Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2022, Biological Sciences

Northwest Ohio has been heavily impacted by ditching and draining of the landscape as well as impoundment and pond construction. These features can reduce baseflows, alter wetland hydroperiods, or otherwise impair ecosystem services. However, they may also create aquatic habitat, serve as refuges from wetland habitat loss and promote connectivity of wildlife populations. It is critical to identify the effects of hydromodification on semiaquatic fauna such as the common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), the American mink (Neovison vison) and cambarid crayfishes (Cambaridae), which may be sensitive to associated changes in fine- and coarse-scale wetland habitat and landscape characteristics. To evaluate potential wetland habitat use patterns, sign and nocturnal spotlight surveys were conducted in the Oak Openings Region from May 15th to October 18th 2021. Habitat, environmental and spatial data were also collected. As predicted, focal organisms used modified wetlands to a lesser degree, although the effect depended on organism and wetland type. As expected further, muskrats and crayfishes were more likely to use higher order or deep streams/ditches; crayfishes were more likely to use seasonal and restored wetlands. Results were consistent with isolation-area based predictions of habitat use insofar as mink and muskrats were more likely to use large nonlinear wetlands, and muskrats used less isolated wetlands. Crayfish and, unexpectedly, mink used more isolated wetlands. Open canopy and anthropogenic landcover classes in the landscape neighborhood of wetlands featured in many habitat use models. Fine-scale habitat variables tended to predict habitat use as well as or better than coarser-scale variables. Treating presence or relative activity of each organism as a predictor variable in habitat use models of the other organisms produced competitive models, although results for mink occurrence were inconsistent with predictions based on predator-prey relationships. Results su (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Karen Root Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Enrique Gomezdelcampo Ph.D. (Committee Member); Jeffrey Miner Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Ecology; Wildlife Conservation; Wildlife Management

Master of Science, Miami University, 2006, Zoology

The spatial structure of a population is often determined solely by the frequency of interpatch movements. Landscape structural features and the behavioral response of organisms to these features affect animal movements among suitable habitat patches, but these factors have not been applied to spatial population studies. I recorded the movements, abundance, and behavioral response to the habitat edge of two species of butterflies, the great-spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) and the pearl crescent (Phyciodes tharos), among remnant prairie patches in south-central Ohio to determine the spatial structure of the populations and the mechanistic basis of movements among patches. The great-spangled fritillary exhibited characteristics of a patchy population because of the relatively high number of interpatch movements and its greater abundance at the patch edge. The pearl crescent moved infrequently among patches and was isolated within patches by the patch edge and all forest-matrix types, suggesting a classic metapopulation structure.

Committee: Thomas Crist (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, Ecology

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2023, Geography

In the Midwestern USA (Southwest Ohio), landscape heterogeneity is changing drastically due to exurbanization. Recent studies suggest that an increase in landscape heterogeneity can have a positive effect on species diversity, abundance, and community composition, making this an exemplary location to research the effects of landscape modifications on species richness and composition. Lepidoptera (butterflies) in particular have been documented to be effective indicators of compositional and configurational landscape heterogeneity shifts which naturally make them a great model organism to study this novel system. Applying the concept of fragmentation per se, I found compositional heterogeneity to be a significant indicator of species richness and diversity. In contrast, configurational heterogeneity did not have an effect on lepidoptera. This suggests that fragmentation per se and increased compositional heterogeneity may have a positive effect on butterfly richness regardless of the configurational heterogeneity. Thus, conservation efforts should focus on diversification of the landscape cover types as well as supporting the conservation of small and large habitat patches.

Committee: Amelie Davis (Advisor); Mary Henry (Committee Member); Michelle Boone (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Conservation; Ecology; Environmental Science; Geography; Physical Geography; Remote Sensing

Master of Science in Environmental Science, Youngstown State University, 2017, Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology and Environmental Sciences

Habitat fragmentation is an important subject of research needed by park management planners, particularly for conservation management. The Castle Parks, in southwest Alberta, Canada, exhibit extensive habitat fragmentation from recreational and resource use activities. Umbrella and keystone species within The Castle Parks include grizzly bears, wolverines, cougars, and elk which are important animals used for conservation agendas to help protect the matrix of the ecosystem. This study identified and analyzed the nature of habitat fragmentation within The Castle Parks for these species, and has identified geographic areas of habitat fragmentation concern. This was accomplished using remote sensing, Arc GIS, and statistical analyses, to develop models of fragmentation for ecosystem cover type and Digital Elevation Models of slope, which acted as proxies for species habitat suitability. Data indicated that the primary threat to the study species was increased habitat fragmentation caused by an increase in dirt roads and lightly-used trails. Identifying each species' habitat needs, alongside considerable fragmentation areas allowed for the development of recommendations to mitigate the negative effects of fragmentation, and thus better conserve the ecosystem in these provincial parks.

