Plethodon hybrid zone capture-mark-recapture survey plots at the Coweeta Hyrdologic Laboratory, Otto, NC.

A major goal of the Coweeta LTER is to understand the interactions between climate and land use on the ecology of southern Appalachia biota. Southern Appalachia is the global hotspot for salamander diversity, with most of that diversity situated at mid and upper elevations of mountains where species are functionally trapped by their dependence of a narrow, cool climatic zone. The ranges of the two terrestrial salamander species, Plethodon teyahalee (southern Appalachian salamander) and Plethodon shermani (red-legged salamander) meet at a unique hybrid zone at the Coweeta LTER in Macon County, NC. The hybrid zone is unique because it appears to be shifting up in elevation, possibly due to climate change. This research will be situated in the hybrid zone of these two species to assess the differential effects of climate change and land use on both species. To evaluate the effects of climate on the local ecology of salamanders, we will conduct an intensive mark-recapture study to measure surface activity on 6 plots distributed in pairs at 3 elevations that provide a range of warmer to cooler climates. Every two weeks, each plot is searched for 30 min by two investigators using head lamps. Animals are hand captured, identified to species, scored for color and patterning, measured, and marked using a unique combination of visible implant elastomers (VIE). This will enable us to estimate individual capture probabilities and rates of temporary surface emigration (an indication of avoidance of climatically unsuitable conditions).