Dm. Gomez et Rg. Anthony, AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE ABUNDANCE IN RIPARIAN AND UPSLOPE AREAS OF 5 FOREST TYPES IN WESTERN OREGON, Northwest science, 70(2), 1996, pp. 109-119
We compared species composition and relative abundance of herpetofauna
between riparian and upslope habitats among 5 forest types (shrub, op
en sapling-pole, large sawtimber and old-growth conifer forests, and d
eciduous forests) in Western Oregon. Riparian- and upslope- associated
species were identified based on capture frequencies from pitfall tra
pping. Species richness was similar among forest types but slightly gr
eater in the shrub stands. The abundances of 3 species differed among
forest types. Total captures was highest in deciduous forests, interme
diate in the mature conifer forests, and lowest in the 2 young conifer
ous forests. Species richness was similar between stream and upslope h
abitats; however, captures were higher in riparian than upslope habita
t. Tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei), Dunn's salamanders (Plethodon dunni)
, roughskin newts (Tanicha granulosa), Pacific giant salamanders (Dica
mptodon tenebrosus) and red-legged frogs (Rana aurora) were captured m
ore frequently in riparian than upslope habitats. Of these species the
red-legged frog and Pacific giant salamander may depend on riparian h
abitat for at least part of their life requirements, while tailed frog
s, Dunn's salamanders and roughskin newts appear to be riparian associ
ated species. In addition, we found Oregon salamanders (Ensatina eschs
choltzi) were associated with upslope habitats. We suggest riparian ma
nagement zones should be al least 75-100 m on each side of the stream
and that management for upslope/and or old forest associates may be eq
ually as important as for riparian species.