Explosive Fall Breeding of the Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma Annulatum) in the Ozark Plateau of Oklahoma, Usa

Abstract

The ringed salamander (Ambystoma annulatum) is endemic to the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark Plateau of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma in the United States. There are various records and studies on the habits and ecology of this species in Arkansas and Missouri, but not in Oklahoma. Consequently, this charismatic amphibian species cannot be properly listed or managed for conservation purposes in the state. In this work we present the first documentation of explosive fall breeding aggregations of the ringed salamander in Oklahoma. We conducted fieldwork and found active breeding individuals in 14 ponds from three localities at the Ozark Plateau in the northeastern corner of the state. We used drift fencing with pitfall and funnel traps and performed visual encounter surveys during 6 weeks in the fall to obtain data from adult individuals, to observe their behavior, and to document presence of eggs and larvae in these ponds. We found 694 adult salamanders plus egg masses and larval individuals during the breeding season in 2018. The three localities studied had male-biased reproductive populations, females were significantly larger and heavier than males, there was no sexual size dimorphism in tail length, and behavior and natural history were consistent with that previously reported for the species. Our results show that ringed salamanders reproduce in a variety of temporary and permanent ponds in northeastern Oklahoma and exhibit similar habits and natural history as other populations in the Ozark Plateau region.