Relation of Terrestrial‐Breeding Amphibian Abundance to Tree‐Stand Age

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the effects of logging on Canadian amphibians. We compared the abundance of terrestrial salamanders in old‐growth forests with that in young and mature post‐harvest stands. We also measured habitat features of amphibians and contrasted these with old‐growth and harvested stands to assess the effects of forest harvest. Quadrat searches demonstrated that clearcut harvesting reduces terrestrial amphibian populations by up to 70% in coastal old‐growth forests. We suggest that this reduction results from a decrease in availability of moist microhabitats. Salamander densities within 10 meters of streams in managed stands were similar to those near and away from streams in old growth. We recommend that forest managers recognize the needs of terrestrial amphibians and help maintain amphibian populations by preserving cool, moist habitats. This can be accomplished within cutblocks by (1) maintaining an even distribution of logs and snags as stable, moist microhabitats; (2) retaining some understory as sources of shade, and (3) preserving streamside buffers. Managers must also ensure some level of landscape connectivity to enable climate‐sensitive amphibians to disperse and recolonize marginal habitats.