BIOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE COEUR-DALENE SALAMANDER (PLETHODON IDAHOENSIS)

We constructed a map comparing the U.S. geographic range of the Coeur d'Alene salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) with climatic and geological variables. Lilac bloom dates were used to approximate 1,100-1,800 m u pper altitudinal limits for the salamander. Plethodon idahoensis occup ies temperate regions of the northern Rocky Mountains with at least 50 cm average annual precipitation, and appears to be geographically res tricted by unconsolidated geological deposits. Our map identifies regi ons potentially inhabited by P. idahoensis, and may therefore be usefu l in future study and protection of this species.