| The Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus) was listed as an endangered species on December 16, 1994. The main cause of decline for this species in the United States is the loss of habitat due to urbanization, agriculture, and hydrologic alterations. As part of the recovery it was determined that more research was needed to assist in management decisions. In order to better understand the biology and management needs of the Arroyo Toad, I conducted a rangewide genetic study of the Arroyo Toad to uncover lineages and genetic variation among and between all major watersheds. This information is essential to our understanding of the species by providing data to: (1) determine recovery units independent of geographic location; (2) delimit metapopulations; (3) identify closely related populations for the potential augmentation of declining or extinct populations; (4) assess the ability of dispersal between watersheds; and (5) quantify genetic diversity throughout its distribution. In the course of this project, I also identified a more precise range of the species in Baja California, Mexico, along with the issues and challenges facing its conservation in the poorly known southern portion of its range. |
