Distribution of, and Microhabitat Use by, Woodland Salamanders Along Forest-Farmland Edges

Abstract

We examined the distribution of, and microhabitat use by, woodland salamander populations along forest-farmland edges at six sites (each 40 ha) in the Valley and Ridge Province of Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) from September to November 1995 and from March to May 1996. We found 570 salamanders of nine species, with most (90.5%) being Redback Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus). Observed versus expected numbers of salamanders of all species combined differed with distances from edges (P < 0.005); only 64 (11%) were found at the immediate edge (i.e., 5 m into the forest at the forest-farmland edge). This finding is partially related to dryer microclimatic conditions at edges. Two of the sites (BL2 and SH1) with the highest number of Redback Salamanders contained higher density of logs, soil temperatures, and percentage coverage of herbaceous growth in fall, and deeper and higher percentage coverage of leaf litter in spring compared to other sites. Woodland salamanders and other amphibians are of conservation concern because of regional population declines and range reductions. Thus, we recommend that cool, moist microclimatic conditions be preserved along forest-farmland edges (e.g., via retention of shaded logs and spring seeps) whenever possible for the conservation of woodland salamander populations.