Population Structure and Seasonal Activity of the Adult Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) in Israel

Abstract

Population structure and seasonal activity are described for the urodele amphibian S. salamandra in the Carmel and Galil Mountains of Israel. Adult salamanders weigh 17.5-167.0 g and are 14.0-29.5 cm long. Males were in general smaller than females and more mobile during Oct.-Dec.; females during Jan.-March. Two forms of activity were recognized: local activity, taking place throughout the whole year and migratory activity towards the ponds. Most adult animals were caught within 10 m from their original point of capture (51%). Others (23.5%) wandered at a distance of 10-40 m and the remaining 23.5% wandered by more than 40 m way from the original point of capture. During winter most activity was associated with rain or high humidity (90-100% RH [relative humidity]) and 2-20.degree. C. During the summer the salamander aestivates inside cracks and burrows in the ground. Adult population estimate on 3 ha was approximately 58 individuals, and at Hammama Spring 50 individuals/0.1 ha. No significant difference was observed between numbers of males and females.