Meeting Abstract
In response to global climate change, many terrestrial species are shifting their ranges poleward or upwards in elevation. Montane species with restricted ranges, however, are limited in their ability to do so and are especially threatened by rising temperatures. Lungless salamanders (Family: Plethodontidae) are highly diverse in the Appalachian region of the United States. This group includes species with extremely wide ranges, like Plethodon cinereus, as well as several species restricted to small ranges at high elevations. Understanding, the specific mechanisms that dictate geographic range limits will be critical for mitigating negative impacts of climate change and preserving biodiversity. We will present data on the metabolic, thermal, and hydric physiology of three species of plethodontid salamanders: a widespread species, Plethodon cinereus, and two montane endemics, P. hubrcihti and P. sherando. We examine differences in their physiology including thermal tolerances, thermal preference, metabolic rate, and water loss rates. We integrate these data with field measures of habitat use in a mechanistic niche framework to assess shifts in conditions under future climate scenarios. We then use these data to discuss the best approaches to conserve geographically-restricted species under rapidly changing environments.
