Estimation of Larval Stream Salamander Densities in Three Proximate Streams in the Georgia Piedmont

• DOI: 10.1670/07-128r2.1
• Publication Date: 2009-09-17T13:28:14Z
• Authors: A. Justin Nowakowski; John C. Maerz
• Keywords: Netting; Litter; Population density

Despite decades of research, there is still little known about the natural abundances and ecological importance stream salamander larvae in eastern North America. Widely used methods for sampling estimating population densities can be significantly biased, which may have implications monitoring efforts studies addressing effects salamanders on processes such as nutrient dynamics. We compared efficacy two capture, passive leaf litter trapping dip netting, performed mark–recapture (M-R) occurring three adjacent streams. There was a significant size bias associated with at least one our capture methods. Leaf traps captured higher proportion larger individuals (>15 mm SVL), whereas netting yielded greater smaller class (≤15 mm). Density estimates were 1–2 orders magnitude than provided by other studies; however, count indices comparable to those previously reported. from M-R ranged 23–169 per m2, remarkably consistent 75–137 m2 contemporaneous study using nearly identical methodology Appalachian streams Carolina. The coefficient variation mean density generated that detected data, indicating use replicated counts without adjustment detection less effective measuring spatial temporal larval numbers.