Salamanders of Tennessee
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Kentucky Salamanders of the Genus Desmognathus: Their Identification, Distribution, and Morphometric Variation
KENTUCKY SALAMANDERS OF THE GENUS DESMOGNATHUS: THEIR IDENTIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION, AND MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology Morehead State University In Partial Fulfilhnent of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Biology by Leslie Scott Meade July 24, 2000 1CAMDElJ CARROLL LIBRARY MOREHEAD, KY 40351 f'\Sl.l 11-feSfS 5q7,g'5' M 'ff I k Accepted by the Faculty of the College of Science and Technology, Morehead State University, in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the Master of Science Degree. ~ C ~ Director of Thesis Master's Committee: 7, -.2't-200c) Date 11 Kentucky Salamanders of the Genus Desmognathus: Their Identification, Distribution, and Morphometric Variation The objectives of this study were to ( 1) summarize the taxonomic and natural history data for Desmognathus in Kentucky, (2) compare Kentucky species and sub species of Desmognathus with regard to sexual dimorphism, (3) analyze interspecific variation in morphology of Kentucky Desmognathus, and (4) compile current range maps for Desmognathus in Kentucky. Species and subspecies examined included D. ochrophaeus Cope (Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander), D. fuscus fuscus (Green) (Northern Dusky Salamander), D. fuscus conanti Rossman (Spotted Dusky Salamander), D. montico/a Dunn (Seal Salamander), and D. welteri Barbour (Black Mountain Dusky Salamander). Salamanders were collected in the field or borrowed from museum collections. Taxonomic and natural history data for Kentucky Desmo gnathus were compiled from literature, preserved specimens, and direct observations. Morphometric characters examined included total length, snout-vent length, tail length, head length, head width, snout length, vent length, tail length/total length, snout-vent length/total length, and snout length/head length. -
Pond-Breeding Amphibian Guild
Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015 Pond-breeding Amphibians Guild Primary Species: Flatwoods Salamander Ambystoma cingulatum Carolina Gopher Frog Rana capito capito Broad-Striped Dwarf Siren Pseudobranchus striatus striatus Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Secondary Species: Upland Chorus Frog Pseudacris feriarum -Coastal Plain only Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans -Coastal Plain only Contributors (2005): Stephen Bennett and Kurt A. Buhlmann [SCDNR] Reviewed and Edited (2012): Stephen Bennett (SCDNR), Kurt A. Buhlmann (SREL), and Jeff Camper (Francis Marion University) DESCRIPTION Taxonomy and Basic Descriptions This guild contains 4 primary species: the flatwoods salamander, Carolina gopher frog, dwarf siren, and tiger salamander; and 2 secondary species: upland chorus frog and northern cricket frog. Primary species are high priority species that are directly tied to a unifying feature or habitat. Secondary species are priority species that may occur in, or be related to, the unifying feature at some time in their life. The flatwoods salamander—in particular, the frosted flatwoods salamander— and tiger salamander are members of the family Ambystomatidae, the mole salamanders. Both species are large; the tiger salamander is the largest terrestrial salamander in the eastern United States. The Photo by SC DNR flatwoods salamander can reach lengths of 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 4.7 in.) as an adult. This species is dark, ranging from black to dark brown with silver-white reticulated markings (Conant and Collins 1991; Martof et al. 1980). The tiger salamander can reach lengths of 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in.) as an adult; maximum size is approximately 30 cm (11.8 in.). -
Shovelnose Salamander
Shovelnose Salamander Desmognathus marmoratus Taxa: Amphibian SE-GAP Spp Code: aSHSA Order: Caudata ITIS Species Code: 550398 Family: Plethodontidae NatureServe Element Code: AAAAD03170 KNOWN RANGE: PREDICTED HABITAT: P:\Proj1\SEGap P:\Proj1\SEGap Range Map Link: http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/datazip/maps/SE_Range_aSHSA.pdf Predicted Habitat Map Link: http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/datazip/maps/SE_Dist_aSHSA.pdf GAP Online Tool Link: http://www.gapserve.ncsu.edu/segap/segap/index2.php?species=aSHSA Data Download: http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/datazip/region/vert/aSHSA_se00.zip PROTECTION STATUS: Reported on March 14, 2011 Federal Status: --- State Status: VA (SC) NS Global Rank: G4 NS State Rank: GA (S3), NC (S4), SC (S2), TN (S4), VA (S2) aSHSA Page 1 of 3 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED HABITAT BY MANAGMENT AND GAP PROTECTION STATUS: US FWS US Forest Service Tenn. Valley Author. US DOD/ACOE ha % ha % ha % ha % Status 1 0.0 0 1,002.3 < 1 0.0 0 0.0 0 Status 2 0.0 0 4,074.2 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 Status 3 0.0 0 36,695.8 22 0.0 0 < 0.1 < 1 Status 4 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 Total 0.0 0 41,772.3 25 0.0 0 < 0.1 < 1 US Dept. of Energy US Nat. Park Service NOAA Other Federal Lands ha % ha % ha % ha % Status 1 0.0 0 15,320.5 9 0.0 0 0.0 0 Status 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 Status 3 0.0 0 865.2 < 1 0.0 0 0.0 0 Status 4 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 Total 0.0 0 16,185.7 10 0.0 0 0.0 0 Native Am. -
