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- Author
- Skopek, Jenna L., Marr, Shelby L., Call, Daniel J., Malon, Michael J.
- Description
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Skopek, Jenna L., Hoffman, Adam.R., Marr, Shelby L., Call, Daniel J., & Malon, Michael J. “Interspecies Variations in Growth Rate and Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Among Native Freshwater Mussels in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River.” Poster presentation for the Chlapaty Research Fellowship Program, University of Dubuque, 2014.
Abstract: Mussels are extremely important biological indicators in freshwater systems. Freshwater mussel diversity can be adversely affected by anthropogenic impacts and invasive species. The influence of one invasive species, zebra mussels (Dreissenapolymorpha) have been implicated as a factor in the decline in diversity and abundance of freshwater mussel species. Mussel population distribution and D. polymorphacolonization at nine sites were studied in 2010 through 2014 field seasons near 9-Mile Island in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River. Mussels were collected by pollywoggingalong 25 meter transects of randomly selected quadrants and were examined for D. polymorpha. D. polymorphainfestation was measured on a scale of 0 to 4, depending on the amount of colonization on the freshwater mussel. Live mussels (2,628) and recaptured mussels (n = 297) were measured for shell length, width, and height, which were used to ages of the live mussels. Mussel densities were probed to determine if differences occurred due to an increased growth rates or longer lifespan. A total of 2,628 mussels, representing 21 species, were cataloged. The most prevalent mussel species were Threeridge(Amblemaplicata; n=1420), which had D. polymorphacolonization of 20.4%, Wabash Pigtoe(Fusconaiaflava; n=953), which had a D. polymorphacolonization of 8.2%, ThreehornWartyback(Obliquariareflexa; n=333), which had D. polymorphacolonization of 16.8%, and Plain Pocketbook (Lampsiliscardium; n=183), which had D. polymorphacolonization of 23.4%. Implications of D. polymorphacolonization and human impacts in pool 12 and other pools of the Mississippi River will be discussed.
- Author
- Redmond, Kyle D., Johnson, Megan M., Baindbridge, Elizabeth G., Cruise, Chelsie E., O'Rourke, Jake M., Kieffer, Lea M., Marr, Shelby L.
- Description
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Redmond, Kyle .D., Johnson, Megan M., Bainbridge, Elizabeth G.,Cruise, Chelsie E., O’Rourke, Jake M., Kieffer, Lea M., Marr, Shelby L., Zuercher, Gerald L., & Koch, David E. “The Impact of Habitat Variation on Small Mammal Distribution in Eastern Iowa.” Poster presentation for the Chlapaty Research Fellowship Program, University of Dubuque, 2012.
Abstract:Historically, a diverse community of small mammals occurred within Iowa, most of which were associated with the abundant prairies. It is important to examine the impact of ever-decreasing native prairie in Iowa on small mammal communities. We examined the relationship between habitat and small mammal communities at Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area (WCWA), a park at the border of Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones Counties in Iowa. The park totals 419 acres and consists of four different types habitat; native prairie, restored prairie, woodland, and cornfield. The park is surrounded on all sides by corn or soybean fields. Small mammals were trapped every other week on five transects using live-traps baited with peanut butter. Strategically placed pitfall traps supplemented the basic trapping protocol. A total of seven species were captured: white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), western jumping mice (Zapus hudsonicus), meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus), eastern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), and masked shrew (Sorex cinereus). Additionally, 13-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecimlineatus), though never captured in a trap, were regularly spotted on the property; their locations were noted. The presence of eastern moles (Scalopus aquaticus) also was noted wherever encountered. Species richness and species diversity were determined for each transect. Small mammal communities differed for all transects, likely reflecting different habitat preferences for each species. It appears that overall species diversity for the park is enhanced by the maintenance of multiple habitat types.