Measuring the Impact of Forest Stand Characteristics on the Abundance and Distribution of Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
The eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is an abundant terrestrial species of great importance in Vermont. Their sensitivity to habitat changes and important role in food webs make them useful indicators of ecosystem health. Using data on forest stand characteristics collected in Jericho Research Forest, this project seeks to understand how tree species composition and density impact the abundance and distribution of these salamanders. This knowledge can be used to inform forest management decisions to protect the health and biodiversity of these ecosystems as well as contribute to understanding of suitable habitat characteristics for this species.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Brittany Mosher
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Measuring the Impact of Forest Stand Characteristics on the Abundance and Distribution of Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)
The eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is an abundant terrestrial species of great importance in Vermont. Their sensitivity to habitat changes and important role in food webs make them useful indicators of ecosystem health. Using data on forest stand characteristics collected in Jericho Research Forest, this project seeks to understand how tree species composition and density impact the abundance and distribution of these salamanders. This knowledge can be used to inform forest management decisions to protect the health and biodiversity of these ecosystems as well as contribute to understanding of suitable habitat characteristics for this species.