Movement Patterns and Microhabitat of Red-Backed Salamanders
(Plethodon cinereus) Introduction Studying movements and
microhabitat of a common, widespread amphibian species such as
Plethodon cinereus can identify abiotic factors. This information
can be used to create better management plans to effectively
protect habitat for amphibian communities (Welsh and Droege 2001).
Soil temperature and moisture may affect movement of P. cinereus
because they are ectoderms and their skin must be moist to allow
for respiration. Radio tracking techniques can be impractical to
study movement of smaller amphibians because transmitters inhibit
the animals movement or cause trauma when the transmitter is
surgically implanted. Tracking by fluorescent powder pigments is a
less invasive way to acquire information about movements and usage
of available resources (Eggert 2002). There has been no previous
studies in Central PA using fluorescent pigment to analyze P.
cinereus movement over a short 24-48 hour period and how
microhabitat factors affect seasonal movement. Plethodon cinereus
are found all year under cover objects (logs, rocks, etc.) in the
eastern United States and have an average length of 7.8cm. Methods
Comparing microhabitat of salamander locations to random locations
Random Site Selection All sites were mapped using Google Earth.
Four 50m x 5m transects were mapped. Coin flips determined random
area points and transect direction. Samples were collected in June
2012. Every 10 m, soil and pH samples were taken. Results
Conclusions Soil moisture was higher at salamander sites compared
to random site. Surface and 5cm soil temperature were significantly
lower at salamander sites. Soil moisture and temperature may play a
role in how far P. cinereus move in a 24-48 hour period. Difference
in soil moisture and temperature may explain differences in
movement between seasons. Acknowledgements I would like to thank
Dr. B. Hagerty for all of her support and guidance throughout this
project. I also want to thank S. Chouljian and K. Ilgenfritz for
assisting in field work. Cindy Sequeira Department of Biological
Sciences, York College of Pennsylvania Hypotheses H 0 : There is no
difference in microhabitat characteristics (pH, soil moisture,
surface, and 5cm deep temperature) between random sites and P.
cinereus habitat sites. H 0 : Microhabitat characteristics do not
affect the total distance traveled by P. cinereus. References
Eggert, C. 2002. Use of fluorescent pigments and implantable
transmitters to track a fossorial toad, Pelobates Fuscus.
Herpetological Journal. 12:69-74. Welsh, H.H. Jr. and Droege, S.
2001. A case for using plethodontid salamanders for monitoring
biodiversity and ecosystem integrity of north american forests.
Conservation Biology. 15:558-569. Cover Objects Searched Salamander
measured, powdered and released beside cover object Trails followed
using black light after 24 or 48 hours String marked trail and
measured (cm) Major changes in direction (>90) marked with tape
Future Studies Safety of using an oil to make the pigment last
longer. This technique could provide additional movement
information. Soil pH of two populations of P. cinereus or why pH
may be physiologically important. Compare soil pH of two different
populations of P. cinereus. Microhabitat factors throughout seasons
Satellite view of study site in New Salem, PA. Microhabitat
Characteristics Salamander site collection occurred during
powdering. The same habitat data were used to compare random and
salamander sites. Tracking Salamander Movement Captured April and
June of 2012 Figure 1. Map of study site. RRT indicates random
transect areas. PlCi indicates location of salamander. Google
Earth. Measuring body length of P. cinereus Habitat Characteristic
Random Sites Different than Salamander Sites? Direction of
Difference pHNo, (t 31 =0.29, p =0.76) Similar in both sites
Temperature (Surface) Yes, (t 31 =10.51, p < 0.0001) Lower at
Salamander sites Soil moistureNo, (t 31 =1.578, p= 0.1247) Higher
at Salamander Sites Random sites were warmer and drier than
salamander sites Microhabitat Differences Dipping P. cinereus in
Fluorescent powder P. cinereus Movement Microhabitat Characteristic
Spring Different from Summer? Direction of Difference Soil
MoistureYes, (t 7 =3.315, p= 0.0129) Higher in Spring Temperature
(Surface) Yes, (t 7 =5.629, p= 0.0008) Lower in Spring P. cinereus
moves shorter distances in the summer Typical string trail of P.
cinereus Example of a fluorescent powder trail of P. cinereus