| Title | The ecology of the desert dwelling salamander Ambystoma tigrinum |
| Publication Type | Thesis |
| Year of Publication | 1974 |
| Authors | Delson J |
| Number of Pages | 68 |
| Date Published | 1974 |
| University | New Mexico State University |
| City | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| Thesis Type | Ph.D. Dissertationpp |
| Call Number | 00046 |
| Keywords | Ambystoma, life history, amphibian, Ambystoma, amphibian,tiger salamander,Ambystoma, dissertation, dissertations, theses, thesis |
| Abstract | The tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, inhabits temporary desert ponds in southern New Mexico. The ponds, called playas and cattle tanks hold accumulated rain water runoff from intense summer storms for irregular intervals from months to years. The primary productivity of these ponds ecosystems is low, and the major energy source is allochthonous organic material used for heterotrophic productivity. The tiger salamander forms the highest trophic level in the pond ecosystem. Domination of the invertebrate community shifts from phyllopods immediately following pond flooding to aquatic insects in ponds lasting several months or more....A comparison of the habitat utilization of deserticolous anurans and urodeles is presented and the advantages of inhabiting temporary desert ponds is discussed. Neoteny, cannibalism, and differential transformation rates prepare aquatic tiger salamanders for the subterranean habitat. |
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Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
