Dammed amphibians

Jared Grummer from the Leaché Lab just submitted a grant for a multi-year project studying amphibian population genetics in the northern Cascades (North Cascades National Park). The proposed study will use high-throughput genomic sequencing technologies to understand what, if any, population-genetic effects have been caused by three dams along the Skagit River. These hydroelectric dams provide the city of Seattle with approximately 25% of our power needs, and have altered the landscape along the river. The study will focus on three amphibian species: coastal tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei), western toads (Anaxyrus boreas), and coastal giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus).

Jared will find out in late April whether or not this project receives funding; we have our fingers crossed!