meeting via WHOVA Video Conferencing Program and Abstracts San Joaquin Valley Natural Communities Conference March 25, 2021 8:30 - 8:50 Brian Cypher Welcome to the Conference, Moderator 8:50 - 9:10 Xerónimo Castañeda Six years of Tricolored Blackbird Conservation in the San Joaquin Valley: Challenges and opportunities to save this imperiled species 9:10 - 9:30 Petros Chrysafis Scent deterrent as an applicable predator deterrent 9:30 -9:50 Mike Westphal Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard occupancy in the Northern Clade: How do we reverse the recent pattern of extinction? 9:50 - 10:10 Deborah Woollett Guidelines, applications, and caveats to using detection dogs to find Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard scat 10:10 – 10:30 BREAK 10:30 - 10:50 Erica Kelly Impact of a Sarcoptic Mange Epidemic on a Population of Endangered San Joaquin Kit Foxes 10:50 – 11:30 Nicole Deatherage Urban Landscape Attributes and Competition Affect San Joaquin Kit Fox Occupancy and Spatiotemporal Activity 11:30 – 12:00 LUNCH BREAK 12:00 – 12:30 Quick Talk Presentations Anna Doty Effects of fire on summer roost selection and torpor expression of bats in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: a planned project Patrick Walker Central Valley California tiger salamander behavior within vernal pool grassland complex in Madera County Christopher Lortie Too much of a good thing: richness and restoration in drylands Petros Chrysafis Contribution to eMammal’s Snapshot USA Project Kristie Stein Tricolored Blackbird -
Species List for Sierra Nevada Lakes ( Compiled by Roland Knapp - Version 01 November 2018
Species List for Sierra Nevada Lakes (http://mountainlakesresearch.com/lake-fauna/) Compiled by Roland Knapp - version 01 November 2018 VERTEBRATES Phylum Class Order Family Genus & Species Comments Chordata Amphibia Anura Bufonidae Bufo (Anaxyrus) boreas halophilus California Toad Chordata Amphibia Anura Bufonidae Bufo (Anaxyrus) canorus Yosemite Toad Chordata Amphibia Anura Hylidae Pseudacris (Hyliola) regilla Pacific Treefrog Chordata Amphibia Anura Ranidae Rana muscosa Southern Mountain Yellow-legged Frog Chordata Amphibia Anura Ranidae Rana sierrae Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Chordata Amphibia Caudata Salamandridae Hydromantes platycephalus Mount Lyell Salamander Chordata Amphibia Caudata Salamandridae Taricha sierrae Sierra Newt Chordata Amphibia Caudata Salamandridae Taricha torosa California Newt Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Mustelidae Lontra canadensis Northern River Otter Chordata Mammalia Soricomorpha Soricidae Sorex palustris Northern Water Shrew Chordata Reptilia Squamata Colubridae Thamnophis couchi Sierra Garter Snake Chordata Reptilia Squamata Colubridae Thamnophis elegans elegans Mountain Garter Snake Chordata Reptilia Squamata Colubridae Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi Valley Garter Snake Chordata Reptilia Testudines Emydidae Actinemys marmorata Pacific Pond Turtle BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES Phylum Class Order Family Genus & Species Comments Annelida Clitellata Arhynchobdellida Erpobdellidae Erpobdella punctata Annelida Clitellata Arhynchobdellida Erpobdellidae Mooreobdella microstoma Annelida Clitellata Arhynchobdellida -
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group SIERRA NEWT Taricha sierrae Family: SALAMANDRIDAE Order: CAUDATA Class: AMPHIBIA A075 Written by: S. Morey Reviewed by: T. Papenfuss Updated by: CWHR Staff May 2013 and Dec 2018 DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY The Sierra newt is found the length of the Sierra, primarily in the foothills; an isolated population also occurs near the headwaters of Shasta Reservoir in Shasta Co. A few populations are also known from the floor of the Central Valley. Occurs primarily in valley- foothill hardwood, valley-foothill hardwood-conifer, coastal scrub and mixed chaparral, but is also known from annual grassland and mixed conifer types. Elevation range extends from near sea level to about 1830 m (6000 ft) (Jennings and Hayes 1994). