Population Survey Data for Coastal Giant Salamanders in the Chilliwack River Valley

This long-term (1994-2001) mark-recapture study of Coastal Giant Salamanders led by Dr. John Richardson (UBC) and Dr. William Neill (UBC) took place in 12 small streams in the Chilliwack River Valley, BC.

This study includes survey data to assess whether forest harvest history near the streams or other geomorphic characteristics impacted density, survival, and growth rates. These data, the only long-term data using mark-recapture designs (CJS, using Lebreton design) for this species anywhere, will play a crucial role in future recovery efforts for this threatened species in Canada. The scientific value is high in understanding population dynamics and in the face of continued land use impacts and climate change, offering hope for the future of these salamanders.