Migratory behavior and hibernacula preferences in Plethodon cinereus.

Many animals exhibit seasonal migratory behavior. In this study, we examined Plethodon cinereus, a salamander indigenous to New York State, whose migratory patterns and hibernacula preferences are not well understood. On a weekly basis, we recorded the frequency of salamanders under four different types of cover, metal roofing, flat stones, plywood, and decaying logs. These cover boards were placed in a series of sixteen transects in a former evergreen plantation at the base of the Helderberg escarpment. Using JMP software, we found a significant relationship between number of salamanders under our boards and decreasing photoperiod, as well as a significant difference between number of salamanders found under plywood compared to metal.