Population Genetic Assessments of Two Southeastern Aquatic Species

Abstract

Freshwater biodiversity is declining globally across a wide range of taxa, making conservation and management of these species a priority. Genomic tools have emerged as powerful approaches for assessing population health, genetic diversity, and connectivity. In this thesis, I apply population genomic approaches to two imperiled freshwater taxa: a gastropod and an amphibian. In Chapter One, I use 2bRAD sequencing to evaluate the landscape genetic patterns of Leptoxis virgata, a species currently under consideration for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This analysis provides insights into genetic diversity and structure relevant to conservation assessment. In Chapter Two, I examine the federally threatened Frosted Flatwoods Salamander, Ambystoma cingulatum, using a 3RAD sequencing approach. This multi-year population genomic study focuses on A. cingulatum in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Together, these studies demonstrate the utility of genomic tools for assessing genetic health and informing conservation management in declining freshwater systems.