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Postmetamorphic juveniles and terrestrial adults take earthworms, snails, slugs, sowbugs, and insects (Stebbins 1972). Adult males at breeding ponds have been shown to take the eggs and hatching larvae of their own species (Kaplan and Sherman 1980) late in the breeding season, the eggs of other amphibians and trout, as well as adult and larval aquatic insects, small crustaceans, snails, and clams (Borell 1935). Aquatic larvae eat many small aquatic organisms, especially crustaceans. Cover: Terrestrial individuals seek cover under surface objects such as rocks and logs, within hollowed out trees, or in mammal burrows, rock fissures, or human-made structures such as wells. Aquatic larvae find cover beneath submerged rocks, logs, debris, and undercut banks. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in small firm clusters on the submerged portion of emergent vegetation, on submerged vegetation, rootwads, unattached sticks, and on the underside of cobbles off the bottom. -
A Co-Evolutionary Arms Race: Sierra Garter Snake Vs. Sierra Newt by Denise De Carion
FLOG A Co-Evolutionary Arms Race: Sierra garter snake vs. Sierra newt By Denise De Carion Photo credits: Patrick Hilton (left) and Denise De Carion (right). In the Tuolumne River watershed, there is a co-evolutionary arms race occurring between the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) and the Sierra newt (Taricha sierrae) and it has become apparent that the Sierra garter snake is winning. The Sierra newt is an amphibious species whose conspicuous orange coloration provides a warning signal to predators (Petranka, 1998). This animal produces a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which if ingested, binds to sodium ion channels in nerves and muscles, causing imminent mortality (Brodie, 2005). It is this molecular mechanism that allows the newt, which is slow-moving and often found out in exposed, shallow pool habitat, to avoid predation by almost all animals occupying higher trophic levels ―except for one. The Sierra garter snake has evolved an elevated resistance to tetrodotoxin, which prevents the toxin from binding to its pores. The deadly toxin is considered to be the phenotypic interface of interactions between these two species that has allowed them to co-evolve via natural selection. In other words, this example of a parallel “arms race” between predator and prey demonstrates that co-evolution of two species surrounding a toxin has been a result of each species having the genetic ability to respond and reciprocate to selection (Brodie et al., 2005). If you are planning to go ‘herping,’ or searching for reptiles and amphibians, on the Tuolumne River, the following words of advice should be followed. -
Salamander Species Listed As Injurious Wildlife Under 50 CFR 16.14 Due to Risk of Salamander Chytrid Fungus Effective January 28, 2016
Salamander Species Listed as Injurious Wildlife Under 50 CFR 16.14 Due to Risk of Salamander Chytrid Fungus Effective January 28, 2016 Effective January 28, 2016, both importation into the United States and interstate transportation between States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States of any live or dead specimen, including parts, of these 20 genera of salamanders are prohibited, except by permit for zoological, educational, medical, or scientific purposes (in accordance with permit conditions) or by Federal agencies without a permit solely for their own use. This action is necessary to protect the interests of wildlife and wildlife resources from the introduction, establishment, and spread of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans into ecosystems of the United States. The listing includes all species in these 20 genera: Chioglossa, Cynops, Euproctus, Hydromantes, Hynobius, Ichthyosaura, Lissotriton, Neurergus, Notophthalmus, Onychodactylus, Paramesotriton, Plethodon, Pleurodeles, Salamandra, Salamandrella, Salamandrina, Siren, Taricha, Triturus, and Tylototriton The species are: (1) Chioglossa lusitanica (golden striped salamander). (2) Cynops chenggongensis (Chenggong fire-bellied newt). (3) Cynops cyanurus (blue-tailed fire-bellied newt). (4) Cynops ensicauda (sword-tailed newt). (5) Cynops fudingensis (Fuding fire-bellied newt). (6) Cynops glaucus (bluish grey newt, Huilan Rongyuan). (7) Cynops orientalis (Oriental fire belly newt, Oriental fire-bellied newt). (8) Cynops orphicus (no common name). (9) Cynops pyrrhogaster (Japanese newt, Japanese fire-bellied newt). (10) Cynops wolterstorffi (Kunming Lake newt). (11) Euproctus montanus (Corsican brook salamander). (12) Euproctus platycephalus (Sardinian brook salamander). (13) Hydromantes ambrosii (Ambrosi salamander). (14) Hydromantes brunus (limestone salamander). (15) Hydromantes flavus (Mount Albo cave salamander). -
