Pounds, Arthur, Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, 576 University Avenue, Selinsgrove , Pennsylvania, 17870, pounds@susqu.edu; Wilson, Matthew, J, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove , Pennsylvania, 17870, wilsonmatt@susqu.edu; Matlaga, Tanya, J.H. Department of Biology Susquehanna University 576 University Avenue Selinsgrove Pennsylvania, 17870, matlagat@susqu.edu; Ashcraft, Sara , A, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 17870, ashcraft@susqu.edu; MacKnight, Maisie, G, Department of Biology Susquehanna University, 576 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 17870, macknightm@susqu.edu.
There are a number of variables that can affect the body condition of larval salamanders, such as habitat factors, predator presence, and introduced or invasive species. Habitat-level factors, both biotic and abiotic, can inhibit the ability of individuals to contribute to populations via individual fitness. Body condition is often used to evaluate fitness of individuals by analyzing length and weight linear regressions. We collected length and weight data from Eurycea bislineata populations within headwater streams in the West Branch Susquehanna River Watershed using triple-pass electrofishing protocols. In doing so, we aimed to investigate the relationship between length and weight in our species across a gradient of habitat conditions. We found that body condition varies by site for our species, which led us to propose the use of abiotic factors such as streambed particle size, water temperature, and alkalinity as measures of habitat quality. Lastly, we will use body condition scores for Salvelinus fontinalis, a native predator, and Salmo trutta, an introduced predator, to evaluate the effects of native and introduced predator presence on the body condition of our species. The results of this study will provide additional insight into local habitat factors and species interactions that limit body condition of larval salamanders.
Predation, Invasive, Larval Salamanders, Stream Quality