Climate-Mediated Competition in a High-Elevation Salamander Community
The distribution of the federally endangered Shenandoah Salamander (Plethodon shenandoah) is presumed to be limited by competition with the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). In particular, the current distribution of P. shenandoah is understood to be restricted to warmer and drier habitats because of interspecific interactions. These habitats may be particularly sensitive to climate change, though the influence of competition may also be affected by temperature and relative humidity. We investigated the response of P. shenandoah to competition with P. cinereus under four climate scenarios in 3-dimensional mesocosms. The results suggest that, although climate change may alleviate competitive pressure from P. cinereus, warmer temperatures may also significantly influence the persistence of the species across its known range.Abstract
(a) Cross-section diagram of the experimental mesocosm with numerical labels indicating surface and underground layers: (1) misting nozzle, (2) surface atmosphere, (3) soil layer, (4) first interstitial space, (5) burrow, (6) second interstitial space, and (0) bulkhead. Arrows indicate directional water flow. (b) Lateral view of a constructed mesocosm (without lid and heat cables). Subsurface spaces and burrows are visible below the soil/litter layer with cover objects.
Mean ± SE change in mass for P. cinereus (PCIN; triangles) and P. shenandoah (PSHE; squares) under cool (blue lines) and warm (red lines) treatments in interspecific and intraspecific pairings.
Contributor Notes
