Assessment of Ambystomatid salamander populations and their breeding habitats in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Snyder CD, Julian JT, Young JA, King TL. 2005. Assessment of Ambystomatid salamander populations and their breeding habitats in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Branch, 11649 Leetown Road, Keaneysville, WV 25430
A three-year study of ambystomid salamander breeding habits and habitats was conducted in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA). The objectives of the study were to document the population status and critical breeding habitats of the three species of ambystomid salamanders known to occur in the Park; Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander), A. opacum (marbled salamander), and A. jeffersonianum (Jefferson salamander). DEWA managers were interested in ecological information on these species for several reasons. First, at the time we began the study there was little known regarding the status of pond-breeding amphibians and their habitats in the Park. Secondly, because they require undegraded habitats in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats to successfully complete their life cycle, the status of ambystomatid salamanders are widely viewed as indicative of overall ecosystem health. And third, because ambystomatid salamanders and other pond-breeding amphibians have been observed in numerous artificial impoundments with the Park, DEWA managers were concerned that their current plans to dismantle or discontinue maintenance on a large number of artificial impoundments may be detrimental to pond-breeding amphibians and possibly other species that use pond or wetland habitats in the park.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Snyder, Craig; Julian, James; Young, John; King, Timothy
- Date of Issue
- 2005-05-27
- Units
- DEWA
- Keywords
- salamander Ambystomatid habitats breeding population