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Abstract
Given the current global amphibian decline, it is crucial to obtain accurate and current information regarding species distributions. Secretive amphibians such as plethodontid salamanders can be difficult to detect in many cases, especially in remote, high elevation areas. We used molecular phylogenetic analyses to identify three partially digested salamanders palped from the stomachs of three Common Garter Snakes (
Thamnophis sirtalis) from the Klamath Mountains in northern California. Our results conclusively show that the salamanders were all individuals of
Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis, revealing a substantial vertical range extension for this sub-species, and documenting the first terrestrial breeding salamander living in the sub-alpine zone of the Klamath Mountains
Citation
Reilly, Sean B.; Gottsho, Andrew D; Garwood, Justin M.; Jennings, Bryan. 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of Common Garter Snake (
Thamnophis sirtalis) stomach contents detects cryptic range of a secretive salamander (
Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis) Herpetological Conservation and Biology 5(3):395–402
