Salamander Coverboard Study Resource Brief 2024

The salamander on the left is the "lead-backed" phase, and the salamander on the right is the "red-backed" phase. These two phases have different behaviors and physiology.

NPS Photo / T. Henckel

The Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is a small terrestrial salamander that lives in north-eastern North America. This abundant species inhabits forest floors and prefers moist environments such as under rocks and logs. Red-backed salamanders do not have lungs and exchange oxygen through their permeable skin. They are nocturnal, venturing out to feed primarily on insects during the cooler nighttime hours.

Although named the red-backed salamander, this species has two color phases – “red-backed” and “lead-backed”. The red-backed phase has a red stripe running down its back whereas the lead-backed phase lacks this marking. These two phases have different behaviors and physiology.

Salamander Coverboard Study Objectives

1. Assess trends in Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) populations in the forest communities in Valley Forge National Historical Park.

2. The trends in salamander populations will provide information on overall ecosystem health as the forest responds to the reduction of deer and/or other management actions and environmental factors.

Overturning a coverboard to find red-backed salamanders.

NPS Photo / M. Lefevre-Levy

The Coverboard Study

This study uses “coverboard” arrays, a series of wooden boards placed equidistantly apart on the forest floor. The boards provide a cool and moist environment for salamanders to inhabit during the warmer daytime hours. This study design provides a less destructive method for assessing salamander population trends.

We are also interested in differences in population density between the types of forests present in the park – Oak (Quercus) and Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron). Oak forests tend to have drier forest floors than Tulip Poplar, which may impact salamander distributions.

A red-backed salamander.

NPS Photo / T. Henckel

Status and Trends: 2013 to 2023

An average of 23 salamanders per day were found during surveys. This number is slightly impacted by weather conditions, such as temperature and rain activity. We found more red-backed salamanders during surveys, with an average of 1.7:1 red-backs to lead-backs.

The average number of salamanders per visit has varied since 2013, but there was no distinct trend overall (see graph to the right.) We did not find a significant difference in salamander populations between Oak and Tulip Poplar forests.

The average number of salamanders found per visit each year from 2013 to 2023.

NPS Graphic

How You Can Help

Please help preserve natural salamander habitats by following the principles of leave no trace. Avoid overturning rocks and logs to search for salamanders!

Natural Resource Management Staff

Kate Jensen, Natural Resource Manager

Marta Lefevre-Levy, Ecologist

Ashley Kroon, Biological Science Technician

Report Prepared By:

August Blackman, NRM Intern 2023-2024