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Eastern Redback Salamander Abundance in North Central Massachusetts 2005

Throughout the twentieth century several dominant tree species suffered severe decline in the eastern United States due to non-native pests and pathogens, yet little is known of the effects these losses have on ecosystem processes or associated wildlife populations (Orwig 2002). Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), an important late-successional tree species, is currently threatened throughout its range by the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA), an invasive insect pest native to Japan (Orwig and Foster 1998). The unique structure and microenvironment of hemlock-dominated forests create critical landscape level heterogeneity, providing habitat for numerous bird and mammal species several of which are strongly associated with hemlock stands in the Northeast (Yamasaki et al. 2000). The effects of hemlock loss on associated wildlife is largely unknown, but is of particular concern for terrestrial salamanders as they are sensitive to microclimatic conditions that are likely to change as hemlocks decline. In this study, populations of eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus), significant contributors to the overall vertebrate biomass in northeastern forests (Burton and Likens 1975a), are compared in hemlock-dominated and mixed deciduous forest. The objectives of this study was to 1) to determine whether the relative abundance, body condition, and size class structure of P. cinereus populations differ in hemlock-dominated forests versus mixed deciduous forests in north-central Massachusetts. A difference in age-class structure in the two forest types may suggest a difference in survivorship, while differences in body condition are driven by differences in the energy expenditure required to obtain food resources and can lead to differences in reproductive success 2) to evaluate how structure and microenvironment differ and determine which variables best predict the variation in relative abundance and body condition of P. cinereus in the two forest types.

Eastern Redback Salamander Abundance at the Arnold Arboretum 2004-2005

Terrestrial salamanders are significant contributors to the overall vertebrate biomass in a forest (Burton and Likens 1975a). Due to this abundance, they are ecologically important as both predators of soil fauna, and as prey for larger animals such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals (Welsh and Droege 2001). In 1997, the invasive insect pest, hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) or HWA, was discovered on Hemlock Hill at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, this infestation has led to the death, decline, and removal of a larger percentage of the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) trees in this section of the Arboretum. In April 2004, researchers from the Harvard Forest and the Arnold Arboretum began studying the environmental impacts of this disturbance event (HF061). To complement this research twenty-four artificial cover objects (ACOs) were installed in three plots on Hemlock Hill in the summer of 2004 to monitor the relative abundance of eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and any other herpetofauna encountered. The timing of the installation permitted an analysis of the effects of a logging treatment conducted in the winter of 2004-2005 on the relative abundance of terrestrial salamanders. Logging had an immediate impact on the relative abundance of eastern red-backed salamanders in both logged plots as seen by an 83 percent decline in the relative abundance of red-backs in plot 1 and a 63 percent decline in plot 2 in the spring following logging versus the fall prior to logging. In the unlogged control plot (plot 3) the relative abundance declined 9 percent in the spring versus the fall. The lower relative abundances in the logged plots were likely due to higher temperatures on the surface of the soil (5.7 deg C) and five centimeters below the soil surface (1.2 deg C), and lower relative humidity on the surface of the soil (3.4%) than in the unlogged plot. By Fall 2005, the relative abundanc

Salamander Response in Hemlock Removal Experiment at Harvard Forest 2003-2005

Despite reductions in prices, pre-emptive salvage logging of eastern hemlock stands has increased since the arrival of eastern hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae, HWA) into this region. The microenvironmental changes associated with eastern hemlock loss have been found to be even more severe than when stands are lost to logging due to HWA infestation. This study assessed the effects of a commercial logging operation on two 90m x 90m (0.8 ha) plots, conducted in the winter of 2004-2005, on eastern redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus) relative abundance within the Simes tract at Harvard Forest. Over the past seven seasons (fall 2003 - fall 2005; excluding winter) I have been monitoring eastern redback salamander relative abundance using artificial cover objects (ACOs). The objectives of this study were 1) to assess whether logging has an impact on redback relative abundance at a plot level 2) to assess whether logging in isolated plots has an impact on relative abundance throughout the entire Simes tract 3) to assess whether redback relative abundance is stable over two years. Redback relative abundance in spring 2005 was 660% lower than in spring 2004 in logged plots, while in unlogged plots there was a 4% increase in redback relative abundance in spring 2005 versus spring 2004 (one-way ANOVA; df = 7, F = 6.21, p less than 0.05). Between fall 2004 and spring 2005 redback relative abundance decreased by 727% in the logged plots, compared to only a 29% decrease in unlogged plots (one-way ANOVA; df = 7, F = 10.51, p less than 0.05). Plots adjacent to logged plots had a significantly higher increase in redback relative abundance in spring 2005 versus spring 2004 than those not adjacent to the logged plots (one-way ANOVA; df = 5, F = 8.64, p less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in redback relative abundance in all plots in spring 2004 versus spring 2005 (one-way ANOVA; df = 15, F = 0.20, p = 0.665), or in fall 2004 versus spring 2005 (one-way ANOVA;

