DOCSLIB.ORG

FACTORS AFFECTING the DISTRIBUTION of the ENDANGERED SHENANDOAH SALAMANDER (PLETHODON SHENANDOAH) By

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
FACTORS AFFECTING the DISTRIBUTION of the ENDANGERED SHENANDOAH SALAMANDER (PLETHODON SHENANDOAH) By FACTORS AFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ENDANGERED SHENANDOAH SALAMANDER (PLETHODON SHENANDOAH) by Jennifer A. Sevin A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of George Mason University in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Environmental Science and Public Policy Committee: _________________________________________ Dr. Larry Rockwood, Dissertation Director _________________________________________ Dr. Chris Parsons, Committee Member _________________________________________ Dr. Thomas Wood, Committee Member _________________________________________ Dr. Larissa Bailey, Committee Member _________________________________________ Dr. Jesus Maldonado, Committee Member _________________________________________ Dr. Albert Torzilli, Graduate Program Director _________________________________________ Dr. Robert Jonas, Department Chairperson _________________________________________ Dr. Richard Diecchio, Interim Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, College of Science _________________________________________ Dr. Peggy Agouris, Interim Dean, College of Science Date: __________________________________ Spring Semester 2014 George Mason University Fairfax, VA Factors Affecting the Distribution of the Endangered Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon Shenandoah) A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at George Mason University by Jennifer A. Sevin Director: Larry Rockwood, Professor Department of Environmental Science and Public Policy Spring Semester 2014 George Mason University Fairfax, VA This work is licensed under a creative commons attribution-noderivs 3.0 unported license. ii DEDICATION This is dedicated to the memory of my mom for her strength, drive and passion. She instilled those values in me and I hope to pass them on to Taylor so that she can weather the storms and create her own rainbows. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the many friends, relatives and supporters who have taken this llllloooooonnnnnnggggg journey with me. I bet ya’ll never thought it would happen….neither did I at times. I wish my Mom was around to witness her child who always hated school finally finishes with a Ph.D. Dad and Scott, despite my trials and tribulations, you have never stopped loving and believing in me. What more could I ask for? I will miss your daily reminders that I have a dissertation to complete….NOT. To my wonderful boyfriend, Derek, thank you for the encouragement, love and support, and of course, the cooking and cleaning. I probably would have gotten this done a lot sooner if you were not in the picture, but I am thankful everyday for having you and Taylor as part of my family. You helped me realize there is more to life than work. Andrew, Matthew, Kasey, Trish, Adrianne and the many others….what can I say? I had the best field crew and support in the world. You not only worked on this project as if it was your own, but you kept me from falling off mountains (literally and figuratively). You will always have a special place in Mama Bear’s heart. Thank you Jason for the daunting task of helping me with GIS. There are too many people at the Smithsonian that provided encouragement to name them all, but I need to mention Steve Monfort and Francisco Dallmeier for being particularly supportive of me during the long process, and to Marshall Jones for being an exceptional mentor. Much appreciation to all my committee members for gently pushing me forward. Dr. Rockwood, I hope to one day emulate how you successfully accomplish countless tasks with a smile on your face and a positive attitude. This research would not have been possible without the tremendous in-kind support and funding from the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Smithsonian Institution. I would particularly like to thank Jim Atkinson, Jeb Wofford and Alan Williams of NPS and J.D. Kleopfer of VDGIF. Thanks for your help and patience. You have no idea how happy I am that the Shenandoah salamander did not go extinct while you waited for my results. And last, but certainly not least, to the amazing support of N.E. ARMI: Larissa Bailey for getting this project off the ground and helping carry it through to the end, and Evan Grant for his invaluable contributions at every stage of the process. I am truly in debt. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix Abstract .............................................................................................................................. xi General Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 Study species ................................................................................................................... 3 Study Area ....................................................................................................................... 5 Occupancy Modeling and Multi-model Inference .......................................................... 5 Literature Cited ............................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 1 - Optimal survey design: Maximizing the probability of detection for an endangered high elevation salamander ............................................................................. 14 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 14 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 18 Hypotheses .................................................................................................................... 23 Results ........................................................................................................................... 24 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 28 Management Implications ............................................................................................. 34 Appendix 1A ................................................................................................................. 35 Literature Cited ............................................................................................................. 37 Chapter 2 - Investigating distribution and habitat-related hypotheses of the endangered Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah). .......................................................... 43 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 43 Hypotheses .................................................................................................................... 45 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 49 Results ........................................................................................................................... 55 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 66 Management Implications ............................................................................................. 73 v Appendix 2A ................................................................................................................. 