Amphibian Diversity Assessment of Cane Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Unger, David

Field Methods: The Cane Creek study is part of an ongoing study to assess the amphibian diversity and abundance along cane creek both within the National Park and an adjacent area of private ownership (with whom we have attained a research agreement). This study, however, will focus on stream salamanders only, and will involve not only sampling for amphibians, but to assess the water quality (pH, Temp, flow, turbidity, etc) and the light levels in the areas sampled. Care will be taken to minimally handle amphibians only when necessary and only in the case of needing to be photographed and/or measured. All plots will be searched within 1 week during each sampling bout (summer/fall). Identified specimens will be recorded and logged according to plot and GPS location. Date, time of day, researchers, Basic weather data and the type of structure/habitat in which the amphibian was found will be recorded. All footwear will be washed, disinfected, and dried prior to use in the park. For the Chimney Tops study, we will be using transects with groups of Maryville College Students turning over all logs, rocks, and searching ground cover (dried leaves, moss, etc) for terrestrial salamanders in areas originally sampled in 2013 under study#GRSM-01135. Other methods will follow those noted in the above paragraph in terms of weather and specimen data collected and disinfection of footwear. NO SPECIMENS will be permanently collected for either of these studies.