<I>Ichthyosaura Alpestris</I>
Volume 26 (January 2016), 49–56 FULL PAPER Herpetological Journal Published by the British Provenance of Ichthyosaura alpestris (Caudata: Herpetological Society Salamandridae) introductions to France and New Zealand assessed by mitochondrial DNA analysis Jan W. Arntzen1, Tania M. King2, Mathieu Denoël3, Iñigo Martínez-Solano4,5 & Graham P. Wallis2 1Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands 2Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand 3Behavioural Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, University of Liège, Quai van Beneden 22, 4020 Liège, Belgium 4CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, s/n 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal 5(present address) Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, c/ Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain The last century has seen an unparalleled movement of species around the planet as a direct result of human activity, which has been a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis. Amphibians represent a particularly vulnerable group, exacerbated by the devastating effects of chytrid fungi. We report the malicious translocation and establishment of the alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) to its virtual antipode in North Island of New Zealand. We use network analysis of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes to identify the original source population as I. a. apuana from Tuscany, Italy. Additionally, a population in southern France, presumed to be introduced, is identified as I. a. alpestris from western Europe. However, the presence of two differentiated haplotypes suggests a mixed origin. -
2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon
INFORMATION REPORTS NUMBER 2010-05 FISH DIVISION Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against as described above in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please contact ADA Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3406 Cherry Drive NE, Salem, OR, 503-947-6000. This material will be furnished in alternate format for people with disabilities if needed. Please call 541-757-4263 to request 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon Sharon E. Tippery Brian L. Bangs Kim K. Jones Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Corvallis, OR November, 2010 This project was financed with funds administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grants under contract T-17-1 and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Citation: Tippery, S. E., B. L Bangs and K. K. Jones. 2010. 2008 Amphibian Distribution Surveys in Wadeable Streams and Ponds in Western and Southeast Oregon. Information Report 2010-05, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Corvallis. CONTENTS FIGURES....................................................................................................................................... -
Comparative Osteology and Evolution of the Lungless Salamanders, Family Plethodontidae David B
COMPARATIVE OSTEOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF THE LUNGLESS SALAMANDERS, FAMILY PLETHODONTIDAE DAVID B. WAKE1 ABSTRACT: Lungless salamanders of the family Plethodontidae comprise the largest and most diverse group of tailed amphibians. An evolutionary morphological approach has been employed to elucidate evolutionary rela tionships, patterns and trends within the family. Comparative osteology has been emphasized and skeletons of all twenty-three genera and three-fourths of the one hundred eighty-three species have been studied. A detailed osteological analysis includes consideration of the evolution of each element as well as the functional unit of which it is a part. Functional and developmental aspects are stressed. A new classification is suggested, based on osteological and other char acters. The subfamily Desmognathinae includes the genera Desmognathus, Leurognathus, and Phaeognathus. Members of the subfamily Plethodontinae are placed in three tribes. The tribe Hemidactyliini includes the genera Gyri nophilus, Pseudotriton, Stereochilus, Eurycea, Typhlomolge, and Hemidac tylium. The genera Plethodon, Aneides, and Ensatina comprise the tribe Pleth odontini. The highly diversified tribe Bolitoglossini includes three super genera. The supergenera Hydromantes and Batrachoseps include the nominal genera only. The supergenus Bolitoglossa includes Bolitoglossa, Oedipina, Pseudoeurycea, Chiropterotriton, Parvimolge, Lineatriton, and Thorius. Manculus is considered to be congeneric with Eurycea, and Magnadig ita is congeneric with Bolitoglossa. Two species are assigned to Typhlomolge, which is recognized as a genus distinct from Eurycea. No. new information is available concerning Haptoglossa. Recognition of a family Desmognathidae is rejected. All genera are defined and suprageneric groupings are defined and char acterized. Range maps are presented for all genera. Relationships of all genera are discussed. -
2004A IE Reports
