Amphibians of the Macphail Woods

Red-backed Salamander.

Guide to the Amphibians of Prince Edward Island
A Herpetofaunal Survey of the Macphail Property
FrogWatch PEI

Amphibians are important members of forest ecosystems and their role is often overlooked due to their inconspicuous nature. Research has shown that the productivity and biomass of amphibians may equal or exceed that of birds and mammals in hardwood forests (Burton & Likens, 1975). Amphibians, such as salamanders, newts, toads and frogs occur at various positions in the food web and therefore habitat disturbances (ie clear cuts) will have far-reaching effects on the entire forest ecosystem. In particular, alterations to ground level cover caused by forest clear cuts result in decreased leaf litter and removal of coarse woody debris. In addition, the loss of canopy closure and the resulting decrease in ground level relative humidity leads to an increase in desiccation to these important vertebrates. Studies done in the Greater Fundy Ecosystem project indicated that there was poor recruitment of terrestrial amphibians to replanted areas, primarily due to poor habitat conditions and decreased ground level humidity. These conditions persisted for 12 or more years, even after canopy closure.

Terrestrial salamanders are the amphibian species that are most vulnerable to population declines as a result of habitat conversions associated with plantations. The yellow-spotted salamander is able to inhabit plantations in sparse numbers, but the red-backed salamander is effectively excluded from the converted habitats, at least during the first several decades of secondary succession. This may be related to the fact that angiosperm trees and their litter are rare in the plantations. To mitigate the effects on these salamanders, management should focus on increasing the recruitment of juveniles and minimizing the intensity of environmental changes at or near the ground surface..." ( Proceedings from the Workshop on Landscape Health in the Greater Fundy Ecosystem, Ed. G.J. Forbes, S.J. Woodley & H.Beach; Co-op Wildlife Res. Unit, U. Of NB & Parks Canada, 1994.)

Egg mass discovered during Amphibian Walk.

Ecological forest management practices, such as selective harvesting and small patch cuts maintain the forest canopy and preserve ground level moisture. This means that the needs of the amphibians are met as well as the needs of wood harvesters. If clear cuts are taking place, there are strategies for minimizing negative effects that encourage the rejuvenation of amphibian populations into plantation areas. The following suggestions are critical in maintaining the habitat:

• ensure that mixed-species forest stands (>30Ha) occur within 500 m of clear-cuts.
• create deep (>.4m) dugouts within 200m of the forest edge, when road building.
• retain habitat islands (2-7 Ha) of mixed species forest within clear cuts.
• retain seed trees, coarse woody debris and leaf litter at ground level.

Monitoring the various species of woodland salamanders may be done in a non-invasive manner by using boards - to simulate fallen timber - as habitat. This allows researchers a means of censusing species without disrupting or degrading natural habitats, such as fallen logs and deep leaf litter areas. The most suitable species to monitor are the Red-backed salamander and Spotted salamander as they are very sensitive to habitat change.

On our local scene, students of Holland College's Renewable Resources program have been instrumental in providing amphibian census data at the Macphail Wood's Project in 1992. Specific study areas - bogs, streams and forests - were extensively sampled using direct and indirect techniques, such as live traps and nets. Subsequent monitoring of transects and boards in the following years, has provided us with valuable data and students with field experience. Overall, results have shown a wide representation of amphibian fauna.

Holland College Students assisting with the monitoring project.

In summary, it is important to minimise habitat effects through sensitive forest management practise and to follow through with non-invasive methods for species censusing to ensure that these important members of forest ecosystems are encouraged to return to healthy population levels. Their role in these habitats should not be over-looked.

Besides the Redback and Spotted salamanders, the following amphibians are also found on Prince Edward Island: Blue-spotted salamander, Red-spotted newt, American toad, Spring Peeper, Wood frog, Green frog and Northern Leopard frog.

The reader is encouraged to read the material from which this summary was written. It includes

Burton, T.M. & G.E. Likens, 1975, Salamander Populations and Biomass in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, Copeia;

the P.E.I. Island Naturalist #29, 1992;

R.M. DeGraaf & M.Yamasaki, 1992, A Nondestructive Technique to Monitor the Relative Abundance of Terrestrial Salamanders, Wildlife Soc. Bull. 20, #3;

Ruth Waldrick et.al., "Proceedings from the Workshop on Landscape Health in the Greater Fundy Ecosystem," Ed. Graham J. Forbes, Co-op. Wildlife Research Unit, U. of NB/Parks Can., Nov. 1994.

Participants looking for Amphibians during a walk.

Guide to the Amphibians of Prince Edward Island
A Herpetofaunal Survey of the Macphail Property
FrogWatch PEI

• Frogwatch PEI
• The Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network
• Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide
• Nova Scotia herp Atlas Project
• Tadpoles of the United States and Canada: A Tutorial and Key

We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the amphibians of Prince Edward Island. Check out the Events Calendar for more information. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.