Eastern Collared Lizard (crotaphytus Collaris) Population Declines in Ozark Landscapes

Eastern Collared Lizard (crotaphytus Collaris) Population Declines in Ozark Landscapes
Author: Casey Lee Brewster
Publisher:
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2019
Genre: Conservation biology
ISBN:

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The Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) has experienced extensive population declines over the past half century in the Ozark Mountains. Previous research suggests that glade habitat degradation through woody vegetation encroachment is an important factor resulting in population declines. In this dissertation I used information on time-energy budgets to investigate the link between habitat degradation and shifts in life history traits likely resulting in population declines of Eastern Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus collaris) in the Ozarks. In chapter one, I addressed the influence of dense woody vegetation encroachment on age-specific growth, body size, body condition and reproduction of C. collaris in northern Arkansas. Results from chapter one suggested that populations in encroached glades (defined by dense woody vegetation encroachment) experienced reduced body growth rates, delayed age of maturity, reduced clutch sizes and a nearly 50% decline in annual population fecundity rates. In chapter two, I investigated the role of behavior (postural adjustment) on the thermal ecology estimates of surface-active lizards using thermal data of C. collaris in one of my study populations. I used the data in chapter two to determine the most suitable methodologies to investigate the thermal ecology of C. collaris in northern Arkansas. In chapter three, I investigated the thermal sensitivity of digestion in C. collaris. Results in chapter three suggested that C. collaris digestion performance is affected by temperature, primarily through effects on passage times and voluntary feeding rates. In chapter four, I used results from the previous three chapters to erect several mechanistic hypotheses aimed at identifying the link between glade encroachment and reduced reproductive rates in C. collaris. Data in chapter four suggest C. collaris in encroached glades experience reduced environmental heat loads, shorter activity-times and less time-at-temperature suitable for digestive processing. The reduction in time-at-temperature for digestive processing resulted in lower energy available for growth and reproduction (4̃1%), which led to a near 50% decline in energy devoted to reproduction (# of eggs). Results from this dissertation provide a compelling explanation to the mechanisms causing a shift in life history traits that appear to play an important role in population declines of C. collaris in the Ozarks.

Population Genetic Consequences of the Holocene Invasion of the Ozarks and Flint Hills by the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris) with Subsequent Habitat Fragmentation

Population Genetic Consequences of the Holocene Invasion of the Ozarks and Flint Hills by the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris) with Subsequent Habitat Fragmentation
Author: Delbert Wade Hutchison
Publisher:
Total Pages: 610
Release: 1997
Genre: Crotaphytus collaris
ISBN:

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Population Connectivity of the Eastern Collared Lizard Crotaphytus Collaris in Arkansas

Population Connectivity of the Eastern Collared Lizard Crotaphytus Collaris in Arkansas
Author: Whitney Allison Murchison-Kastner
Publisher:
Total Pages: 104
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN:

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Habitat reduction and fragmentation can isolate populations and decrease genetic diversity, making them susceptible to local extirpation. Additionally, geographic barriers can further impede dispersal among populations thus reducing gene flow. Field studies suggest these factors may be responsible for the decline in Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) populations in Arkansas. To address the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on the Eastern Collared Lizard (C. collaris) in Arkansas, I used DNA fragment analysis to examine genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity among C. collaris populations. I do so herein by employing microsatellite data from 138 adults across 11 loci to evaluate genetic diversity parameters and connectivity within and among populations in Arkansas. Results revealed that populations in geographic proximity are more genetically similar than populations more distant and isolated. Migration rates were higher within rather than between sites, ranging from 0.80 to 0.90, suggesting most populations are demographically independent and could comprise 'Management Units' (MUs). However, a Mantel test for isolation by distance (IBD) across all sites indicated a non-significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. An Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed the majority of genetic variance exists within/among individuals (74%) and within populations (26%), which are moderately, but not significantly differentiated (FST=0.26). Results from assignment tests (Structure) and a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) analyses suggest 5 or 8 distinct gene pools. High-population admixture characterized sites in Baxter and Stone counties, comprising the majority of samples (N=75). Overall, these data indicate populations are genetically isolated and susceptible to potential expiration. To mitigate loss of populations, local management, and conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and translocations will be beneficial if they stabilize or increase population sizes, genetic diversity and promote gene flow in C. collaris in Arkansas.

Influence of Landscape Context on Patterns of Occupancy, Abundance, and Gene Flow Among Collared Lizards in the Flint Hills of Kansas

Influence of Landscape Context on Patterns of Occupancy, Abundance, and Gene Flow Among Collared Lizards in the Flint Hills of Kansas
Author: Emilie Blevins
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2010
Genre:
ISBN:

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Organisms exist within complex landscapes, and landscape features may influence multiple aspects of a species' distribution within the landscape, including patch occupancy, abundance within patches, and population genetic diversity at a local or regional scale. We took two approaches to identify the relative importance of landscape context for populations of the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris collaris) in the northern Flint Hills of Kansas. First, we conducted surveys at limestone outcrops in experimental watersheds managed under different burning and grazing practices. Habitat occupancy and lizard abundance were estimated by constructing models that incorporated aspects of the environment at multiple scales. Both abundance and occupancy were higher on rock ledges that had more crevices, greater complexity in vegetation, covered a larger area, and were more prominent than available habitat. Abundance and occupancy were also higher in watersheds that were burned frequently (1-2 year intervals), but grazing only had a significant effect in less frequently burned (four-year burn interval) watersheds. Our second approach was to measure genetic diversity and population genetic differentiation and relate these measures to differences in landscape context. We sampled collared lizard DNA at four locations (sample sites

