Meeting Abstract

67.1  Wednesday, Jan. 6  Structural equation modeling as a tool to evaluate translocation stress in the desert tortoise. BARBER, A.M.*; DRAKE, K.K.; NUSSEAR, K.E.; ESQUE, T.C.; TRACY, C.R.; MEDICA, P.A.; University of Nevada, Reno; U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center; USGS; USGS; UNR; USGS barberam@unr.edu

Translocation has been proposed as a conservation strategy for the threatened desert tortoise. Translocation of individuals from one area to another results in a cascade of stressors that can impact not only translocated individuals, but also resident animals present in the translocation area. Ecological factors and physiological and behavioral responses can interact complexly to influence the success of translocation. We used structural equation modeling (SEM), a powerful inference tool to understand complex, multivariate hypotheses in natural systems, to explore how the ecological and physiological factors contributing to stress interact as the result of translocation. Several candidate SEM models (hypotheses) were compared using data prior to translocation, and the model most consistent with the data was identified. Multigroup analysis showed that the structure of this model changed after translocation for resident and introduced animals.