Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Committee Chair
Stuart A. Welsh
Committee Co-Chair
Brent A. Murry
Committee Member
Brent A. Murry
Committee Member
Jennifer L. Flippin
Abstract
This thesis includes (1) a literature review chapter and (2) a research chapter that examines the abundance and habitat use of Candy Darters (Etheostoma osburni) in the Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI). The Candy Darter, a small-bodied fish in the family Percidae, is an endemic and a federally endangered species in the New River drainage of West Virginia and Virginia. One of the critical habitat designations for this species is located within GARI, a reach of the river impacted by didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), where snorkeling and underwater observations were conducted to assess species abundance and habitat use at two riffle sites. Candy Darter abundances differed between sites as determined from N-mixture models, a finding that may be influenced by water temperature, didymo, or benthic habitat availability. Within riffle habitats, Candy Darters associated with areas of faster water velocity, higher percentages of cobbles, lower didymo coverage, and lower boulder percentage areas. Our results may aid conservation agencies, as data from the critical habitat designation of GARI can inform management and conservation of the species.
Recommended Citation
Hoffman, David Cole, "Abundance Estimates and Habitat Use of the Candy Darter in the Critical Habitat Designation of the Gauley River National Recreation Area" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12768.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12768