The california tiger salamander (ambystoma californiense CTS ) is threatened by non native hybridization throughout its range in california

Earlier research clearly demonstrates that hybrids between CTS and non native barred tiger salamanders (ambystoma mavortium BTS ) disrupt vernal pool ecology and disqualifies the entire CTS population from counting towards recovery in the central california distinct population segment. Efforts to prevent and reverse the spread of non native BTS genes, require information on the current distribution and movement ecology of native and hybrid salamanders. Hybrids are often impossible to visually identify, reclusive, and have been spreading for decades. The fort ORD management unit (monterey county, CA fomu ), as defined in the recovery plan, offers a unique opportunity to quantify the movement of native and non native alleles over space and time. We propose a study that combines more than 30 years of historical genetic samples with exhaustive contemporary surveys to collect, sequence, and analyze 1,810 CTS samples spanning 30 years of genetic sampling across the fomu. From this data, university of california, LOS angles (ucla) will produce high resolution maps that describe the extent and prevalence of non native alleles in the fomu and identify habitat features and corridors that facilitate or inhibit hybrid movement. Ucla will also evaluate multi decadal trends in population size and genetic health of native CTS in the fomu. From this data, ucla will develop a panel of loci that may be used to rapidly identify hybrids in the field. This work will culminate in a genetic management strategy that can be used as a blueprint for minimizing hybrid expansion and improving native population health, across the species range.