Committee: Dawna Cerney PhD (Advisor); Peter Kimosop PhD (Committee Member); Felicia Armstrong PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Environmental Science

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2013, Biological Sciences

Species are threatened daily by human activities, the most devastating of which are habitat destruction and fragmentation, which can drastically decrease population size. One of the most severe consequences of these decreases in population sizes is the decrease in genetic diversity, which may affect fitness and reduce the adaptive potential of natural populations. These consequences, however, may not affect all species equally due to their past evolutionary history, migratory habits, and current demographic factors. This study focuses on the potential role of migratory habit on the maintenance of genetic diversity of avian species that live in a fragmented habitat. The mitochondrial control region sequences of six Passerine species that breed within the Oak Openings area of Northwest Ohio were compared based upon the species' migratory habit while controlling for the effects of phylogenetic history. Consistent with results from previous studies, species that migrate long distances showed higher levels of genetic diversity (higher numbers of haplotypes and average p-distance) than species that do not migrate. An analysis of variance based on within-population estimates of DNA sequence variation revealed a significant contribution of both phylogenetic history and migratory habit to species' genetic diversity. Overall, 50.72% of the total variation observed across multiple species could be explained by differences in migratory habit. These results emphasize the important role of migratory habit in determining overall levels of genetic diversity, an important consideration for the management and conservation of species that breed within fragmented habitats.

Committee: Juan Bouzat (Advisor); Gabriela Bidart-Bouzat (Committee Member); Scott Rogers (Committee Member) Subjects: Animals; Biology; Conservation; Genetics; Wildlife Conservation

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2009, Biomedical Sciences PhD

It is generally recognized that amphibian populations declining across the globe. Habitat loss is the primary cause of decline. The salamander family Ambystomatidae has experienced significantly more rapid decline than the average for amphibians. Coefficients of Conservatism (CoC) have been developed for amphibians in Ohio. These are based primarily on habitat requirements with high CoCs for amphibians with stringent habitat requirements (e.g. vernal pools associated with large, intact, undisturbed forest), and low CoCs for amphibians with less stringent habitat requirements. Genetic diversity in five species and one hybrid complex of ambystomatid salamander in southwest Ohio were examined and compared to their respective CoC. Less gene flow across inhospitable habitat and consequently lower genetic diversity in that species would be expected compared with a species with less restrictive habitat requirements, i.e. a lower CoC. Microsatellites were used to determine conformation to Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium expectations, allelic and genotypic differences between populations, and inbreeding coefficients Fis and Fst. Genetic differences between woodlots and between ponds within a woodlot were examined. It was found that, for different species in the same habitat, species with higher CoCs have lower genetic diversity than species with lower CoCs. It was also found that habitat quality influences genetic diversity in all species. In some habitats, the genetic diversity of all species in that habitat will be lower than that of the same species in a more suitable habitat. In some cases presence of the hybrid complex (kleptogens) appears to have negatively impacted species that act as a sperm donor to the hybrid complex. In some species (e.g. smallmouth salamanders) genetic structure can be seen in different ponds within a woodlot. In other species (e.g. tiger salamanders) no such structure appears. It was also found that a railroad track acts as a barrier to marbled salam (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Dan Krane PhD (Advisor); Adrian Corbett PhD (Committee Member); Keith Grasman PhD (Committee Member); Nicholas Reo PhD (Committee Member); James McDougal PhD/ATS (Committee Member) Subjects: Animals; Biology; Ecology; Environmental Science; Genetics; Molecular Biology

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2006, Arts and Sciences : Biological Sciences

Although there is a great deal of literature detailing changes in the demography of small mammals at habitat edges, few studies measure spatial use, and even fewer agree on a definition of edge, or attempt to measure or control differences in edge habitat. The objective of this study was to determine whether space use by the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) varied in forest adjacent to agriculture along a habitat gradient from forest edge to forest interior. In this way edge was not artificially defined, but rather was linked to spatial changes exhibited by the white-footed mouse and to existing vegetation gradients along an edge-to-interior gradient. We also compared these results to those from artificially defined edges. Movement and vertical use by female P. leucopus increased along a gradient of changing edge-to-interior habitat variables while male movement did not change. Artificial definitions of edge yielded differing results emphasizing this method's measurement bias.

