Factors affecting salamander density and distribution within four forest types in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

We used a terrestrial vacuum to sample known area plots in order to obtain density estimates of salamanders and their primary prey, invertebrates of t he forest floor. We sampled leaf litter and measured various vegetative and topographic parameters within four forest types (oak-pine, oak-hickory, mi xed mesophytic and northern hardwoods) and three age classes (0-12, 13-39, and greater than or equal to 40 years) over two held seasons within the Win e Spring Creek Ecosystem Management area in western North Carolina. We foun d salamanders preferred moist microsites across all forest types with the h ighest salamander densities occurring on sites with a northern and/or easte rn exposure and within northern hardwood forests. Salamander densities were lowest on 0-12-year plots, yet were equal on 13-39 and greater than or equ al to 40-year plots, suggesting a much quicker recovery from the impact of clearcutting than reported by previous researchers. Overall invertebrate de nsities did not influence salamander density or distribution although, plot s in which salamanders were captured, harbored significantly higher numbers of snails than plots in which salamanders were not captured. We discuss th e importance of calcium to salamanders and snails as a possible source ther eof. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.