76 Appendix 2B ................................................................................................................. 78 Literature Cited ............................................................................................................. 81 Chapter 3 - Do P. shenandoah and P. cinereus actually compete? .................................. 87 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 87 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 93 Results ........................................................................................................................... 99 Discussion ................................................................................................................... 109 Management Implications ........................................................................................... 115 Appendix 3A ............................................................................................................... 117 Appendix 3B ............................................................................................................... 119 Appendix 3C ............................................................................................................... 121 Appendix 3D ............................................................................................................... 123 Appendix 3E ................................................................................................................ 125 Literature Cited ..........................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Distribution and Conservation Genetics of the Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae)
    Distribution and Conservation Genetics of the Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) Thesis submitted to The Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree Master of Science Biological Sciences by Matthew R. Graham Thomas K. Pauley, Committee Chairman Victor Fet, Committee Member Guo-Zhang Zhu, Committee Member April 29, 2007 ii Distribution and Conservation Genetics of the Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) MATTHEW R. GRAHAM Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia 25755-2510, USA email: [email protected] Summary Being lungless, plethodontid salamanders respire through their skin and are especially sensitive to environmental disturbances. Habitat fragmentation, low abundance, extreme habitat requirements, and a narrow distribution of less than 70 miles in length, makes one such salamander, Plethodon punctatus, a species of concern (S1) in West Virginia. To better understand this sensitive species, day and night survey hikes were conducted through ideal habitat and coordinate data as well as tail tips (10 to 20 mm in length) were collected. DNA was extracted from the tail tips and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments. Maximum parsimony, neighbor-joining, and UPGMA algorithms were used to produce phylogenetic haplotype trees, rooted with P. wehrlei. Based on our DNA sequence data, four disparate management units are designated. Surveys revealed new records on Jack Mountain, a disjunct population that expands the known distribution of the species 10 miles west. In addition, surveys by Flint verified a population on Nathaniel Mountain, WV and revealed new records on Elliot Knob, extending the known range several miles south.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Work Plan (FY2010) for Inventories and Vital Signs Monitoring
    National Park Service Shenandoah National Park U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Work Plan (FY2010) for Inventories and Vital Signs Monitoring Natural Resources Branch Division of Natural and Cultural Resources Shenandoah National Park SHEN1&MWP-FY10 1 Revised: 2/1/2010 ANNUAL WORK PLAN (FY 2010) FOR INVENTORIES AND VITAL SIGNS MONITORING FY2010 Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) Shenandoah National Park Approval Signatures /s/ Martha Bogle 2/2/2010 Martha Bogle Date Superintendent Shenandoah National Park /s/ Gordon Olson 2/2/2010 Gordon Olson Date Division Chief of Natural and Cultural Resources and I&M Program Coordinator Shenandoah National Park /s/ John Karish 2/2/2010 John Karish Date Inventory and Monitoring Program Manager Northeast Region /s/ Jim Comiskey 2/2/2010 James Comiskey Date Mid-Atlantic Network Program Manager SHEN I&M WP -FY10 2 Revised: 2/1/2010 Shenandoah National Park FY 2010 - Annual Work Plan Shenandoah National Park in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is the largest fully- protected area in the mid-Atlantic region at 79,889 ha (197,411 ac) including 32,172 ha (79,500 ac) of congressionally designated Wilderness. The park ranges in elevation from 163 to 1249 m (530 to 4,050 ft) above sea level and contains a diverse community of plants and animals. Forested montane communities, cold water high-gradient streams, and rocky outcrops along the ridge tops are prominent features of the landscape. A number of rare plant species and communities occur in the park along with the federally endangered Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah), which is not found anywhere else in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Shenandoah National Park Full Species List of Amphibians
    Shenandoah National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Full Species List of Amphibians Shenandoah National Park is home to ten species of toads and frogs, and fourteen species of salamanders and newts. One of the park’s salamander species, the Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon shenandoah), is the only federally endangered animal species found within the park. It is endemic to high elevation talus slopes in three scattered areas of the central section of the park. While most of the park’s amphibian species are more likely to be seen near water or in wet habitats, some can be observed in drier ecosystems. Plethodon shenandoah Threats to the park’s amphibians include acid deposition, heavy metal deposition, and habitat alteration resulting from climate change and forest defoliation associated with periodic insect infestations. The Shenandoah Salamander may be especially sensitive to climate change due to its restricted range in cooler high elevation areas. The park is supporting a number of amphibian-related research efforts that are attempting to describe species associations, habitat preferences, distributions, Lithobates sylvaticus and relative abundance of these animals. This checklist was compiled on March 10, 2015 using data exported from the National Park Service NPSpecies database. The database can be accessed at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/. Here you will find search tools that make it possible to create updated or customized lists. This checklist and others are found at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Search/SpeciesList/SHEN. Lists are currently available for the following: mammals, birds, fish, Notophthalmus viridescens reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, plants (complete list), trees and shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and grasses.