Committee: Dr. Guy Cameron (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2010, Natural Resources

Urbanization alters the composition and structure of bird communities, yet little is known about the demographic processes underlying these patterns. Among the well-described urban ecological phenomena that could affect avian demography are increased abundances of generalist predators and invasive exotic shrubs. Such urban-associated changes should have particularly strong demographic consequences during the post-fledging stage of the avian life cycle, when juvenile birds are particularly vulnerable to predation. To understand how urbanization influences the ecology of post-fledging birds, I asked four broad questions: 1) How does fledgling survivorship vary across an urban-to-rural landscape gradient? 2) To what extent is variation in survivorship explained by fledgling age, energetic condition at time of fledging, and habitat selection? 3) How does the presence of Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), an abundant exotic shrub, influence fledgling survivorship and habitat selection? and 4) Which ecological factors explain variation in natal home range extent and post-fledging dispersal timing for fledgling songbirds within an urbanizing landscape? During 2008 and 2009 I used radio telemetry technology to track the fate and movements of fledgling Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) (n = 45) and Acadian Flycatchers (Empidonax virescens) (n = 31) living in a network of riparian forests distributed along a rural-to-urban landscape gradient in central Ohio, USA. Predation was the primary cause of mortality, and survivorship was lowest during the first few days after fledging. Curiously, cumulative survivorship (+/- SE) of the urban avoider flycatcher was higher (0.720 +/- 0.097; 22 days) than that of the urban adaptor cardinal (0.440 +/- 0.077; 71 days). Across the entire post-fledging period, survivorship was not influenced by urbanization for either species. However, during the initial three days post-fledging when mortality was highest, survivorship of cardinal (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Amanda Rodewald PhD (Advisor); Stan Gehrt PhD (Committee Member); Mazeika Sullivan PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Ecology; Environmental Science; Urban Planning; Zoology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2009, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

Amphibians worldwide are facing declines due to habitat loss, disease, and other causes. Where habitat alteration is implicated, there is a need for spatially explicit conservation plans. I explore the potential for using geographic information systems (GIS) models of functional landscape connectivity as a reliable proxy for genetically derived measures of population isolation. I also use metapopulation models parameterized with genetic and demographic data to predict population persistence of salamanders in fragmented landscapes. I use genetic assignment tests to characterize isolation of marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) populations, and evaluate whether the relative amount of modified habitat around breeding ponds is a reliable indicator of isolation. Forest is consistently associated with decreased population isolation, whereas agriculture and development are associated with increased isolation. Models that include these variables and pond size explain 65-70% of variation in isolation across sites, and 30-45% of variation in isolation in related ambystomatids in other regions. Additionally, I address whether local populations constitute metapopulations, and estimate viability of whole metapopulations versus local populations. Estimation of persistence is strongly altered by the incorporation of genetic dispersal estimates. All populations persist using a dispersal-distance function; however, estimating dispersal with genetic data results in the loss of some or all local populations within a 100-year simulation. Overall, I conclude that anthropogenic habitat change appears to strongly influence population isolation, with agriculture being the most important isolating factor. Small, isolated populations have little probability of long-term persistence; networks of protected areas may be the best approach to conserving ambystomatid salamanders.

Committee: H. Lisle Gibbs PhD (Advisor); Laura S. Kubatko PhD (Committee Member); Amanda D. Rodewald PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Ecology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2004, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

In this study, we explore large-scale movements in ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) in Ohio by characterizing juvenile and adult dispersal, investigating the effect of landscape characteristics on movement behavior and examining the relationship between movement and the risk of predation. Our first objective was to investigate the natal and adult dispersal characteristics of ruffed grouse throughout the entire annual breeding cycle, using a behavioral definition of dispersal. Once dispersal movements could be accurately identified, we explored whether landscape variables measured at coarse-grained scales could help explain general movement characteristics. We used Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) techniques for model selection to explore the relationship between metrics of both landscape composition and configuration and the decision to disperse by adults and juveniles, their net dispersal distances and rates of movement, and their home range sizes. Ecologists often assume that dispersing individuals experience an increase in predation risk due to increased exposure to predators while moving. We tested the hypothesis that predation risk is a function of rate of movement and site familiarity using a Cox's proportional hazards model. Overall, we documented a surprisingly high proportion of adults undertaking seasonal dispersal movements and juveniles undergoing dispersal in the spring, particularly compared to grouse studies conducted in the northern portion of its range (Chapter 1). We also found that coarse-grained landscape characteristics affect movement behavior, but effects varied considerably among specific behaviors and across spatial scales. While large-scale landscape composition (i.e. % forest) and edge density significantly affected dispersal behavior little evidence was found for landscape configuration per se affecting movements (Chapter 2). Finally, we found evidence indicating that increased movement rates may increase the risk of predation for adult (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Elizabeth Marschall (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, Ecology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2004, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

