Current Thesis Research:
Resisting Invasion: factors involved in a spatial partition of a native and introduced frog species in a northern California stream.
In a northern California stream (Dye Creek, Tehama County), there exists a unique opportunity to examine the interactions between native yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii) and invasive American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). These two frog species inhabit the same watershed but are partitioned without any physical barrier into two separate forks of the creek . Since 1999, it has been documented that the North Fork of Dye Creek has resisted invasion from L. catesbeianus, but the South Fork and downstream of the confluence is dominated by L. catesbeianus.
To explain the separation, I will be focusing on two aspects. First, I will examine the spatial ecology of both species. Using radio-telemetry, I will be able to determine seasonal habitat use for each species. As well as the timing, duration, and magnitude of movement of both species. Secondly, I am going to examine the separation by comparing the stream morphology and flow regime between the two forks of Dye Creek.