Salamander abundance and amphibian species richness in riparian buffer strips in the Oregon Coast Range

Abstract

Logging and other forest practices are widely reported to be a threat to some amphibian populations in the Pacific Northwest. Riparian buffer strips are one conservation measure that may benefit amphibians in managed forests. However, few amphibian surveys have been conducted in buffer strips. We compared total salamander abundance, amphibian species richness, and sampling proportions for five species of salamanders between 17 managed stands and 12 unlogged, streamside forests in the Coast Range of western Oregon. We also identified relationships between buffer strip width and salamander population indices. Surveys conducted on 20 × 40 m plots demonstrated that torrent salamanders (Rhyacotriton spp.), clouded salamanders (Aneides ferreus), Dunn's salamanders (Plethodon dunni), western red-backed salamanders (Plethodon vehiculum), total salamander abundance, and amphibian species richness were sensitive to forest practices in riparian areas. We conclude that riparian buffer strips are a useful habitat management strategy for several salamander species. However, buffer strip widths currently required by state forest practices regulations may not be adequate to prevent local declines in the diversity of amphibian communities.