Salamander Abundance at Harvard Forest 2003-2004

1. Eastern redback salamander relative abundance Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), an important late successional tree species, is currently threatened in this region by the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), a small aphid-like invasive insect from Japan. While many species of birds and mammals have found to be associated with eastern hemlock dominated stands, there have been very few studies examining amphibian relative abundance in this forest type. Eastern redback salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are important components of the forest ecosystem as they are extremely abundant with a biomass found to be twice that of breeding birds and equal to small mammals in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. In addition, redbacks are positioned in the middle of the food web where they are important predators of soil invertebrates, potentially impacting soil respiration rates, and prey for larger vertebrates such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Redbacks have been cited as excellent indicators of forest health due to these characteristics as well as their low annual variation in abundance compared to other forest fauna. The objectives of this study was to 1) establish baseline data on eastern redback salamander relative abundance in eastern hemlock dominated stands and mixed deciduous stands in the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA using artificial cover objects (ACOs) 2) test for differences in redback relative abundance based on forest type, 3) test for correlations between redback relative abundance and soil pH and forest floor temperature. 2. Juvenile eastern red-spotted newt minimum density This study provides baseline estimates of juvenile eastern red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens) or "red eft" minimum density through visual surveys of transects in ten forest stands, five eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) dominated and five mixed deciduous, located in the Prospect Hill, Slab City, Simes, and Tom Swamp tracts of Harvard Forest. The obj

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Calibrating Abundance Indices of Red Back Salamanders at Harvard Forest 2014

Herpetologists and conservation biologists frequently use convenient and cost-effective, but less accurate, abundance indices (e.g. artificial cover boards or natural objects surveys) in lieu of more accurate but costly and destructive population size estimators to detect and monitor size, state, and trends of amphibian populations. Despite advantages and disadvantages to each approach, studies calibrating abundance indices so they can be used as reliable population estimators are rare. We calibrated indices based on surveys under artificial cover boards and natural objects with a more accurate estimator of population sizes of red back salamanders (Plethodon cinereus (Green)) in a New England forest. Plethodon cinereus is an ecologically significant indicator species of forest dynamics, and accurate calibration of these indices should increase their reliability for monitoring programs. Average density/m2, capture probability, relative density of both natural objects searches, and cover board observations of P. cinereus in 30 × 30-m plots at the Harvard Forest (Petersham, Massachusetts, USA) were similar in stands dominated by Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) and deciduous hardwood species (predominantly Quercus rubra [red oak] and Acer rubrum [red maple]). Abundance indices based on both cover board and natural object surveys were able to be calibrated using density estimates of P. cinereus derived from depletion (removal) surveys. The cover board index underestimated the estimated density of P. cinereus by 40%, but the natural object survey underestimated it by about 55%. We conclude that when calibrated and used appropriately, abundance indices can provide cost-effective and reliable measures of P. cinereus abundance that may be used in conservation assessments and long-term monitoring of northeastern USA forests.

