Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Sandel, Michael

Committee Member

Kreiser, Brian

Committee Member

Correa, Sandra

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

The Tombigbee Darter (Etheostoma lachneri) is the sole member of the snubnose subgenus Ulocentra endemic to the Tombigbee River Watershed of Mississippi and Alabama. Etheostoma lachneri is a species of greatest conservation need, due to suspected population decline since 1994 (Suttkus et al., 1994). To assess the persistence and genetic variability of E. lachneri, a population survey at 40 historical sites in Mississippi was performed. Results showed that 12 out of the 40 sites did not have E. lachneri present. Genomic analyses were conducted for populations across the species range using ddRADseq, revealing the possible complex of three species. To assess environmental DNA (eDNA) detection, E. lachneri mitogenome was sequenced. Results showed that E. lachneri eDNA was present at 10 of 39 survey sites but was less accurate than traditional sampling. Results presented here will contribute to the prioritization of E. lachneri in the Mississippi and Alabama statewide action plans.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

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