Spatial and Temporal Habitat Utilization, Movement Patterns, and Home Range of the Northern Mudpuppy

MDPPY

October 2025 - December 2027

The Northern Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a fully aquatic, cold water specialist, benthic salamander who inhabit rivers and lakes throughout their range. This species is declining across the Great Lakes and is considered an imperiled species. They are recognized bioindicators and vital to ecosystem health. They serve as obligate hosts for the state endangered and Federal Candidate species Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua) and predator to several invasive species. Despite their ecological importance, Mudpuppies face population declines, and little is known about their home range, movement patterns, and lifespan. This project is a groundbreaking effort to study Mudpuppies with acoustical telemetry to track movement and assess their temporal movements in the Detroit River in the nearshore areas of Belle Isle and surrounding habitats. Additionally, a capture-mark-recapture program using PIT tags and photo documentation will assess longevity, fine-scale movements, and overall health. This project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and support the recovery of both Mudpuppies and Salamander Mussels, and better understand Mudpuppy habitat use.

• Assess Mudpuppy spatial and temporal distribution and habitat use through the use of acoustic telemetry.
• Develop medical and field protocols for the implantation of transmitters into Mudpuppies allowing for this work to be replicated elsewhere.
• Restore and enhance Mudpuppy habitats to improve connectivity and population viability.
• Deploy acoustic receivers and tags to monitor Mudpuppy movements across 30 miles of riverine habitat.
• The project also meets objectives under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Part 365, by conducting investigations to support the survival of fish and wildlife. Given Mudpuppies critical role as hosts for the salamander mussel, their assessment and habitat restoration are essential for the recovery of this federal Candidate species.

• This project will advance understanding of Mudpuppy populations, their seasonal habitat use, and spatial distribution within the study area and provide guidelines for habitat restoration across their range, including benefits for other native species and fisheries.
• Results will fill knowledge gaps identified in Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan (MIWAP) regarding Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), like the MP. Additionally, restoration efforts will aid in addressing Beneficial Use Impairments (e.g., habitat loss, degraded wildlife populations) in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs), helping toward delisting these systems.

• Melissa Sano (Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy) - miamphibianreptileconservancy@gmail.com
• David Mifsud (Herpetological Resource And Management, LLC)
• Mark Vassallo (Detroit Zoo)
• Nicholas Jew (Medvet)

• Herpetological Resource and Management
• Detroit Zoo
• Belle Isle Aquarium
• Belle Isle Nature Center
• US Geological Survey (USGS)
• MedVet

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program