The Salamanders Eurycea longicauda and Plethodon glutinosus in Gregorys Cave, TN: Monitoring and Observations on Ecology and Natural History

Abstract Monthly surveys were conducted in Gregorys Cave, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for one year using systematic, repeatable methods to quantify the distribution and abundance of the salamanders Eurycea longicauda and Plethodon glutinosus. Information was gathered regarding larval development of E. longicauda in cave pools, as well as the occurrence of young P. glutinosus. Salamanders were most commonly encountered during spring and late summer from the entrance gate to 50 m inside the cave. Both species were found deepest in the cave during late summer–early fall and late winter–early spring. Young P. glutinosus and recently transformed E. longicauda were observed during late winter and early spring between 50 and 80 m inside the cave. Additional study is required to further understand the timing and frequency of metamorphosis of larval E. longicauda in cave pools.