September 21, 2016
David Flick, Principal and Founder of Terra Technologies, announces that two mitigation banks in Missouri designed and monitored by Terra Technologies have been independently verified to sustain habitat for a salamander species not previously observed in their respective counties.
Observations of small-mouthed salamanders (Ambystoma texanum) at the Smith Creek Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Moniteau County and at the Gasconade River Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank in Gasconade County were verified by the Missouri Herpetological Association as the first official recordings of the presence of that species in each county.
The observation of small-mouthed salamanders at these mitigation banks located in the Ozark fringe will help to define the edge of this species’ range. In addition, the Gasconade River Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank has been verified as also containing marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum). This was the first official observation of marbled salamanders in Gasconade County in almost 30 years, reviving the status of this species from being historically present to be currently residing in that area. Several central newts (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis ) have also been observed at this location.
The presence of these salamanders shows that the mixture of successful upland and wetland ecosystems at these mitigation banks is functioning at a high enough level to provide valuable wildlife habitat for species that need both habitat types to survive and reproduce. Rather than a few very large pools, these mitigation sites feature many small pools that have fluctuating water levels and dry out during most years. As a result, the wetland habitats function as needed habitat for animals that require ephemeral seasonal wetlands, a wetland type that is becoming rarer as this type of wetland is either filled in and converted to other land uses or deepened to become farm ponds. Similarly, it is common for mitigation wetlands to feature deeper wetland types, rather than this ephemeral wetland type.
For more information about biological services, contact your local office of Terra Technologies.
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