AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE ABUNDANCE IN RIPARIAN AND UPSLOPE AREAS OF 5 FOREST TYPES IN WESTERN OREGON

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.