Meeting Abstract

1.9  Friday, Jan. 4  Integrating physiology and conservation: Lessons from the Nagy lab HAZARD, L.C.; Montclair State University, NJ hazardl@mail.montclair.edu

The developing field of conservation physiology has roots in field studies in physiological ecology, including techniques and approaches pioneered by Ken Nagy. Some recent research projects illustrate the increasing relevance of physiological ecology for conservation issues. Threatened desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert are incorporating non-native, sometimes invasive plant species into their diets. In a laboratory study, we examined the nutritional impact of this shift and found that food type (forb vs. grass) was a better predictor of nutritional value than food origin (native vs. exotic). However, in some areas native forbs are being replaced by less nutritious exotic grasses, leading to a potential shift in available nutrients. This may be of conservation concern if tortoises must forage longer or farther to find suitable foods, and will help determine habitat needs of this declining species. In the temperate forests of the northeastern U.S., anthropogenic salinization of freshwater habitats directly impacts some amphibian populations. We are integrating physiology, behavior, and ecology to evaluate how adults of several sympatric amphibian species respond to increased salinity of their breeding habitat. We have found significant variation in salinity aversion among species, suggesting that adults of some species may not avoid salinities that would be detrimental to them or to their eggs/larvae, and may therefore be more likely to suffer population declines. Knowledge of the physiological basis for these interspecific differences in behavioral salinity tolerance may help predict susceptibility of other species. To conserve declining species, a physiological approach will be critical in predicting, measuring, and hopefully mitigating the effects of local or global anthropogenic influences on populations at risk.