Spatial Ecology of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) in Indiana

摘要: Abstract Few studies have examined the spatial ecology of Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). We used radiotelemetry to examine seasonal home range, movement patterns, and habitat use 21 individuals within Blue River drainage southern Indiana, USA. Individuals were located up three times weekly from July 2008 through October 2009. Mean 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home-range sizes much larger than previously reported largest during summer. Male MCPs significantly those females. linear also longer in summer, but did not differ between sexes. Hellbenders moved very little throughout year (X¯  =  14.1 movements per individual) over relatively short distances 27.5 m) nearby shelter rocks. Most routinely under large, flat rocks; however, five periodically bedrock, downed trees, submerged tree root masses...