Effects of habitat features on long toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) populations
Date
2022-01-28
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Abstract
Amphibian populations are experiencing worldwide declines, occurring at higher rates than for any other taxon. Long toed salamanders Ambystoma macrodactylum, Baird, 1850, have been listed as a species of special concern in Alberta since 1999 when they were considered not at risk. I investigated the effects of potential habitat threats on long toed salamander populations by comparing historical with present-day populations in 13 breeding ponds in Southwestern Alberta and assessing indicators of habitat quality as possible population predictors. My goals were to: (1) to update presence/absence status of previously confirmed populations (Graham & Powell 1999), (2) measure variation between population and habitat characteristics to study relationships between the two, and (3) collect preliminary evidence of population turnover (which could be a preliminary indicator for metapopulation structure). First, I found that six of the 13 ponds (46%) occupied by salamanders two decades ago had since lost their populations. I also found that the limited measures of environmental variables I considered do not seem to accurately predict variation in population abundance. Finally, I observed preliminary evidence of population turnover, with population status changes in four of the nine ponds that could be measured in both years. This study helps to fill a gap in provincial population data for this species, and points to some variables that may be vital habitat characteristics, providing information that can be used to direct conservation policy and future research.
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Blaney, C. (2022). Effects of habitat features on long toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) populations (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.