Contents Introduction…………………………………….…………………………………1 Using GIS to predict plant distributions: a new approach (Amy Lorang)……………………………………………………………………...3 Impacts of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on Canadian and Carolina Hemlock Forests (Josh Brown)………………………………………………..……………………19 Effects of Adelgid-Induced Decline in Hemlock Forests on Terrestrial Salamander Populations of the Southern Appalachians: A Preliminary Study (Shelley Rogers)………………………………………………………………….37 Riparian zone structure and function in Southern Appalachian forested headwater catchments (Katie Brown)…………………………………………………………………….60 Successional Dynamics of Dulany Bog (Michael Nichols)………………………………………………………………...77 Mowing and its Effect on the Wildflowers of Horse Cove Road on the Highlands Plateau ((Megan Mailloux)……………………………………………………………….97 Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………..114 1 Introduction In the Fall of 2004, twelve undergraduate students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had the opportunity to complete ecological coursework through the Carolina Environmental Program’s Highlands field site. This program allows students to learn about the rich diversity of plants and animals in the southern Appalachians. The field site is located on the Highlands Plateau, North Carolina, near the junction of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The plateau is surrounded by diverse natural areas which create an ideal setting to study different aspects of land use change and threats to biodiversity. The Highlands Plateau is a temperate rainforest of great biodiversity, a patchwork of rich forests, granite outcrops, and wet bogs. Many rare or interesting species can be found in the area, with some being endemic to a specific stream or mountaintop. Some of these are remnants of northern species that migrated south during the last ice age; others evolved to suit a particular habitat, with a slightly different species in each stream. -
Amphibian Diversity and Threatened Species in a Severely Transformed Neotropical Region in Mexico
RESEARCH ARTICLE Amphibian Diversity and Threatened Species in a Severely Transformed Neotropical Region in Mexico Yocoyani Meza-Parral, Eduardo Pineda* Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, México * [email protected] Abstract Many regions around the world concentrate a large number of highly endangered species that have very restricted distributions. The mountainous region of central Veracruz, Mexico, is considered a priority area for amphibian conservation because of its high level of ende- mism and the number of threatened species. The original tropical montane cloud forest in OPEN ACCESS the region has been dramatically reduced and fragmented and is now mainly confined to ra- Citation: Meza-Parral Y, Pineda E (2015) Amphibian vines and hillsides. We evaluated the current situation of amphibian diversity in the cloud Diversity and Threatened Species in a Severely forest fragments of this region by analyzing species richness and abundance, comparing Transformed Neotropical Region in Mexico. PLoS assemblage structure and species composition, examining the distribution and abundance ONE 10(3): e0121652. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0121652 of threatened species, and identifying the local and landscape variables associated with the observed amphibian diversity. From June to October 2012 we sampled ten forest frag- Academic Editor: Stefan Lötters, Trier University, GERMANY ments, investing 944 person-hours of sampling effort. A total of 895 amphibians belonging to 16 species were recorded. Notable differences in species richness, abundance, and as- Received: May 22, 2014 semblage structure between forest fragments were observed. Species composition be- Accepted: November 11, 2014 tween pairs of fragments differed by an average of 53%, with the majority (58%) resulting Published: March 23, 2015 from species replacement and the rest (42%) explained by differences in species richness. -
Successful Reproduction of the Mole Salamander Ambystoma Talpoideum in Captivity, with an Emphasis on Stimuli Environmental Determinants
SHORT NOTE The Herpetological Bulletin 141, 2017: 28-31 Successful reproduction of the mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum in captivity, with an emphasis on stimuli environmental determinants AXEL HERNANDEZ Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, University Pasquale Paoli of Corsica, Corte, 20250, France Author Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT - Generating and promoting evidence-based husbandry protocols for urodeles, commonly known as newts and salamanders, is urgently needed because most of the up-to-date ex situ programs are focused on frogs and toads than Urodela. Data on biology, life history, ecology and environmental parameters are lacking for many species and are needed to establish suitable husbandry and breeding conditions in captive environments. Two adult females and two adult males, of the mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum successfully reproduced in captivity. It was found that reproduction of this species depends on various complex stimuli: including natural photoperiod 12:12, rainwater (acidic to neutral pH) and an aquarium full of various debris. Additionally high temperature variations ranging from 2 °C to 17 °C (a decrease followed by an increase) between November and February showed that it is possible to breed adults in aquariums provided the right stimuli are applied at the right moment of time in winter. A. talpoideum shows an explosive breeding mode as previously reported for the whole genus Ambystoma. INTRODUCTION with an emphasis on the environmental determinant stimuli involved. These data may assist in improving breeding these ince the 1980s, the current global amphibian extinction salamanders under artificial conditions. crisis has been discussed and acknowledged (Wake, A. -
