Distribution of Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) with Respect to Cover-Object Characteristics in the Green Mountains of Vermont

Abstract

We examined the distribution of Plethodon cinereus (Red-backed Salamander) with respect to cover-object type in the Green Mountains of Vermont by exploring their distribution under cover objects relative to the total availability of cover objects on the forest floor. We conducted cover-object searches in sixteen 50-m transects in forest stands >50 years old to explore the distribution of large (>3.47 cm snout-vent length) and small (<3.47 cm snout-vent length) salamanders with respect to object material, size, and texture. There were more salamanders than would be expected by chance under rocks and fewer under woody objects (branches and logs). Salamander counts were higher than would be expected under large cover objects and lower under small ones. Our results also indicate that salamanders were more common than would be expected under fibrous woody objects and less common under solid ones. Finally, we found that large salamanders were more common than would be expected under rocks, while small salamanders were more common under woody objects. These results could have important implications for improving the recovery of salamanders following forest management applications.