The status of the Red Hills salamander Phaeognathus hubrichti, Alabama, USA, 1976–1988

Biological Conservation
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Abstract

A total of 144 sites in the Red Hills Physiographic Province in south-central Alabama, USA, were surveyed in 1988 for burrows of the Red Hills salamander Phaeognathus hubrichti. Of 92 sites surveyed in 1976, no change occurred in the habitat at 54 sites, conditions improved at 19 sites and deteriorated at 18 sites following selective or clear cutting. An additional 14 of 52 sites not surveyed in 1976 were adversely affected by logging. Burrows were most often found on high (x̄= 17 m), steep (x̄= 50°), uncut slopes containing a high soil moisture content (x̄= 57%) and full tree canopy. Slope angle and soil pH did not affect burrow abundance. Burrow openings averaged 10·9 mm high × 15·3 mm wide. Burrow angle was negatively correlated with burrow width and slope angle but low r2 values indicate that little of the variation was explained by these variables. Burrows were most often found on the upper two-thirds of slopes; burrows on slopes affected by cutting were found in the middle of the slope where they were less prone to disturbance and desiccation. Although most timber companies claim to no longer cut steep slopes in order to protect salamanders, detrimental forestry practices are still occuring. In some instances, Red Hills salamanders survive selective and clear cutting, but the persistence and viability of affected populations remain unknown. Suggestions are made to reduce impacts from forestry operations. Acquisition of 25 sites containing viable salamander populations and retention as a threatened species under United States federal law are recommended.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The status of the Red Hills salamander Phaeognathus hubrichti, Alabama, USA, 1976–1988
Series title Biological Conservation
DOI 10.1016/0006-3207(91)90005-T
Volume 55
Issue 1
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Florida Integrated Science Center
Description 19 p.
First page 57
Last page 75
Country United States
State Alabama
Other Geospatial Red Hills
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