Survey of Salamanders in Mississippi Limestone Caves

Authors

John G. Himes, University of Southern MississippiFollow
David C. Beckett, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Austin W. Trousdale, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

During 2000-2002 we surveyed for salamanders in the larger limestone caves of Mississippi, all within the Vicksburg Group rock unit. We found four species: Plethodon mississippi was the most abundant, followed by Eurycea guttolineata, Eurycea cirrigera, and Desmognathus conanti. We did not find Pseudotriton montanus in any of the caves, and question the validity of an investigator's statement made nearly 45 years ago that, "it is one of the most numerous salamanders in Mississippi. limestone caves." The salamander fauna we found is similar to that of the only other comprehensive survey of salamanders in Mississippi caves, conducted almost thirty years ago.

Comments

©Southeastern Naturalist

Publication Title

Southeastern Naturalist

Volume

3

Issue

2

First Page

241

Last Page

248

Recommended Citation

Himes, J. G., Beckett, D. C., Trousdale, A. W. (2004). Survey of Salamanders in Mississippi Limestone Caves. Southeastern Naturalist, 3(2), 241-248.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/8629