Morph- and sex-specific differences in corticosterone of Arizona tiger salamanders (<i>Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum</i>)

Abstract

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on long-term health of amphibians. Sex and morph may cause variation in stress within salamanders such as the Arizona tiger salamaders (​Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum)​ at the Mexican Cut Nature Preserve due to differences in biotic or abiotic conditions (e.g., resource availability and reproductive opportunities). Established methods of sampling for stress hormones, or glucocorticoids, are often not suitable for working with threatened or endangered species, or for field use. A newly developed non-invasive sampling method of using swabs to collect dermal secretions is a rapid and reliable alternative to sample hormones from amphibian species in the field. We swabbed Arizona tiger salamanders dorsally to collect resting and elevated stress samples. Samples will be assayed using ELISA to detect variation in stress. This study will provide a better understanding of population health and body condition. Future research utilizing this method could clarify the effects of climatic variation and population density on this population.

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