Study

Efficacy of riparian buffers in mitigating local population declines and the effects of even-aged timber harvest on larval salamanders

  • Published source details Peterman W.E. & Semlitsch R.D. (2009) Efficacy of riparian buffers in mitigating local population declines and the effects of even-aged timber harvest on larval salamanders. Forest Ecology and Management, 257, 8-14.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest

Action Link
Amphibian Conservation
  1. Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest

    A replicated, controlled study in 2005–2007 of salamanders in five headwater streams in North Carolina, USA (Peterman & Semlitsch 2009) found that retaining 30 m riparian buffers during timber harvest maintained salamander populations. Two-lined salamander Eurycea wilderae larvae were significantly more abundant within 30 m buffers (413 larvae) and unharvested streams (171–533) than in streams with 9 m or no buffers (72–73). However, black-bellied salamanders Desmognathus quadramaculatus showed no difference in abundance between treatments (25–34 larvae). Treatments were timber harvest with riparian buffers of 0, 9 or 30 m retained on both sides of the stream. The two controls were no harvest. Timber was harvested in 2005–2006. Salamanders were monitored within three 40 m sampling blocks along streams in May–August 2006 (9 m buffer and controls) and 2007 (all sites). Animals were captured using 48 leaf litter bags/site each 1–2 weeks.

     

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