Status of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis) in Missouri: a Comparison of Past and Present Populations

Ethan Prosen

Date of Graduation

Spring 1999

Degree

Master of Science in Biology

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Alicia Mathis

Abstract

Eastern hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis, were collected from the Big Piney, Gasconade, and Niangua Rivers. Total length and mass measurements were taken for comparison with historical data from the same rivers. There have been substantial declines in the numbers of hellbenders captured from each river. Hellbenders from the 1998 samples were larger on average than historical individuals. This increase in size appears to be due to reduction of smaller size classes. Average body conditions have changed, but not consistently. More work is needed to determine the status of hellbenders in Missouri.

Subject Categories

Biology

Copyright

© Ethan Prosen

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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