Woody Debris and Pine Litter Effects on Mole Salamander Movement

What is it about?

We examined effects of coarse woody debris and pine litter manipulations on movement and microhabitat use by mole salamanders in South Carolina. Mole salamanders exposed to reduced pine litter depth may increase woody debris use as a means of compensating for inadequate microclimate conditions. Our results suggest that reduction of woody and pine litter has little effect on overall mole salamander activity levels. Conversely, complete pine litter removal prompts individual salamanders to move more frequently and for longer periods, thereby potentially being subjected to increased desiccation and predation risk.

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Why is it important?

Within managed pine forests in the southeastern United States, forest management practices that minimize pine litter and CWD removal can help maintain suitable habitat for amphibian groups such as mole salamanders.

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