Preference for Soil Moisture, Soil pH, and Light Intensity by the Salamander, Plethodon cinereus

Habitat preference by Plethodon cinereus was examined by allowing salamanders to choose among different combinations of soil moisture, soil pH, and light intensity at varying levels. Although soil moisture, soil pH, and light intensity all significantly affected salamander distribution, soil pH was clearly the most influential factor. Interactions between abiotic factors played only a minor role. Light intensity was found to play a less substantial role in P. cinereus distribution than suggested by previous studies; salamanders were less apt to move away from light if they were already in locations with acceptable soil moisture/soil pH levels.