Correa, F. S. & L. C. Rodrigues

On the distribution of Neotropical climbing salamanders (Bolitoglossa paraensis) in a forest fragment of the eastern Amazon. pp. 445-450.

Abstract. The distribution of the individuals of a species provides valuable insights into its habitat use. We studied the distribution of Neotropical climbing salamanders (Bolitoglossa paraensis) in a fragment of Amazonian forest. We collected data during four periods of the year (mid and late rainy season, mid and late dry season) in 23 plots of 250 m² each, distributed randomly within the Gunma Ecological Park, in the Brazilian state of Pará. Within each plot, we measured the minimum distance to forest edge, and searched actively for salamanders in all the available microhabitats. For each individual encountered, we recorded the plot, snout-vent length, and height above ground. The distribution of salamanders within the forest was heterogeneous during the mid rainy season. We found no relationship between the abundance of individuals and the distance to the forest edge during any part of the year, but there was a negative correlation between salamander SVL and height above ground in the mid rainy season (March-April). Differences in the distribution of individuals within the forest over the course of the year appeared to be determined primarily by the breeding season of B. paraensis. 
Key words: Amphibia, Caudata, Plethodontidae, size, edge effect, perch height, rainforest.