The San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana)

I've been examining the communication cues, social interactions and cohabitation patterns of the neotenic San Marcos salamander, Eurycea nana (Plethodontidae). This elusive aquatic salamander is endemic to the San Marcos River (Texas), where it breeds year-round. Because of its threatened status, my M.S. research, in collaboration with Dr. Caitlin Gabor at Texas State University and Joe Fries at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (San Marcos, TX), is not only involved in exploring individual interactions but has strong conservation and refugium elements.

The San Marcos River, on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.

Sexually mature male – notice the visible testes on the ventral side

Gravid female – notice the unfertilized eggs

Male salamander marked with Fluorescent Visible Implant Elastomers

– under UV light and fluorescent when UV light is filtered

Conducting observations under red light - yup, it is freaky

The San Marcos River –

the perfect location to get distracted at while writing my thesis.

CONTACT ME: mthaker@mymail.indstate.edu

Biology Department at Texas State University: http://www.bio.txstate.edu/

National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service):

http://ifw2irm2.irm1.r2.fws.gov/fishery/tx/SanMarcos/default.htm

Keeping in touch with life at home via the Singapore Straits Times: http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/

I have started my doctoral research at Indiana State University working on a joint project under the guidance of Dr. Diana Hews and Dr. Steve Lima. Links and pictures of my project adventures with be coming soon!