Northern Spring Salamander Fact Sheet
WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT STATE THREATENED SPECIES © COURTESY D. QUINN © COURTESY Northern Spring Salamander Gyrinophilus p. porphyriticus Background and Range The northern spring salamander is a brightly-colored member of the lungless salamander family (Plethodontidae). True to its name, it resides in cool water springs and streams, making it an excellent indicator of a clean, well- oxygenated water source. Due to its strict habitat and clean water requirements, it is only found in a handful of locations within Connecticut. The Central Connecticut Lowlands divide this amphibian's range into distinct populations. Litchfield and Hartford Counties support the greatest populations of spring salamanders. This salamander is listed as a threatened species in Connecticut. In North America, the spring salamander occurs from extreme southeastern Canada south through New England, west to Ohio, and south down the Appalachians as far as northern Georgia and Alabama. Description This large, robust salamander ranges in color from salmon to reddish-brown to purplish-brown, with a translucent white underbelly. The snout appears “square” when viewed from above and the salamander has well-defined grooves near its eyes to its snout. The tail is laterally flattened with a fin-like tip. Young spring salamanders are lighter in color and have small gills. Their coloration does not have deeper reddish tints until adulthood. Total length ranges from 5 to 7.5 inches. Habitat and Diet Spring salamanders require very clean, cool, and well-oxygenated water. They can be found in streams, brooks, and seepage areas. Preferred habitat lies within steep, rocky hemlock forests. This species is intolerant to disturbances. -
A Preliminary Investigation of the Taxonomic Status Of
A Tale of Two Salamanders Rachael Glavin In 1951, Richard Hoffman performed a survey of Virginian amphibians and found what he considered a new subspecies of Desmognathus monticola to the east of the Shenandoah Valley, and named the new subspecies D. monticola jeffersoni (Hoffman, 1951). This subspecies was considered unique by Hoffman because of its unusual reticulated dorsal pattern caused by less extensive black spotting that merged to form the reticulated coloration and the geographical separation it had from D. monticola monticola. However, Petranka (2001), denied Hoffman’s subspecies classification of D. monticola jeffersoni. Petranka refers to Hoffman’s key distinction of D. m. jeffersoni: less conspicuous dorsal patterning. Petranka then stated that he has found salamanders that fit Hoffman’s description south of where the subspecies should exist. Without geographical separation, any subspecific designation for the Seal Salamander is not valid. Desmognathus monticola, the seal salamander, occurs in the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Alabama (Conant, 1998; Petranka, 2010). Desmognathus monticola is in the family Plethodontidae, the lungless salamanders which respire entirely through their skin. Usually residing in well oxygenated mountain springs and streams in elevations below 1300 feet, D. monticola has a stout, gray body, about three to six inches in length (Conant, 1998; Martof et al., 1980; Petranka, 2010). The dorsal side has irregular black spots scattered randomly, and the tail of the salamander is laterally compressed and knife-shaped at the tip. D. monticola has a single line of white spots between the legs, cornified darkened friction pads on the toes, enlarged pre-maxillary teeth, and males are larger than females (Petranka, 2010). -
Species of Concern Asheville Field Office, U.S
Species of Concern Asheville Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species of concern is an informal term referring to species appearing to be declining or otherwise needing conservation. It may be under consideration for listing or there may be insufficient information to currently support listing. Subsumed under the term “species of concern” are species petitioned by outside parties and other selected focal species identified in Service strategic plans, State Wildlife Action Plans, Professional Society Lists (e.g., AFS, FMCS) or NatureServe state program lists. SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATE FEDERAL At-Risk TAXONOMIC GROUP STATUS STATUS Species Abies fraseri Fraser Fir W5 SC Vascular Plant Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon SC SC Freshwater Fish Aegolius acadicus Northern Saw-whet Owl T SC Bird Alasmidonta varicosa Brook Floater E SC ARS Freshwater Bivalve Alasmidonta viridis Slippershell E SC Freshwater Bivalve Ambloplites cavifrons Roanoke Bass SR SC Freshwater Fish Aneides aeneus Green Salamander E SC ARS Amphibian Anguilla rostrata American Eel SC ARS Freshwater Fish Arthonia cupressina Golden spruce dots (lichen) SC Lichen Arthonia kermesina Hot dots (lichen) W7 SC Lichen Arthopyrenia betulicola Old birch spots (lichen) SC Lichen Bombus terricola Yellow banded bumble bee SC ARS Insect Buckleya distichophylla Piratebush T SC Vascular Plant Buellia sharpiana Evelyn's buttons (lichen) SC Lichen Calamagrostis cainii Cain's Reedgrass E SC Vascular Plant Callophrys irus Frosted elfin SR SC ARS Butterfly Cambarus brimleyorum