    [Show full text]
  • Terrestrial Ecosystems 3 Chapter 1
    TERRESTRIAL Chapter 1: Terrestrial Ecosystems 3 Chapter 1: What are the history, Terrestrial status, and projected future of terrestrial wildlife habitat types and Ecosystems species in the South? Margaret Katherine Trani (Griep) Southern Region, USDA Forest Service ■ Since presettlement, there have insect infestation, advanced age, Key Findings been significant losses of community climatic processes, and distur- biodiversity in the South (Noss and bance influence mast yields. ■ There are 132 terrestrial vertebrate others 1995). Fourteen communities ■ The ranges of many species species that are considered to be are critically endangered (greater cross both public and private of conservation concern in the South than 98-percent decline), 25 are land ownerships. The numbers of by State Natural Heritage agencies. endangered (85- to 98-percent imperiled and endangered species Of the species that warrant conser- decline), and 11 are threatened inhabiting private land indicate its vation focus, 3 percent are classed (70- to 84-percent decline). Common critical importance for conservation. factors contributing to the loss of as critically imperiled, 3 percent ■ The significance of land owner- as imperiled, and 6 percent as these communities include urban development, fire suppression, ship in the South for the provision vulnerable. Eighty-six percent of species habitat cannot be of terrestrial vertebrate species exotic species invasion, and recreational activity. overstated. Each major landowner are designated as relatively secure. has an important role to play in ■ The remaining 2 percent are either The term “fragmentation” the conservation of species and known or presumed to be extinct, references the insularization of their habitats. or have questionable status. habitat on a landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • Piedmont Upland Depression Swamp
    Piedmont Upland Depression Swamp Macrogroup: Central Hardwood Swamp yourStateNatural Heritage Ecologist for more information about this habitat. This is modeledmap a distributiononbased current and is data nota substitute for field inventory. based Contact © Gary P. Fleming (Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation Natural Heritage Program) Description: A forested swamp of wetland oaks occurring in small, shallow basins in upland settings where water pools due to limited soil drainage. Most examples are isolated seasonally- flooded wetlands dominated by wetland oaks (pin oak, swamp white oak, laurel oak, willow oak, overcup oak), but a few are treeless or open-canopied ponds. Vegetation is zoned with an outer ring of trees, a more interior ring of shrubs (buttonbush, heaths, greenbrier), vines, and wetland graminoids and ferns, and a central area with or without standing water year round depending on precipitation. Sphagnum moss is sometimes extensive in parts of the pools. State Distribution: MD, VA Total Habitat Acreage: 21,559 Ecological Setting and Natural Processes: Percent Conserved: 4.7% Occurs on nearly level Piedmont uplands with clay hardpans State State GAP 1&2 GAP 3 Unsecured and shallow seasonal flooding. Most known examples are on State Habitat % Acreage (acres) (acres) (acres) mafic bedrock. Flooding depth is typically shallow (< 25 cm). VA 98% 21,055 36 900 20,118 Soils are typically loamy clays. There is substantial variation MD 2% 505 1 76 427 among the pools, related to substrate, basin morphology, and geographic location. Similar Habitat Types: Piedmont Hardpan Woodland & Forest is closely related by the importance of an impermeable clay hardpan and the preference for mafic bedrock, and some intermediate gradations occur.
