A Review of the Biology and Conservation of the Cope’s Giant Salamander, Dicamptodon copei Nussbaum, 1970 (Amphibia: Caudata: Dicamptodontidae) in the Pacific Northwestern Region of the USA

The Cope's Giant Salamander Dicamptodon copei is a stream dwelling amphibian reliant on cool streams, native to forested areas primarily west of the crest of the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest region, USA. Unlike other members of the genus, adult D. copei are most often found in a paedomorphic form, and rarely transforms to a terrestrial stage. As a result, they are dispersal-limited, which may affect gene flow between watersheds. Land-use activities that alter stream and riparian temperatures, substrates, and stream flow patterns can negatively affect the salamander. Forest management and associated road construction are the most pervasive land-use activities across the species range, and can contribute to habitat alterations that may impede dispersal, increase stream siltation, and increase stream temperatures. The effects of these land-use activities, in combination with projected climate change scenarios are largely unknown for the species. This biological review combines the most up-to-date information about the species, its range, life history, habitats, and potential threats, and describes conditions and land management approaches for supporting long-term viable populations.