BULLETIN Chicago Herpetological Society
BULLETIN of the Chicago Herpetological Society Volume 54, Number 5 May 2019 BULLETIN OF THE CHICAGO HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 54, Number 5 May 2019 A New Record of the Nile Soft-shelled Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Lebanon . Piero Carlino, Nahed Msayleb, Hasan Hamza and Olivier S. G. Pauwels 101 The Rantoul–Paxton Railroad Corridor: Relictual Herpetofauna and Noteworthy Records . Tristan D. Schramer 104 Toad Stools: Part Four . Dennis A. Meritt Jr. 108 Possible Parthenogenesis in the Two-striped Garter Snake, Thamnophis hammondii . Jeremy Fontaine and Thomas Owens 109 Some Natural History Observations and Photos of the Nesting Behavior of Desert Tortoises in Arizona . Roger A. Repp 110 What You Missed at the April Meeting: Chris Lechowicz . .John Archer 114 Advertisements . 116 New CHS Members This Month . 116 Cover: Red-eyed treefrog, Agalychnis callidryas. Drawing by Jessica Wadleigh. STAFF Membership in the CHS includes a subscription to the monthly Bulletin. Annual dues are: Individual Membership, $25.00; Editor: Michael A. Dloogatch --- [email protected] Family Membership, $28.00; Sustaining Membership, $50.00; Copy editor: Joan Moore Contributing Membership, $100.00; Institutional Membership, Photo editor: Steve Barten $38.00. Remittance must be made in U.S. funds. Subscribers outside the U.S. must add $12.00 for postage. Send membership 2019 CHS Board of Directors dues or address changes to: Chicago Herpetological Society, Membership Secretary, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614. President: Rich Crowley Vice-president: Jessica Wadleigh Manuscripts published in the Bulletin of the Chicago Herpeto- Treasurer: John Archer logical Society are not peer reviewed. Manuscripts and letters Recording Secretary: Gail Oomens concerning editorial business should be e-mailed to the editor, Media Secretary: Kim Klisiak [email protected]. -
Amphibian Watch 2018 ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST
Amphibian Watch 2018 ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST PRESENTED BY HEATHER PERRY, PhD A Few Rules No handling of amphibians or reptiles under any circumstance Health and Safety of animals & humans No harassing of amphibians Especially during breeding No sharing of data Amphibian Morphology IN ALL THINGS OF NATURE THERE IS SOMETHING OF THE MARVELOUS ~ARISTOTLE Frogs and Toads Smooth skin Dry skin & warts/bumps Often reside near aquatic Parotoid glands that produce environments as adults defensive secretions, located behind eye Egg masses in clumps Migrate between terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems during breeding season Eggs laid in strings External Morphology Breeding & Egg Masses Toads in amplexus; eggs laid in string formation Frogs in amplexus; eggs laid in clumps/masses Amplexus: the mating method in frogs and toads where the male clasps the female about the back. Eggs are fertilized externally. Females are often larger than males. Salamanders and Newts Photo G. Nafis Rough-skinned when in the Well developed toes for digging terrestrial phase Long, rounded tails Aquatic during breeding Smooth skin season Paddle-like tail Breeding and Egg Masses Sierra Newts are more commonly encountered during mating season. They return to aquatic systems and can be seen in amplexus or mating balls. Eggs are laid and attached to submerged substrates. Long toed salamander eggs attached to submerged woody debris. Photos G. Nafis Tadpole vs. Larvae Tadpoles Larvae • Generally no external gills • External gills • Hind legs develop first • Forelegs develop first • Head is globular • Body is generally more slender Frogs & Toads THREATENED & ENDANGERED Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Distribution (Rana sierrae) High elevation species (ENDEMIC) Status: Endangered Declines are attributed to: pesticides, chytridiomycosus, and fish introductions Highly sensitive to climate change due to changes in wildfire and hydrologic regimes Audio by G. -
