Salamander abundance and amphibian species richness in riparian buffer strips in the Oregon Coast Range
-
Published source details
Vesely D.G. & McComb W.C. (2002) Salamander abundance and amphibian species richness in riparian buffer strips in the Oregon Coast Range. Forest Science, 48, 291-297.
Published source details Vesely D.G. & McComb W.C. (2002) Salamander abundance and amphibian species richness in riparian buffer strips in the Oregon Coast Range. Forest Science, 48, 291-297.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
|
Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest Action Link |
 |
-
Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest
A replicated, site comparison study in 1994–1995 along streams at 29 forest sites in western Oregon, USA (Vesely 1997, Vesely & McComb 2002) found that clearcut forest with retained riparian buffers had significantly higher amphibian density than total clearcut plots (12 vs 6/1,000 m2). However, compared to unharvested sites clearcut sites with riparian buffers had significantly lower total salamander abundance (21 vs 30) and species richness (3 vs 5) and abundance of three individual salamander species. Two species did not differ between treatments. Overall and individual species density did not differ significantly within plots with riparian buffers and unharvested sites (amphibians: 12 vs 13/1,000 m2). Amphibian density was significantly higher within wide (>40 m) compared to narrow (<20 m) buffers (13 vs 5/1,000 m2). The same was true for species richness (5 vs 2). Seventeen clearcut sites (< 5 years old) with riparian buffers (0–64 m wide) and 12 unharvested sites (> 100 years) were selected. Visual encounter surveys were undertaken in three 20 x 40 m streamside plots/site (within buffers, clearcut, unharvested areas) in April–May and November–December 1994 and March–May 1995.
)_2023.JPG)
