Salamandra atra aurorae Trevisan habitat and forest management

Salamandra atra aurorae Trevisan (golden alpine salamander) is an endemic and rare subspecies found within the Asiago plateau in north eastern Italian Alps. This species, listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, lives only within a relatively small number of forests dominated by Norway spruce, silver fir and beech. Nevertheless, little is known on its habitat requirements and its responses to forest exploitation as well as on its ecology and behavior. Here we present an experimental and survey design in 2014 to better understand the relationships between Salamandra atra aurorae, forest habitat characteristics and their changes brought by timber extraction. Two plots (5X3 m) have been established in the proximity of 50 trees suitable for harvesting and a set of habitat variables have been recorded. Within the plots, during the first year, vascular plant species, and deadwood and stone presence and quantity were surveyed. Furthermore, it was possible to extrapolate data on soil moisture, soil reaction and soil nitrate through the use of Ellenberg indicator values. In November 2014, a subset of the 50 trees were harvested after snow covered the ground surface and on the basis of presence/absence data in the plots of Salamandra atra aurorae. Currently the surveys are being repeated within all plots to enable possible post harvesting intervention comparisons. This experimental study will enable to shed light on Salamandra atra aurorae habitat requirements and its relationship with timber extraction.