    [Show full text]
  • Chris Asquith
    Herpetology !"#$%&'%()$*"& Outline • Evolutionary history of Reptiles and Amphibian • Amphibian: Biodiversity and Distribution • Amphibians: Natural History and Biology • Amphibians: Species of the Virginia Piedmont • Reptiles: Biodiversity and Distrubtion • Reptiles: Natural History and Biology • Reptiles: Species of the Virginia Piedmont • Environmental Threats to “Herps” • Rare and Endangered Species in Virginia Evolutionary History of Reptiles and Amphibians https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-static/obl4he/vertebratediversity/index.html Why “Herps”? • From the Greek “Herpeton” meaning Creeping Animal • Carolus Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, grouped reptiles and amphibians together • Reptiles and amphibians fill similar ecological roles • Reptiles and amphibians are found in similar habitats • Reptiles and amphibians attract similar enthusiasts Tiktaalik https://www.npr.org/2010/07/05/127937070/the-human- https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/science/16fossil.html edge-finding-our-inner-fish Amphibians! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibian Herps by the Numbers: Global Species Virginia Species • Reptiles • Reptiles • Turtles: 356 • Turtles: 25 • Lizards: 6,000+ • Lizards: 10 • Snakes: 3,600 • Snakes: 34 • Amphibians • Amphibians • Frogs: 4,800 • Frogs: 28 • Salamanders: 655 • Salamanders: 56 Appalachia: A Biodiversity Hotpot https://biodiversitymapping.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Amphibians_Caudata.jpg Frog Diversity? Go to the Amazon https://biodiversitymapping.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Amphibians_Anura.jpg
    [Show full text]
  • Appalachian Salamander Cons
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPALACHIAN SALAMANDER CONSERVATION WORKSHOP - 30–31 MAY 2008 CONSERVATION & RESEARCH CENTER, SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA, USA Hosted by Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, facilitated by the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group © Copyright 2008 CBSG IUCN encourages meetings, workshops and other fora for the consideration and analysis of issues related to conservation, and believes that reports of these meetings are most useful when broadly disseminated. The opinions and views expressed by the authors may not necessarily reflect the formal policies of IUCN, its Commissions, its Secretariat or its members. The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Gratwicke, B (ed). 2008. Proceedings of the Appalachian Salamander Conservation Workshop. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. To order additional copies of Proceedings of the Appalachian Salamander Conservation Workshop, contact the CBSG office: [email protected], 001-952-997-9800, www.cbsg.org. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Salamanders, along with many other amphibian species have been declining in recent years. The IUCN lists 47% of the world’s salamanders threatened or endangered, yet few people know that the Appalachian region of the United States is home to 14% of the world’s 535 salamander species, making it an extraordinary salamander biodiversity hotspot, and a priority region for salamander conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia
    Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia August, 2020 (* denotes naturalized species; ** denotes species native to some areas of Virginia and naturalized in other areas of Virginia) Common Name Scientific Name FISHES: Freshwater Fishes: Alabama Bass * Micropterus henshalli * Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus American Brook Lamprey Lampetra appendix American Eel Anguilla rostrata American Shad Alosa sapidissima Appalachia Darter Percina gymnocephala Ashy Darter Etheostoma cinereum Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrhynchus Banded Darter Etheostoma zonale Banded Drum Larimus fasciatus Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus Banded Sculpin Cottus carolinae Banded Sunfish Ennaecanthus obesus Bigeye Chub Hybopsis amblops Bigeye Jumprock Moxostoma ariommum Bigmouth Chub Nocomis platyrhynchus Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Blacktip Jumprock Moxostoma cervinum Black Redhorse Moxostoma duquesnei Black Sculpin Cottus baileyi Blackbanded Sunfish Enneacanthus chaetodon Blacknose Dace Rhinichthys atratulus Blackside Dace Chrosomus cumberlandensis Blackside Darter Percina maculata Blotched Chub Erimystax insignis Blotchside Logperch Percina burtoni Blue Catfish * Ictalurus furcatus * Blue Ridge Sculpin Cottus caeruleomentum Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis Bluebreast Darter Etheostoma camurum Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Bluehead Chub Nocomis leptocephalus Blueside Darter Etheostoma jessiae Bluespar Darter Etheostoma meadiae Bluespotted Sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus Bluestone
    [Show full text]
  • Management and Monitoring of the Endangered Shenandoah Salamander Under Climate Change Workshop Report 10-12 April 2012
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Management and Monitoring of the Endangered Shenandoah Salamander Under Climate Change Workshop Report 10-12 April 2012 Natural Resource Report NPS/SHEN/NRR—2014/867 ON THE COVER Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah) Photograph by: Ann and Rob Simpson Management and Monitoring of the Endangered Shenandoah Salamander Under Climate Change Workshop Report 10-12 April 2012 Natural Resource Report NPS/SHEN/NRR—2014/867 E.H.C. Grant1, J.E.B. Wofford2, D.R. Smith3, J. Dennis4, C. Hawkins-Hoffman5, J. Schaberl2, M. Foley6, M. Bogle2 1USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center SO Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory Turners Falls, MA 2National Park Service Shenandoah National Park 3655 US HWY 211E Luray, VA 3USGS Leetown Science Center Kerneysville, WV 4National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Washington, DC 5National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, CO 6National Park Service NE Regional Office of Scientific Studies Boston, MA October 2014 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public. The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate high-priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management applicability.
