Current status, habitat requirements and management of the Larch Mountain salamander Plethodon larselli Burns

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The Larch Mountain salamander Plethodon larselli is endemic to a narrow corridor along the Columbia River gorge where it occurs within talus slopes in the states of Washington and Oregon. While very little new information has been published on this species since its first description by Burns (1954), its limited range and data indicating that most populations are small and isolated suggest that it is a relict species on the decline. Space analysis of the microhabitat requirements indicates that this plethodon is restricted to steep, wooded talus slopes where the rocks are of small size (1 to 6 cm in length) and there are relatively large amounts of decaying plant material and small quantities of soil. Recently identified additional populations are being or have been severely impacted by a variety of human activities, including extensive removal of gravel from the slopes for road building and maintenance and clear cutting of the overstorey. These environmental alterations appear to damage significantly the salamander's habitat. Therefore, if this species is to survive, appropriate action must be undertaken immediately to protect the remaining habitat.

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Reference Code: A85HER01IDUS

Full Citation: Herrington, R. E., and J. H. Larsen. 1985. Current status, habitat requirements and management of the Larch Mountain salamander Plethodon larselli Burns. Biological Conservation 34(2): 169-179.

Location: ANIMAL EF: PLETHODON IDAHOENSIS