Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
8-2001
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Rebecca A. Pyles
Committee Members
Michael B. Harvey, Thomas F. Laughlin
Abstract
For this study, the abundance of the salamander fauna in two streams was compared to determine the impact of logging activities. After five months of study, the area around one stream was logged by the National Forest Service. Following logging, the abundance of salamanders in the stream was greatly reduced, while the population in the undisturbed stream remained relatively unchanged. Six abundant species were used as indicators; two of these species (Desmognathus quadramaculatus and Desmognathus ochrophaeus) were negatively affected by the logging, while four species (Demognathus fuscus, Desmognathus monticola, Eurycea wilderae, and Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) were not affected. Body sizes of salamanders, used to represent age class, were analyzed to determine if the age/size structures of the populations were altered. This parameter was not impacted significantly by logging; all age/size classes of the populations were equally affected.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
McDonald, Heather Noel, "The Impact of Logging on Aquatic Salamander Communities." (2001). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 37. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/37
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.