7 

 northwestern Plethodon (Nussbaum et al. 1983) , they are highly 

 dependent on the thermal and hydric stability provided by wet 

 habitats in otherwise inhospitable svirroundings . For this 

 reason, Coeur d'Alene and Van Dyke's salamanders are closely tied 

 to water and are considered among the most aquatic Plethodon 

 (Brodie and Storm 197 0) . 



Coeur d'Alene salamanders have been found in three major types 

 of habitat: springs or seeps, waterfall spray zones and edges of 

 streams. Seventy-six percent of known locations are classified 

 as seeps, 6% as waterfalls, and 17% as streams. One percent (two 

 sites) are in abandoned mine shafts (Appendices B and C) . 

 However, the relative nvunber of locations in each type is biased 

 by differences in survey efficiency and probably does not reflect 

 the importance of the different habitats. The abundance of seep 

 locations is at least partly due to the relative ease of 

 surveying roadside seeps. Streams and waterfalls are often less 

 accessible, particularly at night. Salamanders are most 

 difficult to find in streamside habitat, where they are usually 

 observed underneath moist rocks on the banks adjacent to the 

 water. Searches of 30 minutes to find a salamander at a stream 

 site dviring daylight are not uncommon (Groves 1988) . 



Coexir d'Alene salamander sites are generally located in 

 coniferous forest, but are not restricted to a particular 

 overstory species or aspect. Populations have been found in 

 areas with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa ) , Douglas-fir 

 f Pseudotsuqa menziezii ) , western larch ( Larix occidentalis m , 



