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Harvard Forest REU Symposium Abstract 2014

  • Title: The Effects of Local Climate Conditions on Salamanders and Newts in a Hemlock Dominated Forest
  • Author: Simone N Johnson (Lincoln University (Missouri))
  • Abstract:

    Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a foundation tree species in New England forests that has declined in the past due to infestations of invasive insects. Hemlock habitat is particularly suitable for many salamander populations, as it provides a complex and dense canopy that creates a dark, cool, and moist microenvironment. For instance, Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) populations are not just one of the abundant, stable, and ecologically important species on New England forest floors, but also sensitive to forest disturbances and therefore it is thought to be a good indicator for such ecosystem changes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of local climate conditions on the occurrences of Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and eastern red spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens).



    This study conducted in Simes tract of Harvard Forest Massachusetts, between May 1st and August 1st 2014. During this period Climate data has been collected from Harvard forest archive and meteorological stations and Salamanders data has collected using artificial cover boards and visual encounter survey along transects. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and generalized linear models (GLM) applied in R. The results show that Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) occurrence is affected by the season; there are more occurrences during the cooler spring than during the warmer summer. Using the cover board method for Red-spotted newt occurrence is not as successful as visual encounters along transects; it is more of a serendipitous encounter when there is a visual on the newts along transects and on/under cover boards.

  • Research Category: Conservation and Management; Group Projects; Invasive Plants, Pests & Pathogens; Large Experiments and Permanent Plot Studies

  • Figures:
    • Simone and Ahmed.JPG
    Salamander Team.JPG