GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF REDBACK SALAMANDER DISTRIBUTION IN FAUQUIER AND CULPEPER COUNTIES, VIRGINIA

The sudden and rapid decline of amphibian populations all over the world is both alarming and well documented. It is an issue raising concerns about climate change as well as anthropogenic habitat destruction on a global scale. Many amphibians are environmental indicators and keystone species, making their mass extinctions a particularly sinister warning. Practical, cost effective, and efficient management practices are needed to monitor population dynamics of amphibian species especially in wildlife management areas. These findings need to be merged with information about the environmental conditions that exist within habitats to verify linkages between population dynamics, climate and anthropogenic stresses.

This study uses Geographic Information Systems to analyze and present the results of a salamander survey in C.F Phelps Wildlife Management Area in Culpeper and Fauquier counties of Virginia. Maps showing both the abundance of red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, and variations in soil pH, drainage, land use, soil type and organic matter are being developed. Statistical analysis will be used to verify the relationship between the environmental variables and the abundance of red-backs. This information is meant to be part of an ongoing amphibian-monitoring program in the wildlife area. The GIS databases created will be an asset for long-term studies and the creation of management programs.