Plethodon jordani
along the ridge north of Heintooga Overlook
September 8, 2000

Miles Altitude Score for red on cheeks
from start (feet) 0 1 2 3 4

0.0 5320 10 0 0 0 0
2.0 4960 5 4 3 0 0
4.0 4800 1 3 4 2 0
6.0 4700 0 1 4 5 0

P. jordani hybrids P. glutinosus
8.4 4420 6 1 3

Explanation of scores . . .

  • 0 -- no red pigment on sides of head (cheeks entirely gray)
  • 1 -- discontinuous spots of red (or orange) at top of cheek
  • 2 -- continuous red along top of cheek
  • 3 -- entire cheek red
  • 4 -- red extends ventrally onto throat

If two sides of head have different scores (happens occasionally), then animal receives the higher score.


Other species

salamanders
Desmognathus ochrophaeus 5 (including one resembling P. serratus)
Desmognathus wrighti 1
Eurycea bislineata 3

others
Barred Owl 2 hooting in distance
unidentified bats
Eurasian Wild Boar Sus scrofa1 big male crossed the road between miles 6.0 and 8.4


Notes: surface of leaf litter dry -- but litter and ground moist underneath the surface -- springs flowing