Recent declines in amphibian populations have heightened the importance of understanding amphibian/habitat relationships. Because of poor dispersal abilities and physiological constraints, amphibians may be especially susceptible to the effects of habitat fragmentation. In this dissertation, I investigate landscape-level influences of fragmentation on woodland amphibian species distributions, as well as population-level impacts on genetic diversity and related fitness consequences for wood frogs ( Rana sylvatica ). For the first part of my research, I surveyed 25 woodlots and one area of continuous forest in Crawford County, Ohio for amphibians and evaluated 13 models concerning amphibian species richness and the presence of individual species in woodlots. I found 13 species of amphibians within the study plot, indicating that small woodlots within an agricultural matrix are important amphibian refuges. Hydroperiod was the most important habitat characteristic for predicting species richness. Landscape characteristics were relatively unimportant. Next, I analyzed the genetic diversity of wood frog populations in relation to characteristics of their local habitat and landscape, to determine whether populations within woodlots have become genetically differentiated and/or have lost genetic diversity. I found genetic distance to be correlated with geographical distance. Populations from breeding ponds with longer hydroperiods were more genetically diverse. I also assessed the genetic diversity of eight wood frog populations, and compared the genetic diversity of each population with the mortality and deformity rates of lab-reared eggs and larvae. Although there were weak negative correlations, my analyses failed to find a significant relationship between genetic diversity and deformity or mortality rates. The final component of my research was an investigation of a synergism between UV-B radiation and genetic diversity, influencing mortality and deformity rates in wood (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Thomas Grubb (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

I examined three aspects of forest fragmentation to determine how they impact resident and migrant bird species. The first aspect was the relationship between habitat patch area and species presence and richness. I performed an observational study along riparian woodlands to determine the abundance and distribution of bird species and avian guilds. Woodland area better predicted bird species presence than woodland width. In addition, the probability of detection was positively correlated with woodland area for 11 bird species and negatively correlated with woodland area for eight species. A management simulation of woodland riparian corridor width indicated that current management suggestions were inadequate to provide habitat for a variety of Neotropical woodland migrant bird species. In the second aspect of my research, I examined the ability of two species of birds to supplement their habitat requirements by incorporating disjunct habitat patches on either side of a watercourse into a single territory. I found the probability of eastern wood-pewees (Contopus virens) crossing water gaps to reach simulated singing conspecific to be negatively associated with vegetation gap width. Red-eyed vireos (Vireo olivaceus) demonstrated no significant trend. However, the strength of red-eyed vireo vocal responses after crossing was inversely proportional to the width of waterway. These results suggest that species may differ in their response to simulated conspecific vocalization, and that water gaps less than 30 m wide may not hinder all avian species from crossing to reach playbacks, but may still curtail territorial responses. The third aspect of my work was to determine the ability of a species to colonize empty habitat patches. I simulated patch extinction events by removing Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) from woodland fragments. I found that chickadees arrived sooner in woodlots connected to other woodland by habitat corridors. I also found that individual c (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Thomas Grubb (Advisor) Subjects: Biology, Ecology

Bachelor of Science, Miami University, 2010, College of Arts and Sciences - Zoology

Numerous studies of forest fragmentation have found a negative relationship between the density of Peromyscus leucopus (the white-footed mouse) and forest fragment size. This relationship may be caused, in part, by both more food (primary production) and more cover from predation in smaller fragments, which have more structurally complex understory vegetation than larger fragments. However, the influence of the proximity of understory vegetation on selection of nesting sites in specific locations within the fragment had not been studied. I hypothesized that nestboxes in highly vegetated areas would be utilized more often by P. leucopus than nestboxes in sparsely vegetated areas. I tested this hypothesis by measuring the amount of vegetation near thirty nestboxes in each of nine forest fragments. I also estimated the relative population density of P. leucopus in each fragment. I expected to find both a greater proportion of nestboxes occupied and a greater number of mice in nestboxes with a high amount of nearby vegetation. The structural complexity of understory vegetation was significantly greater in small forest fragments than in large and in edge habitat than interior. However, there was no relationship between any of the variables we measured and the density of mice, other than boxes being occupied more frequently in habitat where more mice were present. Additionally, none of the variables we measured were related to the probability of the nestbox being occupied. My results suggest that the complexity of vegetation immediately surrounding the nestbox may not be as important to mice as vegetation at a larger scale (e.g. throughout the individual's territory).

Committee: Douglas Meikle PhD (Advisor); Nancy Solomon PhD (Committee Member); Gregg Marcello (Committee Member) Subjects: Agriculture; Animals; Behaviorial Sciences; Biology; Ecology; Environmental Science; Forestry; Zoology