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Red-backed Salamanders as Indicators of Hemlock Forest Health at Harvard Forest 2014

Species that react quickly to ecological changes are useful indicators for assessing forest health. Red-backed salamanders (Plethodontid cinereus) may be used as an indicator species in declining hemlock forests, allowing for assessment of soil quality and forest health. We hypothesized that decline of hemlock stands due to the effect of hemlock woolly adelgid would negatively impact the abundance of red-backed salamanders by altering soil quality. In the Hemlock Removal Experiment at Harvard Forest, eight-0.8ha plots were treated either with girdling to simulate adelgid invasion, logging to simulate preemptive logging strategies, no treatment in hemlock areas, or no treatment in hardwood areas. Within these treatments in June and July of 2014, P. cinereus relative abundance was determined from coverboard surveys. Soil quality was determined from core samples. Bulk density, pH, carbon-nitrogen ratio, moisture, soil temperature, and litter depth were measured, and ordination was used to create an index of soil quality from these. There was a significant correlation between plot treatment and soil quality (p less than 0.05). Temperature, CN ratio, and pH influenced a strong significant negative correlation between soil quality and salamander abundance (pless than 0.05). Soil quality affected by hemlock decline influenced salamander abundance. These data suggest that we could gain an understanding of forest health and soil quality by examining salamander abundance. Assessing adelgid invasion can be difficult and objective, whereas salamander abundances are easily measured; therefore, we suggest that salamander abundances could be useful in assessing the health of hemlock forest ecosystems.

openCC (other)Sep 2022View details →

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Mark-recapture data of the Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, 2012 – present

This data set includes spatially explicit mark-recapture data of the Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) collected during the summer months (June – August) from downstream and upstream reaches in multiple streams in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. Downstream reaches begin at the confluence with the Main Hubbard and extend upstream 500 meters and upstream reaches begin at the weir and extend downstream 500 meters. Downstream reaches contain brook trout and upstream reaches do not. We used a robust design framework with approximately 9 surveys per reach each summer (3 primary occasions with 3 secondary occasions each). Salamanders were captured by hand and marked with either Visual Implant Elastomer and/or a PIT tag. These data were gathered as part of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES). The HBES is a collaborative effort at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, which is operated and maintained by the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. These data have been published in the following papers: Lowe WH, Addis BR, Smith MR, Davenport JM. The spatial structure of variation in salamander survival, body condition and morphology in a headwater stream network. Freshwater Biol. 2018;63:1287–1299. https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.13133 Lowe, W. H., and Addis, B. R.. 2019. Matching habitat choice and plasticity contribute to phenotype–environment covariation in a stream salamander. Ecology 100( 5):e02661. 10.1002/ecy.2661 Lowe, W.H., et al. Hydrologic variability contributes to reduced survival through metamorphosis in a stream salamander. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2019; 116.39: 19563-19570. Bryant, A.R., Gabor, C.R., Swartz, L.K., Wagner, R., Cochrane, M.M., Lowe, W.H. Differences in corticosterone release rates of larval Spring Salamanders (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) in response to native fish presence. Biology 2022; 11.484. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11040484 Addis, B.R., and W.H. Lowe. Environmentally associa

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Riparian controls on light availability, primary producers, invertebrates, fish and salamanders in streams in and near the Andrews Experimental Forest, 2014-2018

The goal of this data collection effort was to determine how the age, stage, and structure of the riparian forest relates to stream primary producers and stream biota. Data were collected on stream habitat, benthic algal, biota (fish, salamanders and macroinvertebrates), and riparian forest cover across a total of 9 streams: 7 streams in the HJ Andrews basin/Lookout Creek stream network; one stream in the westward adjacent Blue River basin, and one stream in the eastward adjacent Deer Creek river basin. In each stream there were 2 study reaches – one bordered by old-growth riparian forest and the other bordered by regenerated second-growth riparian forest on at least one bank (with a stand ages that generally ranged between 30 and 60 years). In each study reach (80 – 150 m), we collected the following data: pool habitat, wetted and bankfull widths, large wood abundance and volume, riparian forest canopy cover, benthic algae accrual on tiles, stream macroinvertebrate abundances (from 6 replicate surber samplers, which were pooled and then sub-sampled, identified and measured), age 1+ cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) abundance and biomass, age 0+ (young-of-year) trout abundance and biomass, coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) abundance and biomass. Fish and salamander abundances were calculated by either mark-recapture or multiple pass depletion methods.

openCC (other)Jun 2019View details →

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Effects of experience and context on phototaxic behaviors of larval stream salamanders in the Upper Little Tennessee River basin

