Should I stay or Should I go: Catastrophic drift and recolonization in streamside salamanders

Siebler, Pete

Should I stay or Should I go: Catastrophic drift and recolonization in streamside salamanders

Author(s)

Siebler, Pete

Date Issued

April 21, 2025

Abstract

Our objective was to measure the rates of extinction and recolonisation after catastrophic streamflow events in the salamander populations of small headwater streams at the Bousson Environmental Research Reserve, as well as gaining a better understanding of the species present and the population dynamics of these stream salamanders. As temperature and precipitation patterns shift with climate change, these stream salamanders will face increased abiotic stress, the effects of which on their overall populations are not yet well known. Research on stream salamanders' responses to these stressors could help understand what is needed for conservation going forward. During this study we found that the species composition of streams at Bousson was primarily dominated by Allegheny Mountain Dusky (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) and Northern Dusky salamanders (Desmonganthus fuscus). Low rainfall during the study period resulted in inconclusive results for many of the climatic factors we were looking at. We did find evidence that age classes react differently to climatic disturbances. Adult salamander density decreased with increasing rainfall as juvenile salamander density increased.

Major

Environmental Science and Sustainability

First Reader(s)

Kirk, Mark