New Horizons in Evolution

New Horizons in Evolution
Author: Solomon P. Wasser
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 382
Release: 2021-07-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0323907539

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New Horizons in Evolution is a compendium of the latest research, analyses, and theories of evolutionary biology. Chapters are collected from the international symposium held by the Board of Governors of the University of Haifa to honor Dr. Eviatar Nevo, founder and director of the Institute of Evolution. This book includes material written by top global scientists. Such detailed summaries and recent advances include topics like genomics, epigenetics, evolutionary theory, and the evolution of cancer. This book analyzes evolutionary biology of animals, such as lizards and subterranean mammals. It also discusses agricultural evolution, specifically the vital wheat crop in various climates and locations. Each chapter contributes the most up-to-date knowledge of evolution’s role in speciation, adaptation, and regulation. New Horizons in Evolution is a valuable resource for researchers involved in evolution, evolutionary biology, and evolutionary theory. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in evolutionary biology courses will also find this useful due to the high expertise level and latest knowledge available through this resource. Examines the evolution of species in extreme conditions Discusses the role of evolution in medicine and cancer research Features the latest data and advances in evolution theory

A Reexamination of the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris) in Arkansas

A Reexamination of the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris) in Arkansas
Author: Ashley Ann Grimsley
Publisher:
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2012
Genre: Crotaphytus collaris
ISBN: 9781267548979

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A literature review of the C. c. collaris is presented in Chapter 1. Lizard characteristics, glade habitat characteristics, and information on habitat change, loss, and fragmentation of glades are described. The main goal of my thesis, presented in Chapter 2, was to determine differences across sites in environmental variables, habitat variables, tree community structure, and lizard body condition. I sought to establish differences in these factors in 17 historical C. c. collaris sites (7 with lizard presence and 8 with lizard absence) and determine if the differences were correlated with the presence or absence of C. c. collaris populations. Significant differences in some factors were found between present sites and absent sites. Environmental variables were not related to the presence or absence of C. c. collaris, indicating a habitat phenomenon rather than environmental. Lizard presence was correlated with habitat structure, as indicated in the ground and canopy cover surveys. Present sites had a positive correlation with rock and soil cover and a negative correlation with CWD, vegetation, and canopy cover; whereas absent sites had a positive correlation with CWD, vegetation, and canopy cover and a negative correlation with rock and soil cover. Present and absent sites had a significant difference in tree community structure. Absent sites had significantly larger trees and a higher frequency of trees compared to present sites. Lizard body condition was associated with the quality and openness of the glade. These data will prove useful in conservation efforts aimed at C. c. collaris recovery in Arkansas and other glade locations in the Ozarks.

Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology
Author: Fred Van Dyke
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 635
Release: 2020-07-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030395340

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This book provides a thorough, up-to-date examination of conservation biology and the many supporting disciplines that comprise conservation science. In this, the Third Edition of the highly successful Conservation Biology: Foundations, Concepts, Applications, the authors address their interdisciplinary topic as it must now be practiced and perceived in the modern world. Beginning with a concise review of the history of conservation, the authors go on to explore the interplay of conservation with genetics, demography, habitat and landscape, aquatic environments, and ecosystem management, and the relationship of all these disciplines to ethics, economics, law, and policy. An entirely new chapter, The Anthropocene: Conservation in a Human-Dominated Nature, breaks new ground in its exploration of how conservation can be practiced in anthropogenic biomes, novel ecosystems, and urban habitats. The Third Edition includes the popular Points of Engagement discussion questions used in earlier editions, and adds a new feature: Information Boxes, which briefly recap specific case histories described in the text. A concluding chapter offers insight into how to become a conservation professional, in both traditional and non-traditional roles. The authors, Fred Van Dyke and Rachel Lamb, draw on their expertise as field biologists, wildlife managers, consultants to government and industry, and scholars of environmental law, policy, and advocacy, as well as their many years of effective teaching experience. Informed by practical knowledge and acquired skills, the authors have created a work of exceptional clarity and readability which encompasses both systemic foundations as well as contemporary developments in the field. Conservation Biology: Foundations, Concepts, Applications will be of invaluable benefit to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to working conservation scientists and managers. This is an amazing resource for students, faculty, and practitioners both new and experienced to the field. Diane Debinski, PhD Unexcelled wisdom for living at home on Wonderland Earth, the planet with promise, destined for abundant life. Holmes Rolston, PhD Van Dyke and Lamb have maintained the original text’s emphasis on connecting classical ecological and environmental work with updated modern applications and lucid examples. But more importantly, the third edition contains much new material on the human side of conservation, including expanded treatments of policy, economics, and climate change. Tim Van Deelen, PhD Fred Van Dyke and Rachel Lamb break new ground in both the breadth and depth of their review and analysis of this crucially important and rapidly changing field. Any student or other reader wishing to have a comprehensive overview and understanding of the complexities of conservation biology need look no further – this book is your starting point! Simon N. Stuart, PhD Anyone who teaches, talks or writes and works on Conservation Biology, needs this latest edition of Conservation Biology (Foundations, Concepts, Applications, 3rd edition) by Fred Van Dyke and Rachel L. Lamb. This will be useful to both beginners and experts as well. The authors included almost all important issues in relation to conservation biology. This is really an outstanding book. Bidhan Chandra Das, Professor, Ecology Branch, Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh