Woodland salamander response to two prescribed fires in the central Appalachians

摘要: Using coverboard arrays, we monitored woodland salamanders on the Fernow Experimental Forest in central Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, USA prior to and following two prescribed fires mixed oak (Quercus spp.) forest stands. Treatments were burn plots upper slopes or lower fenced prevent white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory control that unfenced unburned. Most of 7 species observed mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ocropheaus), red-backed (Plethodon cinereus) slimy glutinosis). Significant population responses difficult interpret with numerous treatment year interactions. Results largely equivocal. We found no change assemblage burning afterwards. There few differences adult juvenile ratios among treatments. Still, a priori contrasts counts corrected for detection probability greater under coverboards 2 years after both had occurred than before unburned controls. This suggests these responded reduced leaf litter floor by utilizing more. Similarly, three predominate also more subjected less subsequent vegetation as compared those burned fenced. Our observations would suggest somewhat are tolerant within close temporal proximity. However, because can be significantly timber harvest, continued research is needed fully understand impacts fire pre-harvest management tool forests.