Arboreal habitat use by the Green Salamander, Aneides aeneus, in South Carolina

摘要

Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) habitat has been described traditionally as rock outcrop formations that contain moist, but not wet, crevices. Early studies of Green Salamander natural history claimed arboreal habitat was used secondarily to rock outcrops and in situations where more suitable habitat was unavailable. Although arboreal behavior of western Aneides has been well established, arboreal habitat has been deemed "not typical" for Green Salamanders. This study examined the extent to which Green Salamanders use arboreal habitat. Surveys were conducted between August 2001 and July 2004 at a study area in Pickens County, South Carolina. Salamander size influenced arboreal habitat use, but gender and reproductive condition did not. There was a positive relationship between tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and Green Salamander observations and a negative relationship between tree distance to rock outcrop and salamander observations. Tree selection did not reflect tree species relative dominance, and salamanders favored hardwoods over conifers. Seasonal use of arboreal habitat was distinct, implying that salamanders overwinter in rock outcrops and move into trees and logs at the onset of spring. Salamanders observed during summer were primarily arboreal, but they returned to rock outcrops in late fall. Researchers have largely overlooked arboreal habitat use by Green Salamanders, and consequently, the importance of arboreal habitat near rock outcrops has been underestimated. Arboreal habitat appears to be an important component of the life history of this declining species, and future survey and monitoring efforts should include searches of arboreal habitat.