A Co-Evolutionary Arms Race: Sierra Garter Snake Vs. Sierra Newt by Denise De Carion
FLOG A Co-Evolutionary Arms Race: Sierra garter snake vs. Sierra newt By Denise De Carion In the Tuolumne River watershed, there is a co-evolutionary arms race occurring between the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) and the Sierra newt (Taricha sierrae) and it has become apparent that the Sierra garter snake is winning. The Sierra newt is an amphibious species whose conspicuous orange coloration provides a warning signal to predators (Petranka, 1998). This animal produces a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which if ingested, binds to sodium ion channels in nerves and muscles, causing imminent mortality (Brodie, 2005). It is this molecular mechanism that allows the newt, which is slow-moving and often found out in exposed, shallow pool habitat, to avoid predation by almost all animals occupying higher trophic levels ―except for one. The Sierra garter snake has evolved an elevated resistance to tetrodotoxin, which prevents the toxin from binding to its pores. The deadly toxin is considered to be the phenotypic interface of interactions between these two species that has allowed them to co-evolve via natural selection. In other words, this example of a parallel “arms race” between predator and prey demonstrates that co-evolution of two species surrounding a toxin has been a result of each species having the genetic ability to respond and reciprocate to selection (Brodie et al., 2005). If you are planning to go ‘herping,’ or searching for reptiles and amphibians, on the Tuolumne River, the following words of advice should be followed. Sierra newts can be found in abundance during their breeding season, January through May, in a small tributary that is located on the other side of the river from the frequently visited campsite Indian Creek. -
Herpetological Conservation in Northwestern North America
NORTHWESTERN NATURALIST 90:61–96 AUTUMN 2009 HERPETOLOGICAL CONSERVATION IN NORTHWESTERN NORTH AMERICA DEANNA HOLSON (coordinating editor) Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 ABSTRACT—Conservation of the 105 species of amphibians, reptiles, and turtles in the northwestern United States and western Canada is represented by a diverse mix of projects and programs across ten states, provinces, and territories. In this paper, 29 contributing authors review the status of herpetofauna by state, province or territory, and summarize the key issues, programs, projects, partnerships, and regulations relative to the species and habitats in those areas. Key threats to species across this expansive area include habitat degradation or loss, invasive species, disease, and climate change. Many programs and projects currently address herpetological conservation issues, including numerous small-scale monitoring and research efforts. However, management progress is hindered in many areas by a lack of herpetological expertise and basic knowledge of species’ distribution patterns, limited focus within management programs, insufficient funds, and limited communication across the region. Common issues among states and provinces suggest that increased region-wide communication and coordination may aid herpetological conservation. Regional conservation collaboration has begun by the formation of the Northwest working group of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Key words: amphibians, reptiles, turtles, Canada, Pacific Northwest, declines, management, PARC The conservation of amphibians, reptiles and 1983; Stebbins 1985; Storm and Leonard 1995; St. turtles in North America is now of paramount John 2002; Maxell and others 2003; Werner and concern because these taxonomic groups are the others 2004; Jones and others 2005; Matsuda and most threatened among vertebrates worldwide others 2006; Corkran and Thoms 2006; Slough (Turtle Conservation Fund 2002; Stuart and and Mennell 2006).