Aquatic Ecologic Factors Effecting Salamander Population Growth in Five Falls Creek Lindsey Fraites Daniel Keeton Jason Mulvaney

Table of Contents SlideTitle 1Cover Slide 2Table of Contents 3Data Tables 4Abstract 5Introduction 6Hypothesis 7-8Literature Review 9-10Materials and Methods 11-16Data and Graphs Summary of Data 20Conclusion 21References

Data Tables SlideTitle 11Ecologic Factors 12Alkalinity 13Hardness (CaCO 3 ) 14Nitrate 15-16Salamander Population count (Table + Graph)

Abstract In this study specific aquatic ecologic factors were identified and compared to population counts of salamanders within a 6 by 6 m plot for an hour each. The factors examined were alkalinity, chlorine, hardness, nitrates, nitrites, and pH. Three separate population counts of dusky salamanders were examined within the plot. It was found that ecologic factors of approximately 300 ppm alkalinity, 300 ppm hardness and ppm nitrates causing an increase in dusky salamander population. Salamander populations increased an average of 1.22 salamanders per meter squared.

Introduction Over the course of this quarter studies were conducted to analyze the aquatic ecologic factors effecting the dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) population growth in a plot within Five Falls Creek. The purpose of this study is to try understand what aquatic ecologic factors are necessary for dusky salamander reproduction and growth.

Hypothesis According to the Jungle® Quick Dip® 6- N-1 test strips for freshwater organisms, if the aquatic ecologic factors equal approximately 300 ppm alkalinity, 300 ppm hardness, 0 ppm chloride, 0 ppm nitrite, a range of 0-40 ppm nitrate and a pH between this will lead to an increase in dusky salamander population in the Five Falls Creek.

Literature Review Similar research on the area known as the Five Falls Creek was conducted in 2003 by a group of Ecology 303 students. However those students focused more on the surrounding forested ecosystem of the creek, using “naturalistic observation, soil analysis, random pair tree analysis, flora and fauna sampling” to collect data from the area. (Klein et al, 2003)

Literature Review (cont.) They found that the pH of the soil in the surrounding forest was “about 8”, while trace amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous were found in the soil. The most abundant chemical in the soil was potassium (Klein et al, 2003). Other research data from Five Falls Creek may be seen on the Clermont Ecology website. According to water analysis research conducted in the same area, the pH of the creek water was about “7.60” (Carter a & b, 2009).

Methods A 6x6 m plot was created in a section of Five Falls Creek. The water in the specified plot was tested for alkalinity, hardness, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, and pH. On May 4 th, May 18 th, and May 24 th population counts and water testing's were performed on the plot.

Materials Jungle® Quick Dip® 6-N-1 test strips were used to identify nitrates, nitrites, hardness, chlorine, alkalinity, and pH A cup was used to capture and contain specimens for identification. Flags and a meter tape were used to mark the plot. A camera was used to capture photographic evidence of specimens.

Ecologic Factors Alkalinity ChlorineHardnessNitriteNitratepH Trip 1300ppm 0ppm300ppm 0ppm 20ppm7.6 Trip 2280ppm 0ppm320ppm0ppm30ppm7.8 Trip 3300ppm 0ppm290ppm0ppm40ppm7.5

Salamander Population Count Salamander populat ion countAdult SalamandersLarval Salamanders Trip Trip Trip Salamanders per meter squared 1.08 Salamanders per meter squared 1.20 Salamanders per meter squared 1.39 Salamanders per meter squared

Summary of Data According to the data, water containing approximately 300 ppm of CaCO 3 (hardness) and alkalinity with a range of about ppm Nitrate results in an increase in the salamander population according to tables 1-4. Table 1 is a table compiled of measurements of ecologic factors in Five Falls Creek. Table 2 shows the levels of alkalinity in Five Falls Creek, which the water normally contains 300 ppm with little variation. According to the Jungle® Quick Dip® 6-N-1 test strips these levels were standard for aquatic life.

Summary of Data (Cont.) Table 3 represents hardness levels (CaCO 3 ) in parts per million. The hardness levels were relatively close to 300 ppm. These levels are typical for aquatic life to survive according to Jungle® Quick Dip® 6-N-1 test strips. Table 4 shows the dusky salamander population count recorded on each trip. Calculations were done for number of salamanders per meter and average population growth. –Average population growth was approximately 1.22 salamanders per meter squared.

Summary of Data (Cont.) Table 5 illustrates the dusky salamander population counts. According to Table 5 larval salamanders were most abundant upon our first trip, but on the second trip both numbers of larval and adult salamanders deviated slightly. Trip three resulted in a more abundant amount of adult salamanders compared to a smaller amount of larval salamanders. This shows that the salamander larva are growing into juveniles and becoming adults.

Conclusion This information represents the aquatic ecologic factors that are favorable for salamander reproduction. The hypothesis was supported as dusky salamander populations increased an average of 1.22 salamanders per meter squared.

References J. Carter. 1991(a). Water Analysis. UC Clermont Campus, Cincinnati, Ohio. J. Carter. 1991(b). Water Analysis. Aquatic Habitats: Streams and Pond. UC Clermont Campus, Cincinnati, Ohio. Jungle® Quick Dip® 6-N-1 Test Strips. United Pet Group, Inc. Jungle Laboratories Corporation. Cibolo, Texas. Klein, Karen, Kristy & Laura Study of Ecology on the Clermont College Campus UC Clermont College Campus, Cincinnati Ohio. 29 April 2009.