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William H. Redmond 
nant form. However, detailed studies are needed to adequately describe 
the ecological interactions between these two species. The observed par- 
titioning of streamside habitats in Tennessee by D. welteri and D.fuscus 
according to gradient and substrate particle size, and the possible com- 
petitive relationship between D. welteri and D. monticola, are consistent 
with the findings of Juterbock (1975), Caldwell (1977), and Caldwell and 
Trauth (1979). 
Alteration of streams by coal strip mine operations, and extensive 
use of the species by bait fishermen, have resulted in the decline of many 
local populations. Desmognathus welteri was never taken from stream 
habitats where strip mining operations had removed bank vegetation, or 
from streams with high silt, sand, and heavy metal concentrations. 
However, because the species can inhabit relatively small streams, it was 
often found in isolated, unaltered coves adjacent to orphan mine lands. 
Within its range and in surrounding regions, D. welteri was one of the 
most common “spring lizards” found in bait shops. Its large size makes it 
a sought after fish bait. Up to 300 individuals were observed in one bait 
shop holding box in Norris, Anderson County, Tennessee. This 
collecting pressure is greatest during spring, summer, and early fall, and 
probably results in the removal of many large, reproductively active 
females. 
Widespread use of D. welteri as a live bait may have resulted in 
numerous introductions and alterations of the natural range of the 
species in Tennessee. Martof (1953) discussed the distributional and 
genetic ramifications of the commercial use of salamanders for fish bait. 
Many D. welteri populations studied were found along small rivulets 
which drained into nearby, often-fished streams. Although the data are 
inconclusive, this distributional pattern may indicate past introductions 
by fishermen. 
Considering the lack of knowledge concerning factors limiting its 
distribution, the rapid habitat degradation occurring in the Cumberland 
Mountains and Plateau, and the widespread use of the species as fish 
bait, I believe that D. welteri should continue to be considered as “in need 
of management” in Tennessee. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.~¥ox his constant assistance in the field 
and many helpful suggestions, I am grateful to Robert L. Jones, Ecology 
Program, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. R.S. Caldwell, Kentucky 
Nature Preserves Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, verified the iden- 
tification of many specimens taken during the study. Thanks are also due 
A.C. Echternacht, Ecology Program, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 
and two anonymous reviewers, for providing many helpful comments. 
LITERATURE CITED 
Barbour, Roger W. 1950. A new subspecies of the salamander Desmognathus 
fuscus. Copeia 1950(4):277-278. 
