Abstract

Wetlands are declining at a pace that could result in irreversible habitat loss for countless species endemic to these ecosystems. Of these species, salamanders are especially at risk, with over half of the known species threatened with extinction. To mitigate this global loss of both species and their habitats, it is important to understand what ecosystem preferences allow this group to thrive. Prior research has examined restored wetland ecosystems, but there is a data gap regarding factors that can increase the resilience of amphibian populations in these habitats. This study examines the preferences of salamander species by conducting population surveys within vernal pools and a permanent pond during salamander breeding seasons in Western North Carolina. Tadpole and fish presence data were collected within the same ecosystem to identify any ecological relationships and effects. Both sites were divided into sections dependent primarily on vegetative habitat structure, with the temporary pools comprising five differing regions and the permanent pond containing three. This study conducted dip-netting surveys once a week and collected data on the species, size, sex, and region of the specimens caught. The findings of this study suggest that diverse vegetation types and abundance throughout aquatic wetlands are imperative for accommodating the varied needs of different amphibian species. The majority of species sampled in this study preferred high vegetation and deeper water for both inhabiting and breeding. This information will help expand our understanding of the most effective repair methods for future wetland restoration projects, in hopes of protecting salamander biodiversity.

Keywords

Wetlands, Amphibians, Conservation, Salamander, Ambystoma

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