Life Sciences Commons^™

Habitat Use And Seasonal Movement Patterns Of Four-Toed Salamanders (Hemidactylium Scutatum) In Massachusetts, Kimberly O. Vitale

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

Understanding the movement phenology of the four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) is essential to guide management practices. I examined the relationship between environmental variables and the directionality, timing, and magnitude of four-toed salamander movements at two locations in eastern Massachusetts. Four-toed salamanders move from upland habitats to wetland areas in early spring and move away from wetlands in late spring. Adult movements increased with more precipitation and less moon light. Juvenile movements were similarly affected, and in addition they were more likely to move when temperatures were warm and days long. My results can be used to implement management …