Population decline of northern dusky salamanders at Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

We investigated and reviewed the current and historic distribution of northern dusky salamanders ( Desmognathus fuscus fuscus) in Acadia National Park (ANP), Maine, USA during 1938–2003. Historical data indicate that northern dusky salamanders were once widespread and common in ANP. We conducted int...

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Veröffentlicht in:	Biological conservation Jg. 130; H. 2; S. 230 - 238
Hauptverfasser:	Bank, Michael S., Crocker, Jeffrey B., Davis, Shirley, Brotherton, David K., Cook, Robert, Behler, John, Connery, Bruce
Format:	Journal Article
Sprache:	Englisch
Veröffentlicht:	Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2006 Elsevier
Schlagworte:	Amphibia. Reptilia Amphibian declines Animal, plant and microbial ecology Applied ecology Biological and medical sciences Caudata Conservation biology Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife Desmognathus fuscus fuscus Freshwater Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology Habitat Headwater streams Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution United States North America Maine America USA, Maine Conservation biology Habitat Headwater streams Amphibian declines Desmognathus fuscus fuscus Caudata Amphibia Amphibian declines;Conservation biology;Desmognathus fuscus fuscus;Habitat;Headwater streams Biology Population decline Freshwater environment National park Aquatic environment Vertebrata Population dynamics Stream Environmental protection
ISSN:	0006-3207, 1873-2917
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Zusammenfassung:	We investigated and reviewed the current and historic distribution of northern dusky salamanders ( Desmognathus fuscus fuscus) in Acadia National Park (ANP), Maine, USA during 1938–2003. Historical data indicate that northern dusky salamanders were once widespread and common in ANP. We conducted intensive surveys for stream salamanders during 2000–2003 and observed only two adult northern dusky salamanders on one stream. No eggs or larvae were observed. Although the cause of the observed population decline is unknown, we identify multiple potential stressors including stocking of predatory fishes, fungal pathogens, substrate embeddedness, and widespread pollution (i.e., from atmospheric pollutants) of surface waters at ANP. Our data suggest that ANP streams may no longer be suitable for northern dusky salamanders. This investigation is the first to document the decline of a stream dwelling amphibian species in a national park (i.e., areas that are not subject to obvious habitat loss or major changes in land use) with widespread mercury contamination of its surface waters.
Bibliographie:	ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-1 content type line 23 ObjectType-Article-1 ObjectType-Feature-2
ISSN:	0006-3207 1873-2917
DOI:	10.1016/j.biocon.2005.12.033