Demography and spatial activity of fire salamanders, Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758), in two contrasting habitats in the Vienna Woods

Stephan Burgstaller,Günter Gollmann,Max Ringler,Christoph Leeb

doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e58496

Abstract

Understanding population dynamics is vital in amphibian conservation. To compare demography and movements, we conducted a capture-recapture study over three spring seasons in two populations ofSalamandra salamandrain the Vienna Woods. The study sites differ in topography, vegetation, and the type of breeding waters. Population density in a beech forest traversed by a stream was more than twice as high as in an oak-hornbeam forest with temporary pools. Movement distances were on average higher at the latter site whereas home range estimates were similar for both sites. The sexes did not differ significantly in the observed movement patterns at either site. Annual apparent survival was mostly high (~0.85), but the estimate for females from the low-density site was lower (~0.60), indicating a higher rate of emigration or mortality.

Highlights

Amphibian populations throughout Europe are under increasing pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation (Cushman 2006; Harper et al 2008; Arntzen et al 2017), with Salamandra salamandra being threatened by lethal fungal epidemics (Martel et al 2013; Lötters et al 2020)
The capture-recapture method is widely used for analysing population dynamics and gaining valuable data for monitoring and managing conservation of threatened amphibian species (Bailey and Nichols 2006; Griffiths et al 2010; Muths et al 2011)
Contrary to our expectation the recapture rates of females were not consistently higher in Neuwaldegg and even were clearly lower in the Maurer Wald compared to the recapture rates of males

Summary

Introduction

Amphibian populations throughout Europe are under increasing pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation (Cushman 2006; Harper et al 2008; Arntzen et al 2017), with Salamandra salamandra being threatened by lethal fungal epidemics (Martel et al 2013; Lötters et al 2020). It is important to understand amphibian population dynamics across different habitats. The capture-recapture method is widely used for analysing population dynamics and gaining valuable data for monitoring and managing conservation of threatened amphibian species (Bailey and Nichols 2006; Griffiths et al.2010; Muths et al 2011). The condition of populations can be described through various parameters, such as density, survival, recruitment, emigration, and immigration (Duellman and Trueb 1994), which can be estimated through modelling from capture-recapture data (Pollock 2000; Sandercock 2006). Several more recent studies suggest that populations of S. salamandra

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Results

Conclusion