Spatial Distribution and Site Fidelity in Green Salamanders, Aneides aeneus

Cupp, P.V.: Spatial Distribution and Site Fidelity in Green Salamanders, Aneides aeneus.

Individual green salamanders, Aneides aeneus (N=94) were captured and identified by the unique pattern of black spots on their heads. Individuals were then returned to the rock crevices from which they had been removed. Additional visits were made to the same areas in southeastern Kentucky over a four-year period with 50 animals (53%) being recaptured at least once. These 50 animals were recaptured 111 times, with the majority (96%)located in the same crevices in which they were first captured. Among males, larger individuals were recaptured more frequently. Also, larger males occupied the same crevices over a longer time than did smaller males. Further, observations of 337 males and 216 females indicate that adult A. aeneus occur singly in rock crevices. The spacing of A. aeneus in individual rock crevices and the fidelity of males to specific crevices provides additional evidence for territoriality in this species.

the Society for
Integrative &
Comparative
Biology