Meeting Abstract

P2.59  Sunday, Jan. 5 15:30  Long-term nest site fidelity in some male green salamanders, Aneides aeneus CUPP, JR., P/V; Eastern Kentucky University paul.cupp@eku.edu

Previous studies indicate that male and female Aneides aeneus exhibit site fidelity from one year to the next in their use of rock crevices, including breeding crevices. The present study examines the use of breeding crevices by A. aeneus males at field sites in SE KY over a 12-22 year period. Crevices in specific rock outcrops were monitored for the presence or absence of males prior to or during the deposition of eggs by females during the summer breeding period. Of the visible rock crevices with A. aeneus present, only a relatively few had brooding females with eggs. These crevices were often used every year or in alternate years over several years to brood eggs and hatchlings. Long-term site fidelity was shown by males (n=6) over a range of 4-13 years during which individual males were found in the same crevices in subsequent years at about the same time of year. Nest site fidelity by males may influence the continued use of these crevices. These crevices must have properties that result in their selection by males (and females) as breeding sites.