Limitations of regulated "buffer zones" for the conservation of marbled salamanders

Published source details Gamble L.R., McGarigal K., Jenkins C.L. & Timm B.C. (2006) Limitations of regulated "buffer zones" for the conservation of marbled salamanders. Wetlands, 26, 298-306.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Retain buffer zones around core habitat Action Link

Retain buffer zones around core habitat

A replicated study in 1999–2003 of seasonal ponds within hardwood forest in Massachusetts, USA (Gamble et al. 2006) found that most migrating marbled salamanders Ambystoma opacum originated further than 30 m from breeding sites indicating that regulation 30 m buffer zones around wetlands were not sufficient. Of the 366 breeding adults immigrating to the ponds, 84–96% captured at 3 m from ponds were first captured at 30 m. Of animals emigrating from the ponds, 58–85% of newly emerging juveniles (n= 2,282 captures) and 60–79% of adults captured at 3 m were subsequently captured at 30 m. Juveniles were captured 111–1,230 m from breeding ponds (n = 284). Standard wetland buffer zones that extended 30 m from the pond edge were simulated using drift-fencing. Fencing with pitfalls every 10 m on both sides was installed around three ponds (up to 0.35 ha) at 3 m and 30 m from the pond margin. Traps were checked daily in May–November 1999–2000 and individuals marked. Juveniles were captured emigrating from 10 ponds in 1999–2003.