Richard F. Johnston
Natural History of the Salamander, Aneides hardii
"Natural History of the Salamander, Aneides hardii" by Richard F. Johnston and Gerhard A. Schad is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. The book focuses on the ecological and biological characteristics of the Sacramento Mountains Salamander within its natural habitat, specifically between elevations of 8500 to 9600 feet in New Mexico. It includes details about the salamander's anatomy, behavior, diet, and reproduction, offering valuable insights into the life cycle and ecological role of this species. The authors conducted extensive field studies over three years to gather data on 277 individual salamanders, examining their habitat preferences, foraging behavior, and reproductive patterns. They found that "Aneides hardii" primarily lives in decomposing logs and talus during the summer while likely retreating underground during winter. The study highlights the salamander’s eating habits, which largely consist of ants and beetles, and discusses its parasitic relationships, revealing a benign type of nematode infestation. Notably, the authors observed a unique low clutch size in egg-laying, suggesting slower reproduction rates and long life expectancy for the species. Overall, the book serves as an important resource for understanding the natural history and conservation needs of "Aneides hardii".