    [Show full text]
  • Temporal Partitioning of Foraging in Plethodon Metcalfi
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 15(1):61–68. Submitted: 27 March 2018; Accepted: 19 November 2019; Published: 30 April 2020. TEMPORAL PARTITIONING OF FORAGING IN PLETHODON METCALFI ANDREW N. ASH Department of Biology, One University Drive, Post Office Box 1510, Pembroke, North Carolina 28372-1510, USA, e-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—I provide evidence for nightly and seasonal patterns of surface activity in the Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi) and discuss possible explanations for these patterns. From 1979–1997, I made 2,191 observations of this species at five forested sites within 8 km of Highlands, North Carolina, USA, to document surface activity patterns in leaf litter. Data I collected included sex-age class (immature, adult males, adult females), snout-vent length (SVL), and observation time (coded as minutes after sunset, MAS). Immatures, females, and males of this species were active at progressively later times after sunset (73 MAS, 82 MAS and 88 MAS respectively), and these differences were significant. Immature surface activity times did not differ between arbitrarily determined small (16–34 mm SVL) and large (35–49 mm SVL) size classes. The seasonal pattern of surface activity times of all sex-age classes was similar. Mean surface activity time declined from early May (87 MAS) through early August (60 MAS), then increased to mid-August (99 MAS). I suggest that nightly activity is primarily foraging. Two factors, females constraining the foraging times of immatures and males and differences in physiological moisture tolerance related to relative humidity, may cause differences in nightly foraging time by sex- age class.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Junior Ranger Booklet
    Welcome to Shenandoah National Park! Explore what makes Shenandoah a special place and learn how you can help protect it by becoming a Junior Ranger. All you need to do is: 1. Complete Arrowhead Adventures (page 1). 2. Complete at least five other pages in the Junior Ranger Book. A TRACK Trail activity guide can count as a page. TRACK Trail activity guides can be found at Fox Hollow Trail (mile 4.6), the Limberlost Trail (mile 43), and the Blackrock Summit Trail (mile 84.8). 3. Attend a Ranger program. Fill out the name of the program and what you learned. Then ask the Ranger to sign off on your accomplishment. Program: ________________________________________ What did you learn? _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Ranger’s signature: _______________________________ For a full schedule of Ranger programs, look in the Park newspaper or ask at a visitor center. If there are not any programs available during your visit, go to a visitor center and explore the exhibits or watch one of the movies. 4. Take your finished book to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Byrd Visitor Center, Park Headquarters, or the Park’s Mobile Visitor Center. Ask a Ranger to review your book. Then recite the Junior Ranger pledge and get your official badge. This book belongs to: ___________________________________ You can also send your finished book Shenandoah National Park Your address (if you’re along with your mailing address to: ATTN: Junior Ranger Program completing this book by mail): 3655 US Highway 211 East ___________________________ Luray, VA 22835 ___________________________ ___________________________ Hi! I’m a Shenandoah salamander.
    [Show full text]
  • Salamander News
    Salamander News No. 10 October 2014 www.yearofthesalamander.org Partnerships for Conservation: It Takes a Village By Lindsay Renick Mayer, The Nature Conservancy It had all of the trappings of a devastating conservation tale: a population of the state-rare Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) had plummeted after human disruption to critical breeding habitat in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources couldn’t move quickly enough to purchase the property when it went on market. And while The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland/DC chapter could move fast, the private organization didn’t have the herpetological expertise to ensure population recovery. It was only by working together that the DNR and The Nature Conservancy turned the story around. The Nature Conservancy purchased the land and held it for the state until the DNR could purchase it. Because the property was adjacent to state-owned property, the DNR had site- specific management expertise and removed invasive trees and herbaceous species from the wetland basin. That was nearly 20 years ago. Today the success of that partnership is evident. Last winter the DNR counted more tiger salamander egg masses than the state agency had surveyed since 1990. The Nature Conservancy has a long history of partnering with both The Nature Conservancy and the Maryland public and private organizations to most effectively protect animal and Department of Natural Resources joined plant species, habitat, and even whole ecosystems. The Conservancy’s forces to protect tiger salamander habitat in Maryland. The population is rebounding. Maryland/DC and Virginia chapters have been protecting habitat in both Photo by Brian Gratwicke, Smithsonian the Chesapeake Bay and Appalachia, which is home to the most biodiverse Conservation Biology Institute.
    [Show full text]