LOG DIAMETER INFLUENCES DETECTION OF EASTERN RED-BACKED SALAMANDERS (PLETHODON CINEREUS) IN HARVEST GAPS, BUT NOT IN CLOSED-CANOPY FOREST CONDITIONS

We tested for relationships between the size of coarse woody debris and its use by Eastern Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in harvest-created gaps and closed-canopy forest of central Maine. Searches of 231 logs indicated that the probability of finding a salamander beneath small diameter logs was low in harvest-created gaps; whereas, the probability of finding a salamander was both higher overall and constant among log diameter sizes in closed-canopy forests. We did not detect a correlation between salamander length or mass and log diameter in either forest canopy condition. Our model shows the probablility of detecting salamanders under logs in harvest-created gaps is similar to the probability of detecting salamanders in closed-canopy forests if log diameter is approximately 35 cm. Forest harvesting practices that leave larger-sized residual woody material on the forest floor may mitigate the unfavorable habitat conditions for Red-backed Salamanders associated with reducing canopy cover.