My dissertation research focuses on the link between the movement behavior of individual organisms and the structure and dynamics of their populations. Because the movement path of an individual affects its energy balance and survival probability, the collective outcomes of individual movement trajectories will ultimately influence population survivorship and abundance. My research specifically focuses on characterizing the behavior of red-legged salamanders (Plethodon shermani) in response to timber harvesting. I am also conducting an intensive mark-recapture study in order to simultaneously monitor changes in population size that result from timber harvest. Understanding variation in individual movement behavior and the resulting survival consequences will be critical to predicting how species will respond to changes in their environment and may highlight the problem of non-optimal movement behavior in altered landscapes. 

Behavioral Response of Terrestrial Salamanders to Timber Harvesting -- Previous studies have concluded that reduced salamander abundance following timber harvest is either a product of extensive mortality or a result of the behavioral responses of salamanders to disturbance (such as dispersal or decreased movement and increased refuge use). These mechanisms of population decline can be summarized as 1) mortality, 2) retreat or 3) evacuation. Using “PIT-tag Telemetry,” I am currently seeking to determine the range of behavioral responses of salamanders to timber harvesting and the survival consequences of these behaviors.

Population-level Effects of Timber Harvesting on a Terrestrial Salamander Assemblage --Salamanders are incredibly abundant in Appalachian forest ecosystems but have very narrow temperature and moisture tolerances. Previous research has demonstrated that salamanders appear to decline in relative abundance following timber harvest. I am currently conducting an intensive mark-recapture study in order to determine the trajectory of salamander population decline following timber harvesting. Coupled with data from my behavioral studies, this effort should allow me to determine the relative importance of salamander behavior as a mechanism for the perceived declines in salamander populations following timber harvest.

Movement Strategies of Plethodontid Salamanders in a 3-year-old Timber Cut -- The movement strategies of animals may differ between habitat and non-habitat, suggesting that observed movement behavior within habitat may be a poor predictor of the ability of individuals to traverse non-habitat. Using a combination of PIT-tag Telemetry and fluorescent powder tracking, I am currently investigating the movement behavior of forest-dependent salamanders which are forced to cross open ground. My objectives will be 1) to determine the survival cost of movement through non-habitat and 2) to determine the extent to which salamanders alter their movement behavior in response to habitat quality.  

Connette, G.M., and R.D. Semlitsch. 2011. Subterranean detection of Plethodontid salamanders with a portable PIT-tagging system. Wildlife Research. (In press)

Connette, G.M., S.J. Price, and M.E. Dorcas. 2011. Influence of Abiotic Factors on Activity in a Larval Stream Salamander Assemblage. Southeastern Naturalist 10:109-120.

Mackey, M.J., G.M. Connette, and R.D. Semlitsch. 2010. Monitoring of Stream Salamanders: The Utility of Two Survey Techniques and the Influence of Stream Substrate Complexity. Herpetological Review 41(2): 163-166.