| Habitat Requirements of Coastal B.C. Salamanders |
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Alton Harestad, Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Cathy Conroy, B.Sc., Wildlife Consultant
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What is the Issue? |
| HABITAT LOSS |
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Like other forest animals, salamanders depend on large, fallen logs for feeding, nesting sites and travel routes. They also rely on cool, humid conditions created by fallen logs. However, the size, condition, numbers and distribution of fallen logs that are needed for salamander populations are poorly understood. Global Forest is supporting research to determine the minimum size requirements of fallen logs for salamander habitat. Research findings will guide forest managers and timber harvesters by providing information on the amount of fallen timber to be left on site after harvesting in order to conserve salamander populations.
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What is our goal? |
| EXPLORING FOREST CHARACTERISTICS THAT SUPPORT UNIQUE WILDLIFE.
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| Habitat requirements of coastal British Columbian salamanders. |
Where we currently stand. |
| Fieldwork began in the summer of 2000. Occurrence of terrestrial salamanders relative to deposits of coarse woody debris in selected field plots are being recorded. It is expected that occupancy by salamanders under larger pieces of debris will be greater as the duration of a suitable microclimate beneath coarse woody debris increases with diameter. Results will enable researchers to determine ideal habitat requirements for salamanders.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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