ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROGS.

摘要: The conservation of endangered species is best achieved by studies that consider both ecological and evolutionary aspects population viability. Integrative research this type especially important for amphibian as they have been plagued rapid, global declines extinctions in recent decades. aims dissertation were to contribute the two such declining amphibians, Panamanian golden frogs, Atelopus varius A. zeteki, well demonstrate combined utilities morphological, ecological, genetic analyses providing an integrative framework informing wildlife initiatives. results engender several considerations these critically culturally amphibians. In my first study, multivariate phenotypic mitochondrial DNA used verify previously defined management units are supported concordant patterns variation among populations identify traits may be associated with adaptive divergence. second study examined contributions alternative landscape factors frog populations, highlighting importance maintaining integrity low slope areas, riparian habitat corridors mountain ridges, gene flow. third final demonstrated variability allowing adapt environmental