Desmognathus quadramaculatus larvae were captured from 2 locations in the Upper Little Tennessee River basin. Naïve individuals with respect to high-light environments were collected within the fully forested Ball Creek watershed at the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory in Macon County, North Carolina. This watershed is a control basin that has been undisturbed since 1927. Individuals with experience in high-light environments, defined as habituated individuals, were collected from a first-order stream with less than 10% canopy cover located in Rabun County, Georgia. Salamanders were captured opportunistically using dipnets and cover object searches. Upon capture, salamanders were held individually in a cooler during transport where they were placed in containers with a paper towel cover object, native stream water, and kept in a temperature controlled room (15.5 C) with an indirect, natural photoperiod. Individual behaviors were tested within 48 hours of capture, and individuals were released at their capture location within one week.

openCC (other)Jan 2023View details →

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Mark-recapture data of the northern spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) in support of 2023 Lowe et al. Ecology

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Data from: Species delimitation in endangered groundwater salamanders: implications for aquifer management and biodiversity conservation

Groundwater-dependent species are among the least-known components of global biodiversity, as well as some of the most vulnerable because of rapid groundwater depletion at regional and global scales. The karstic Edwards–Trinity aquifer system of west-central Texas is one of the most species-rich groundwater systems in the world, represented by dozens of endemic groundwater-obligate species with narrow, naturally fragmented distributions. Here, we examine how geomorphological and hydrogeological processes have driven population divergence and speciation in a radiation of salamanders (Eurycea) endemic to the Edwards–Trinity system using phylogenetic and population genetic analysis of genome-wide DNA sequence data. Results revealed complex patterns of isolation and reconnection driven by surface and subsurface hydrology, resulting in both adaptive and non-adaptive population divergence and speciation. Our results uncover new cryptic species diversity and refine the borders of several threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Endangered Species Act has been used to bring state regulation to unrestricted groundwater withdrawals in the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, where listed species are found. However, the Trinity and Edwards–Trinity (Plateau) aquifers harbor additional species with similarly small ranges that currently receive no protection from regulatory programs designed to prevent groundwater depletion. Based on regional climate models that predict increased air temperature, together with hydrologic models that project decreased springflow, we conclude that Edwards–Trinity salamanders and other co-distributed groundwater-dependent organisms are highly vulnerable to extinction within the next century.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

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Systematic revision of the Spotted and Northern Dusky Salamanders (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus conanti and D. fuscus), with six new species from the eastern United States

<p>Appendix S1 - Specimen, locality, and morphometric data for 674 individual salamanders analyzed in this study. We used the ‘geomorph’ package in R (Adams and Otárola-Castillo 2013) to extract 17 measurements at 0.01mm precision: SVL (snout-vent length), TL (tail length), AG (axilla-groin length), CW (chest width), FL (femur length), HL (humerus length), SG (snout-gular length), TW (tail width at rear of vent), TO (length of third toe), FI (length of third finger), HW (head width), ED (eye diameter), IN (internarial distance), ES (eye-snout distance), ON (orbito-narial distance), IO (inter-orbital distance), and IC (inter-canthal distance).</p>

opencc-by-4.0May 2023View details →

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Data from: Species delimitation in endangered groundwater salamanders: implications for aquifer management and biodiversity conservation

Open the record for dataset details and reuse information.

publicJan 2019View details →

openCC0Jul 2022View details →

Understanding the Influences of Forest Type, Cover Board Type and Weather on Salamanders

Salamanders are vital bioindicators that function to support a terrestrial forest ecosystem. The continuous loss of amphibian species and their habitat can have profound impacts on terrestrial systems. In terrestrial environments, salamanders use natural cover for refuge, foraging, and maintaining moisture; however, artificial cover has commonly been used to survey and conserve these species. The objective of this study was to assess terrestrial salamander preference for natural versus artificial coverboards in relation to forest stands in two successional stages located within the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station (Hiram, Ohio). Ten artificial (particle board, 30 x 33 cm) and ten natural (white ash, 30 x 30 cm) coverboards were placed in two 50 m parallel transects arranged 2 m apart within transitional and mature forests. Surveys were conducted weekly between the second week of September and the second week of November from 2018 to 2021. Average weakly precipitation and max temperature were recorded. Both abundance and species richness were significantly higher under natural coverboards and in the transitional forest. There were also correlation between species richness and abundance with daily max temperature and weakly precipitation. 678 individuals across five species were found: Eastern Red-Backed Salamander, Spotted Salamander, Four-Toed Salamander, Red-Spotted Newt, and Northern Two-Lined Salamander. Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders were the most abundant species within both mature and transitional forests. Natural coverboards may be a better method to survey terrestrial salamanders because artificial coverboards are comprised of wood chippings, wax and adhesives which may alter soil permeability for less favorable conditions.

