Pool Age and Local Habitat Are Associated with Effective Number of Breeders in Spotted Salamander Populations Colonizing Created Vernal Pools

Population genetics can reveal whether colonization of created habitats has been successful and inform future strategies for habitat creation. We used genetic analysis to investigate spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) vernal pools explored the impact characteristics on diversity connectivity pools. Our first objective was examine structure, differentiation, diversity, potential a founder effect. second determine if were associated with effective number breeders, relatedness, or diversity. sampled larvae in 31 (1–5 years old) Monongahela National Forest (WV) May June 2015 2016. The youngest exhibited effect, low breeders. Effective breeders positively pool age, vegetation cover, diameter, sample size. Vegetation cover also negatively relatedness. Genetic did not have strong environmental predictors. results indicated increased differentiation decreased within 4–5 creation, sign rapid population establishment. research showed that higher vegetative larger diameters could quality should be incorporated into