Great Smoky Mountains National Park Determining Habitat Requirements and Survey for Federally Endangered Spruce-Fir Moss Spider

PI studied habitat requirements for and survey additional locations for the federally endangered spruce-fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga) in the park. In October, 2009 field survey technique was learned through consultation with the biological specialist for the species. Project goals were refined and the project database structure was outlined and the database was created. Through 2010, twelve spiders have been found from 49 searched sites. Only mats of Dicranodontium species moss and Bazzania species liverwort were searched. Based on Coyle (2004, 2009) these bryophytes had the highest number of positive finds. Only one area of identified suitable habitat was near an area of hiker-caused erosion damage and no damage to actual habitat was observed. Areas surveyed by Coyle and found not to have spiders were again vacant in 2011. A portion of this project was contracted to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville through Jennifer Franklin, Associate Professor of Forest Biology. Dr. Franklin and her PhD candidate student, Doug Kaylor, will be conducting the moss propagation trials in 2011. During the summer 2010 field season Mr. Kaylor was reinventorying GRSM spruce-fir plots established in the late 1980s-early 1990s (see GRSM-01025). Within these plots he documented suitable habitat for M. montivaga where it existed. A collection and propagation protocol for critical bryophyte mat species is outlined in the 2011 annual report.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Determining Habitat Requirements and Survey for Federally Endangered Spruce-Fir Moss Spider

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