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12 May 2021 The Effects of Climate on the Hypogean Migration of Cave Salamanders, Eurycea lucifuga (Rafinesque, 1822)
J. Gavin Bradley, Perri K. Eason
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Abstract

Terrestrial migrations of salamanders are influenced by many factors, particularly temperature and moisture availability. Although photoperiod is generally an important migratory cue, it has not been specifically considered for salamanders. We examine the importance of the above abiotic factors at the macro- and microclimatic scales in the subterranean migration of a population of Cave Salamanders (Eurycea lucifuga) in Kentucky. This species exhibited a cyclic, seasonal migratory pattern between the twilight and dark zones in a cave. Our regression analysis of macroclimate indicated this migration was influenced largely by photoperiod, but also highly correlated with temperature and relative humidity; principle components analysis confirmed the importance of similar microclimate variables (illumination, temperature, and substrate wetness), explaining 88% of the variability in the data. These environmental variables fluctuate little in the dark zone of caves and thus likely do not provide cues on seasonal conditions to salamanders. However, these cues do vary in the twilight zone and may inform salamanders of epigean seasonal conditions. This information is critical to these cave-dwelling salamanders, particularly for finding suitable food resources.

Copyright 2021 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
J. Gavin Bradley and Perri K. Eason "The Effects of Climate on the Hypogean Migration of Cave Salamanders, Eurycea lucifuga (Rafinesque, 1822)," Journal of Herpetology 55(2), 97-104, (12 May 2021). https://doi.org/10.1670/19-092
Accepted: 15 January 2021; Published: 12 May 2021
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