Thesis

Establishing a sampling protocol and investigating the life history of the federally endangered Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus) in the karst systems of Perry County, Missouri

Chowning, M.E.

Record Number:
5166
Year:
2020
Pages:
45 pages
University:
Master of Natural Science, Department of Biology in the School of Graduate Studies and Research of Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri Department of Conservation Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Abstract:
The purpose of this project was to assess three methods for sampling of Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus) in three cave systems in Perry County, Missouri, to effectively monitor the population over time, and to provide an estimate of occupancy in these cave systems. The analyses are based on research by Adams et al. (2008), Adams et al. (2013), and Fernholz and Phelps (2016), and data collected during the summer and fall of 2017. Visual dip netting and two seining methods were used to estimate detection probabilities, and to assess the probability of occupancy for each cave system. The results show that detection probabilities are highest for visual dip netting. Furthermore, probability of occupancy, when based on detection histories rather than naïve detection probabilities, showed that both Tom Moore and Mystery Caves were fully occupied by Grotto Sculpin. However, Running Bull Cave had a probability of occupancy of only 73%. These results were used to estimate sculpin abundance in each cave. The data supports the notion that visual dip netting provided the highest detection probabilities, while effectively minimalizing disturbance to these systems and significantly cutting down on necessary gear for researchers to transport through the caves. This suggests it is possible to minimize effort and gear, while reducing risk to researchers and cave ecosystems. Future monitoring of Grotto Sculpin using this sampling and statistical protocol will enable relatively efficient monitoring of Grotto Sculpin populations.
Times Cited:
1
Related Records:
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Invertebrate fauna from Missouri caves and springs
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Cavernicolous sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group from Mystery Cave, Missouri
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Cavernicolous sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group from Perry County, Missouri: Cave-life phenomena or speciation ?
Krejca, J. (1994)
Field research to determine the distribution of a cave-adapted Sculpin (Osteichthyes: Cottidae)
Paul, R.J. (1994)
Aspects of cave adaptation in sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group (Cottidae) in Perry County, Missouri
Krejca, J., Burr, B.M., Warren, M.L. and Paul, R.J. (1994)
Cavernicolous sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group (Pisces, Cottidae) from Perry County, Missouri
Krejca, J.K., Burr, B.M., Paul, R.J. and Warren, M.L. (1994)
Cavernicolous sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group (Pisces: Cottidae) from Perry County, Missouri
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Burr, B.M., Adams, G.L., Krejca, J., Paul, R.J. and Warren, M.L. (2001)
Troglomorphic sculpins of the Cottus carolinae species group in Perry County, Missouri: Distribution, external morphology and conservation status
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The orienting response of Lake Michigan mottled sculpin is mediated by canal neuromasts.
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Life history characteristics of Grotto Sculpin (Cottus carolinae) in cave and surface streams of Perry County, Missouri
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Habitat use by Grotto Sculpin (Cottus carolinae), a troglomorphic fish in Perry County, Missouri
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Population ecology of Grotto Sculpin (Cottus carolinae) in cave and resurgence streams
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Adams, G., Day, J., Gerken, J.E. and Johnson, C.R. (2008)
Population ecology of the Grotto Sculpin, Cottus carolinae, in Perry County, Missouri
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2013)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the Grotto Sculpin as endangered
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Recharge area delineations and hazard and vulnerability mapping in Perry County, Missouri
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Contrasting life histories contribute to divergent patterns of genetic diversity and population connectivity in freshwater sculpin fishes
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Biodiversity in the United States and Canada
Chowning, M.E. (2020)
Establishing a sampling protocol and investigating the life history of the federally endangered Grotto Sculpin (Cottus specus) in the karst systems of Perry County, Missouri