The Impact of Logging on Aquatic Salamander Communities.

<p>For this study, the abundance of the salamander fauna in two streams was compared to determine the impact of logging activities. After five months of study, the area around one stream was logged by the National Forest Service. Following logging, the abundance of salamanders in the stream was greatly reduced, while the population in the undisturbed stream remained relatively unchanged. Six abundant species were used as indicators; two of these species (<em>Desmognathus quadramaculatus</em> and <em>Desmognathus ochrophaeus</em>) were negatively affected by the logging, while four species (<em>Demognathus fuscus</em>, <em>Desmognathus monticola</em>, <em>Eurycea wilderae</em>, and <em>Gyrinophilus porphyriticus</em>) were not affected. Body sizes of salamanders, used to represent age class, were analyzed to determine if the age/size structures of the populations were altered. This parameter was not impacted significantly by logging; all age/size classes of the populations were equally affected.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• McDonald, Heather Noel

• Appalachian Mountians
• salamander
• aquatic amphibians
• timber harvest
• forest management
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/37

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1087