In a Nutshell: Case study showcasing land management strategies that seek to reduce wildfire-associated impacts on two endemic threatened or endangered salamander species in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico.

Presenters:

• Dr. Rachel Loehman, US Geological Survey
• Dr. Nancy Karraker, University of Rhode Island and Center for Applied Fire and Ecosystem Science, New Mexico Consortium

Description: Uncharacteristically severe and frequent wildfires represent a significant threat to populations of two amphibian species of conservation concern in New Mexico: the Jemez Mountains salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus; Federal Endangered) and the Sacramento Mountain salamander (Aneides hardii; State Threatened). Both species are endemic relicts of past glacial events whose populations remain perched on cooler, moister mountaintops in mixed conifer forests. Although fuels treatments can reduce the likelihood of high severity forest fires, treatments may also alter critical habitat characteristics for these protected species. This presentation discusses ongoing work to assess salamander population trajectories along gradients of fire severity and forest structure and composition. This research establishes a conservation baseline and supports development of management strategies for reducing risk of wildfire-associated impacts to habitats and populations.

Hosted by the Southwest Fire Science Consortium.