Investigating Occupancy of Plethodon Cinereus and Plethodon Richmondi in The Southern Appalachian Mountains

This study investigated the spatial occurrence of Eastern Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and Southern Ravine Salamanders (Plethodon richmondi) in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Environmental factors were evaluated to explain both detection and occupancy probability for each species. Field sampling for the summer was during the months of June, July, and August of 2021. Detection for P. cinereus was best explained by precipitation over the previous 3 days. Plethodon richmondi detection was best explained by the interaction of leaf litter depth and calendar day. P. cinereus occupancy did not have a model that best explained occupancy, while topographic position index best explained P. richmondi occupancy. Fall field sampling was during September, October, and November. Detection for P. cinereus was best explained by the interaction of relative humidity and days since last rain. P. richmondi detection was best explained by the interaction of soil moisture and calendar day. P. cinereus did not have a model that best explained occupancy, while topographic position index best explained P. richmondi occupancy. Detection of both species appears to be influenced by moisture levels. This data will serve as the foundation for future models across seasons and to understand how these species coexist within terrestrial ecosystems.