DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT OF PLETHODON ELONGATUS ON MANAGED, YOUNG GROWTH FORESTS IN NORTH COASTAL CALIFORNIA

We surveyed private young growth timberlands to determine the distribution and habitat of the Del Norte salamander, Plethodon elongatus, in north coastal California during February and March, 1992. We collected 530 P. elongatus from 107 of 226 roadside sites and analyzed seven habitat variables by stepwise logistic regression. Only substrate entered a model to predict the occurrence of P. elongatus. Plethodon elongatus was found more frequently than by chance in talus, in substrates with an organic surface layer, and on northerly aspects. Occurrence of this species showed a negative relationship with mineral soils, exposed substrates, southerly aspects, and conifer/tanoak cover types, but no relationship to forest age or canopy cover. We found all size classes and gravid females, indicating populations of P. elongatus were reproducing in the study area. Measures to protect this species from timber harvest or associated activities should be area specific.