Abstract

In the Anthropocene, the 6th extinction is creating significant global population decline, species extinction, biodiversity loss. A significant driver of biodiversity loss is anthropogenic action, which oftentimes results in habitat loss and fragmentation and edge effects. Amphibians are experiencing significant biodiversity loss due to changes in environmental conditions and habitat loss. Investigating how edge effects influence amphibians could provide insight on amphibian populations in habitat fragments and improve conservation methods. To determine if edge effects were present within Wooster Memorial Park, Ohio, USA and if edge effects were negatively affecting local plethodontid salamanders, a study was conducted from September 2024 to November 2024. Using 16 plots (8 pairs) the environmental conditions of the forest interior and edge were recorded. The long-term environmental data showed that edges were significantly drier (dew-point temperature (°C) p = < 0.001, relative humidity (%) p = 0.003) and warmer (soil surface temperature (°C) p = 0.003) than the interior. The short-term environmental data was not significantly different between edge and interior (short-term soil surface temperature (°C) p = 0.310, leaf litter depth (cm) p = 0.181, earthworm abundance p = 0.260). Plethodontid salamander populations were surveyed for abundance and measured for body condition within interior and edge plots. Results indicate that edge effects significantly influence salamander abundance (total salamander p = 0.041; P. cinereus only p = 0.034), but insignificantly influence body condition (p = 0.430). It was concluded that significant edge effects are present within Wooster Memorial Park, Ohio, USA and that these edge effects have a significant negative influence on the present plethodontid salamander populations.

Advisor

Lehtinen, Richard

Department

Biology

Disciplines

Biodiversity | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Other Animal Sciences

Keywords

edge effects, habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, biodiversity, amphibian, salamander, plethodontid, Plethodonidae, Plethodon cinereus, Red-backed salamander

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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Available for download on Monday, July 22, 2030

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