Biometric and demographic analysis of the Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) in the Gesäuse National Park

The Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) is an alpine Endemite, which is bound to natural and structurally rich habitats. Despite its high protection status as an FFH-IV species, there is little up-to-date data for many regions on locations, population sizes, body measurements and the conservation status of local populations. The Gesäuse National Park offers particularly suitable habitats for the Alpine salamander and is therefore an important area for population ecological studies. The aim of this work was to contribute to the monitoring of the Alpine salamander and to reduce existing data gaps in the region of Upper Styria. Two sites were examined for this purpose: the Hartelsgraben and the area around the Haindlkarhütte. During all ascents, the individuals were photographically documented and location coordinates, body weight and body length were recorded. Four standardized transect inspections were carried out in the Hartelsgraben, on the basis of which an assessment of the conservation status according to established criteria was carried out. In addition, the historical data of the Hartelsgraben site were compared with the current evidence. At the Haindlkarhütte site, a one-time inspection took place, which was used for comparison. In the Hartelsgraben a total of nine individuals could be detected during four ascents, while in the area of the Haindlkarhütte 25 Alpine salamanders were recorded during one ascent. Body lengths differed only slightly between locations, while noticeable differences in body weight were noted. Contrary to the initial assumption, current evidence was not concentrated near historical sites. The assessment of the conservation status of the population in the Hartelsgraben revealed a mixed picture as a high habitat quality was matched by low numbers of evidence and a lack of proof of reproduction. The results illustrate the methodological challenges in capturing Alpine salamander populations and underline the importance of long-term monitoring programmes. This thesis provides an important data basis for future investigations and provides for the first time a structured assessment of the conservation status of the Alpine salamander population in the Hartelsgraben. The Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) is an alpine endemic species that depends on natural and structurally rich habitats. Despite its high conservation status as an FFH Annex IV species, there is still a lack of recent data on distribution, population size, body measurements and conservation status of local populations in many regions. The Gesäuse National Park provides especially suitable habitat for the Alpine salamander and is therefore an important area for population ecological studies. The aim of this study was to contribute to the monitoring of the Alpine salamander and to reduce existing data gaps in the Upper Styria region. Two study sites were concluded: the Hartelsgraben and the area around the Haindlkar hut. During all surveys, individuals were photographed and their locations, body weight and body length were recorded. In the Hartelsgraben, four standardized transect surveys were carried out, which also allowed an assessment of the conservation status using established criteria. In addition, historical records from this site were compared with recent observations. At the Haindlkar hut, one survey was conducted and used for comparison. In the Hartelsgraben, a total of nine individuals were recorded during four surveys, while 25 Alpine salamanders were found during a single survey at the Haindlkar hut. Body length differed only slightly between the two sites, maintained clear differences in body weight were observed. Contrary to the initial assumption, current records were not concentrated near historical locations. The assessment of the conservation status of the Hartelsgraben population showed a mixed result, as high habitat quality was c