12 

 Fire 



Although Coeur d'Alene salamanders have evolved in an 

 environment that has periodically burned, elimination of canopy 

 cover between sites by prescribed fire, compounded with logging, 

 could unnaturally terminate exchange of individuals between sites 

 and increase fragmentation and the likelihood of extinction. 

 Prescribed burns in fall and early spring could also disturb 

 breeding activities. Fires may also affect water quality through 

 sedimentation, and chemical changes such as increased levels of 

 nitrogen and phosphorous (Belt et al. 1992) . 

 Water diversion 



Alteration of stream flows by dams or diversions may drown 

 salamanders and flood habitat, or dry up downstream sites. Wells 

 could lower the water table and dry up salamander habitat. 

 Blasting associated with water diversion projects could directly 

 kill salamanders and could potentially eliminate subterranean 

 habitat. 

 Pollution 



Salamanders are vulnerable to mortality from pollution such as 

 acid rain and pesticides, herbicides, slurry air drops for fire 

 suppression, or other toxic chemicals, including those in 

 roadside runoff. 

 Exotic species 



Introduction of exotic amphibian, fish or other species could 

 reduce salamander populations if they prey on salamanders 

 (Collins et al. 1988), or compete for food or space. 



