Evaluation of the Genetic Status of the Ozark Hellbender Population in the Spring River, Arkansas

Brian K. Wagner
Nongame Aquatics Biologist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205; (501) 847-3611; (501) 847-1869 FAX; bkwagner@agfc.state.ar.us

Huseyin Kucuktas
Ph.D., Auburn University

Richard Shopen
Assistant Hatchery Manager

Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) are large aquatic salamanders found in flowing waters with large structural elements. A localized group of populations referred to as the Ozark hellbender has been recognized variously as a subspecies, C. a. bishopi, or a distinct species, C. bishopi. Only the Ozark hellbender occurs in Arkansas. The species is thought to have declined over the long term in the state. The most abundant population in the state, that of the Spring River, appears to have declined precipitously in the last decade. The possibility of supplementing the population through captive propagation has been suggested, raising concerns over genetics of the population. Tissue samples were collected from 12 hellbenders from the Spring River, AR, 8 from the Eleven Point River, AR, and 25 from the North Fork White River, MO. Spring River hellbenders were larger (500mm TL, 676 grams), than those from the Eleven Point (438 mm TL, 455 grams) or North Fork White (436mm TL, 580 grams) Rivers. Tissue sample were analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques. Analysis using primer OpB12 produced a marker, designated SR450, that distinguished between hellbenders from the Spring River and the Eleven Point River. This marker did not distinguish North Fork White River hellbenders from the Spring River hellbenders. The Spring River population appears to have impaired recruitment and condition. The North Fork White River may provide the most appropriate source for captive rearing broodstock outside the Spring River itself. Further research on this population is needed to assess the abundance and distribution, protect and restore habitat, identify parameters limiting the population's survival and reproductive success, continued exploration of population genetics, and exploring the feasibility of captive propagation.