Assessing Climate Change Effects on Competitive Interactions of the Federally Endangered Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon Shenandoah)

Assessing Climate Change Effects on Competitive Interactions of the Federally Endangered Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon Shenandoah)
Author: Eric A. Dallalio
Publisher:
Total Pages: 59
Release: 2013
Genre:
ISBN:

The Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah) is a federally endangered species with a restricted distribution at high elevation in Shenandoah National Park, presumably limited by competition with the red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus). Recent research suggests that climate change may exacerbate interspecific competitive interactions at a cost to P. shenandoah. An effort to evaluate P. shenandoah extinction risk and management options identified uncertainties that must be addressed in order to make a management decision, including the response of P. shenandoah to climate change. I investigated the influence of climate on competitive interactions in 3- dimensional mesocosms that mimicked realistic habitats in two phases: (1) a pilot study to ensure the suitability of the experimental venue, and (2) a primary study to investigate the response of P. shenandoah to competition with P. cinereus under two future climate scenarios. The results suggest that core P. shenandoah populations may decline in response to increasing temperatures, particularly if their habitat is getting warmer and drier, though range expansion may occur in areas where it competes with P. cinereus.

Amphibian Declines

Amphibian Declines
Author: Michael J. Lannoo
Publisher: Univ of California Press
Total Pages: 1124
Release: 2005-06-15
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780520235922

Documents in comprehensive detail a major environmental crisis: rapidly declining amphibian populations and the disturbing developmental problems that are increasingly prevalent within many amphibian species.

Conservation Assessment of the Sacramento Mountain Salamander

Conservation Assessment of the Sacramento Mountain Salamander
Author: Cynthia A. Ramotnik
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 1997
Genre: Aneides hardii
ISBN:

This document synthesizes existing information on the Sacramento Mountain salamander, a terrestrial amphibian endemic to three mountain ranges in southern New Mexico. The salamander is found in mixed-conifer forests primarily on USDA Forest Service lands, within and under decayed logs, and beneath rocks and litter. Because the salamander depends on a moist microhabitat, it is vulnerable to actions that directly or indirectly reduce the amount of moisture available to it. This assessment will assist land managers in making informed evaluatinos regarding consequences of management decisions and guide them toward a coordinated approach in the context of ecosystem management.

Threatened Amphibians of the World

Threatened Amphibians of the World
Author: S. N. Stuart
Publisher:
Total Pages: 784
Release: 2008
Genre: Amphibians
ISBN:

"Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis, but getting to the facts has been difficult. "Threatened Amphibians of the World" is a visual journey through the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of the world's 6,000 known species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. All 1,900 species known to be threatened with extinction are covered, including a description of threats to each species and an evaluation of conservation measures in place or needed. Each entry includes a photograph or illustration of the species where available, a distribution map, and detailed information on range, population and habitat and ecology. Introductory chapters present a detailed analysis of the results, complemented by a series of short essays written by many of the world's leading herpetologists. Appendices include annoted lists of lower risk species and a country-by-country listing of threatened amphibians."--pub. desc.