Data from: Unexpected spatial population ecology of a widespread terrestrial salamander near its southern range edge

Under the current amphibian biodiversity crisis, common species provide an
opportunity to measure population dynamics across a wide range of
environmental conditions while examining the processes that determine
abundance and structure geographic ranges. Studying species at their range
limits also provides a window for understanding the dynamics expected in
future environments under increasing climate change and human
modification. We quantified patterns of seasonal activity, density, and
space use in the Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) near
its southern range edge and compare the spatial ecology of this population
to previous findings from the core of their range. This southern
population shows the expected phenology of surface activity based on
temperature limitations in warmer climates, yet maintains unexpectedly
high densities and large home ranges during the active season. Our study
suggests that ecological factors known to strongly affect amphibian
populations (e.g., warm temperature, forest fragmentation) do not
necessarily constrain this southern population. Our study highlights the
utility of studying a common amphibian as a model system for investigating
population processes in environments under strong selective pressure.