Amphibian Macrohabitat Associations on a Private Industrial Forest in Western Washington

Abstract

Landscape scale macrohabitat variables associated with amphibian communities were addressed in a private industrial forest in Washington. A GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis including 8 macrohabitat types was conducted within a 200-m radius around the center of survey sites. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine macrohabitat area associations for each species. Amphibians were sampled in 50 stream reaches, 29 wetlands, and 8 talus slopes (uplands) over a 3-yr period (1994 to 1996). A total of 14 species of amphibians was detected, which represents the full complement of species known to occur in the region. Regression models produced for 11 species included associations with the following habitat types (number of species): mature conifer (5), pole conifer (4), sapling conifer (4), recent clear- cuts (4), alder-hardwoods (2), brush (0), rock (2), and open wetland (5). Results suggest that stream and riparian amphibians require closed-canopy forest cover from mature conifers, pole conifers, and / or alder-hardwoods. In contrast, pond-breeding amphibians were not restricted to areas with a closed canopy, at least during the breeding season.