The Habitat Environment of the Salamander at High Altitude Areas Ecological Engineering Design in Taiwan, China

摘要

Because of the thriving tourism in recent years, concrete constructions have been installed by the creeks in order to protect the safety of the tourists, but the effect of concrete on the environment and the mobility of certain species are still unknown. This study evaluates the different effects of various water bank substrates in terms of the influence on Hynobius arisanensis’s motility in Alishan National Park. Comparing the concrete area with the other two areas where primitive streams flow by, it was observed that concrete structures lead to the increase flow velocity, shallower water depth and then negative water quality. In the biological motility assessment, moss, rock, wood, clay and concretes as distinct water bank substrates were used to test the climbing ability of Hynobius arisanensis. Based on the seasonal humidity changes in winter and summer of Alishan area, Hynobius arisanensis‘s climbing ability was tested in two conditions, high humidity/high temperature and high humidity/low temperature. It was found there appeared an interval of slope increase while climbing ability drops rapidly. It was observed that the climbing ability of Hynobius arisanensisis slightly decreased in low temperature. For example, at 45°, the average of climbing ability decline 8% in winter compared to summer. Regarding the upper limit of design slope suitable for Hynobius arisanensis on the moss surface, it was shown that slopes 60° are optimal; while 45° are found optimal for rock and wood surfaces. Other amphibians of the alpine areas in Taiwan, China (e.g. Bufo bankorensis) were also studied and it was found slopes 15° are optimal for moss surfaces, 45° for concretes, 30° for clay. The results here can provide insights for future engineering projects on creek banks in the benefit of Hynobius arisanensis conservation.