Salamander survival and growth cage experiment at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC

Climate change is predicted to alter biotic communities and, as a result, cause changes in ecosystem processes. Such predictions assume that future communities will lack species capable of compensating for the loss of other species. In southern Appalachian headwater streams, abundant larval Black-bellied Salamanders (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) represent a significant standing crop of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Desmognathus quadramaculatus are projected to be extirpated from the southern Appalachian highlands under most climate change scenarios, which would result in the loss of most salamander standing crop of limiting nutrients unless other species compensate for the loss of D. quadramaculatus biomass. Eurycea cirrigera, which has an abundant congener Eurycea wilderae already in the headwaters, and Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, which currently occurs in low densities in the headwaters, are projected to remain within southern Appalachian highlands. We used field cages to measure (1) the amount of compensatory survival and growth Eurycea would show in the absence of the larger, predatory D. quadramaculatus, and (2) whether replacement of D. quadramaculatus by G. porphyriticus, which is known to be a more efficient predator, would reduce Eurycea and total salamander biomass.

Concentration of calcium in stream-dwelling Plethodontid salamanders across six streams located with the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC

We examined the concentration of calcium in several species of stream-dwelling plethodontid salamanders captured across six streams located within the Coweeta LTER site. %Ca was measured for 15 Eurycea wilderae, 15 Desmognathus ocoee, and 20 Desmognathus quadramaculatus. Because D. quadramaculatus larvae represent animals across a 3-4 year larval lifespan, for %Ca analysis we randomly sampled 6-8 D. quadramaculatus from each of three size classes: 18-25 mm SVL, 26-33 mm SVL, and 33-40 mm SVL.

Riparian disturbance restricts connectivity of Appalachian stream salamander populations at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory

Human populations are rapidly expanding and encroaching on previously undisturbed habitats. Stream salamanders in the southern Appalachian Mountains are a diverse and abundant group threatened by rapid exurban development in high-elevation watersheds. Previous research has demonstrated the sensitivity of salamanders to urbanization, but little research exists describing the mechanisms behind population declines and extirpations. Appalachian stream salamanders are adapted to forested streams with dense overstory and little light, yet following urbanization, light gaps associated with land clearing emerge. Light avoidance behaviors may alter movement behaviors of salamanders, fragmenting populations on opposite sides of light gaps. To study the effects on riparian disturbance on salamanders we established 6 experimental sites with canopy gaps ranging from 13m to 85m in stream length and 2 control sites lacking canopy gaps in May of 2010. Animals were collected within these plots, marked, and translocated to the plot on the opposite side of the gap. To establish detection probabilities in the absence of translocation, we established an additional 10m plot in the forest at each site where individuals were captured, marked, and re-released within this area. Recaptured individuals were measured and in some cases re-marked if those individuals had returned to their capture location.

openCC (other)Jul 2023View details →

Telemetry mark-recapture data of the Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, 2019 – 2021

This data set includes spatially explicit mark-recapture data of the Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) collected via telemetry during the summer months (June – September) from 2019 - 2021 from eight reaches in multiple streams in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. Salamanders were captured by hand and marked with PIT-tags. Telemetry surveys occurred weekly. These data were gathered as part of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES). The HBES is a collaborative effort at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, which is operated and maintained by the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. These data are being used to publish the following papers: Cochrane, M. M., B. R. Addis, L. K. Swartz, and W. H. Lowe. 2023. Individual and population growth rates decline with watershed area in a stream salamander. In review Ecology. Cochrane, M. M., and W. H. Lowe. 2023. Floods increase downstream movement of adult and larval life stages of a headwater stream salamander. In prep Freshwater Biology.