Identify the organism or biological attribute that you plan to study.
I returned to Wesburn Park in Burnaby for my field observations and discovered new little creatures that had not been present on my last observation had I not looked among the rocks near the creek! My prior observations were from a distance of a couple of feet, so I see the benefit of building on field research by looking at the environment more closely. I came across two Western Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) – as they traversed an environmental gradient within this park’s lush landscape.
Observations Along the Gradient
Location 1: Riparian Zone
In the lush riparian zone near the park’s creek, Western Red-backed Salamanders are abundant. The damp soil and ample cover provided by leaf litter and fallen logs create a perfect habitat for these creatures. They are frequently observed moving beneath logs and rocks in search of insects and other prey.
Location 2: Mixed Forest Area
As I move away from the creek into the mixed forest area, the number of salamanders I encounter starts to decline. I still find them, but they are more scattered and harder to locate. The forest floor here is drier than the riparian zone, and less cover is available. Could moisture levels and available shelter be influencing their distribution?
Location 3: Grassland Clearing
Finally, the Western Red-backed Salamanders are rarely observed in a grassland clearing. The dry soil and lack of hiding spots make this environment less suitable for their survival. Their presence is confined to areas near tree bases with more moisture and cover.
Hypothesis and Prediction
Based on my observations, I hypothesize that the distribution and abundance of Western Red-backed Salamanders are closely tied to moisture levels and availability of hiding spots. I predict that as moisture decreases and shelter becomes scarcer, the occurrence and abundance of salamanders will decrease accordingly.
Variables for Investigation
Response Variable: Abundance of Western Red-backed Salamanders (Continuous)
Explanatory Variable: Moisture Level (Continuous)
Explanatory Variable: Availability of Hiding Spots (Categorical: Low, Medium, High)
Exploring Wesburn Park has been an eye-opening experience, shedding light on the complex relationship between the Western Red-backed Salamander and its environment. As I continue to investigate the connections between moisture, shelter, and salamander presence, I am excited to contribute to our understanding of local biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems.