Determination of Terrestrial Salamander Abundance Relative to Edge Habitats and Sampling Type on Conserved Properties in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Kerr, Eva

Determination of Terrestrial Salamander Abundance Relative to Edge Habitats and Sampling Type on Conserved Properties in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Persistent URL

https://dspace.allegheny.edu/handle/10456/56691

Author(s)

Kerr, Eva

Date Issued

March 24, 2023

Abstract

Amphibians are going through global species declines because of human impacts such as forest fragmentation and other habitat disruptions. Monitoring species declines is important to gather information and conserve species. Salamanders, which are a group of amphibians, are easy to monitor and are essential to habitats because of their roles as keystone and indicator species. As an indicator species, salamanders are sensitive to microhabitat changes in edge habitat areas, which can be created by human interference. Monitoring populations can detect species declines caused by microhabitat changes, but can vary in effectiveness. The objective of this study is to monitor terrestrial salamander abundance in edge and core habitat in a mixed deciduous forest and to determine the best location and sampling method for salamander monitoring. I conducted my study on a property owned by the French Creek Valley Conservancy (FCVC), a local land trust in Northwestern Pennsylvania (PA) from April 2022 to October 2022. I found no significant difference in the number of salamanders between edge and core or sample type. However, my results suggest artificial cover boards are the most effective sampling method, and salamander research should be conducted during the fall. With this information, I hope FCVC can conduct more efficient, accurate, and inexpensive studies on local salamander populations. Monitoring by conservancy organizations like FCVC is important to determine biodiversity on private lands and determine long-term trends in species. Private lands conserved by land trusts like FCVC are important for amphibian conservation as habitat fragmentation continues to threaten amphibian numbers.

Major

Environmental Science

Honors

Biology, 2023

Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2023

First Reader(s)

Pearce, Kelly