22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Evaluation of Chytrid Infection Level in a Newly Discovered Population of Bufo boreas in Colorado
Julie M. Hasken* and Jennifer L. Newby
Dr. Chad Montgomery and Dr. Michael I. Kelrick, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to locate new localities for Bufo boreas in the Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado. We conducted visual encounter surveys for adult toads, tadpoles, and egg masses in the pond. We located no evidence for the presence of B. boreas at the 12 overflow ponds in drainage or at the kettle ponds at the base of the peak of Chief Mountain. At the first, southern site of the Little Squaw Creek drainage, we captured 4 (3M:1F) adult toads. Bd testing indicated that 3 toads (75%) tested positive for chytrid. On a second trip to the southern pond five metamorphs were discovered, and additionally five toads (4M: 1F) were found at a second, northern pond. The Little Squaw Creek drainage site where metamorphs were observed represents a new locality and breeding site for B. boreas within the Rio Grande National Forest.
Keywords: Bufo boreas, Chytrid, New breeding locality
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 21-2
Location: VH 1408
Time: 10:00