The semi-aquatic nature of the salamander species in this project makes them not only excellent indicators of stream health, but also of the health of areas surrounding streams. It is important to determine what influences salamander populations and communities because knowledge of these variables is necessary to determine the best management strategies to protect salamanders and to predict the impact of land use activities on these animals. I plan to study salamanders in their natural environment, paying special attention to how they use the habitat that is available to them, how they distribute themselves in the stream, and how they interact with each other. Slimy salamanders, Plethodon glutinosus, occur in more terrestrial situations, but will be included when encountered. The spotted dusky salamander is a commonly found, semi-aquatic salamander.
Adults range from six to fourteen centimeters in total length.
In general, they occur in forested habitats in and along the margins of small streams with rocks, logs, moss, and other cover. Younger spotted dusky salamanders generally occur close to streams and adults remain in burrows in surrounding streambanks. Breeding is reported in both autumn and spring. Nests are in damp, sheltered places. Eggs hatch in five to seven weeks and hatchlings are gilled and must stay in streams.