Predicting Variation in Microhabitat Utilization of Terrestrial Salamanders

摘要: Understanding patterns of microhabitat use among terrestrial salamanders is important for predicting their responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The dependence on cutaneous respiration limits spatial distribution moist, humid areas. Although many studies have shown negative effects canopy removal salamander abundance, some potential ameliorating retaining coarse woody debris (CWD) as moist refugia (critical resources in the landscape). Because cover objects like CWD retain moisture longer than fine debris, are often more locally abundant areas dense cover. Temporally variable environmental conditions could affect quality influence fine-scale distributions salamanders. Spatial temporal variability greatly individual detectability, which always a challenge We conducted repeated area-constrained surveys examine variation relation season, year, weather conditions. found that time since rain (TSR) was best predictor relative use, but strength this relationship varied years. In addition, TSR also surface activity. captured most within leaf litter, proportion litter captures with TSR. Our results illustrate importance accounting detectability when sampling Disturbances depth decomposition rates availability microhabitats potentially increase competition individuals objects.