California
Tiger Salamander
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Super
Salamander Facts
The California Tiger Salamander, also
known as Ambystoma californiese, inhabits
Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties, and the central
valley of California. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Having
a black body accented with yellow stripes, the amphibian resembles that of a
tiger.
The lifespan of the salamander is about ten years. Within
these ten years, it may reproduce once, or not at all, since some salamanders
may never find a pond to breed in. The salamander lays eggs which take anywhere from ten to
fourteen days to hatch. Around late spring, the hatched larvae will leave their pond
and find burrows (that have been dug by squirrels and the like) to escape from
the dry heat in. (U.S. FWS)
As a larva, the salamander eats algae,
mosquito larvae, tadpoles, and insects. An adult salamander’s diet is limited
to mostly insects. The salamander’s predators include fish, bullfrogs, and
large birds such as herons and egrets.
The Salamander is in Danger!
The California Tiger Salamander is endangered in both Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties, and threatened in Central California.
The
salamander has been suffering due to habitat fragmentation, or
the process in which a large
habitat is broken into smaller more isolated habitats. (Raphael K Didham) As a
result, ponds used as breeding grounds for the salamander are being destroyed
and reproduction rates are falling.
Urban and
agricultural development has been the direct cause for the loss of borrows in
which the salamander resides. The destruction of burrows has also lead to a
decrease in squirrel and other burrowing animal populations. As the population
of these animals decrease, so do available homes for the salamander.
The
salamander also suffers from the use of pesticides such as methoprene, which
targets mosquitos. Mosquitos are a popular prey for the salamander.
Road
vehicles also offer a problem for the salamanders. Salamanders cross busy roads
as in their search for breeding ponds and pools, but never make it.
What Is Being Done?
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| http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-salamander.html |
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been working with
private and local interest groups, and together they developed the Santa Rosa
Plain Conservation Strategy Team. The Team has designated eight conservation
areas for the salamander, along with some endangered plants. In 2005, the Team
formed the Implementation Committee to ensure the conservation areas were
created. Relocation of the Salamander is also a viable option, as there are similar
habitats in the Santa Rosa Plain.
Local
ranchers are also working with the U.S. FWS to preserve ranch stock ponds and
vernal pools so the salamander will always have a place to breed.
What You Can Do
There are
several things you can do to not only help the California Tiger Salamander, but
also many other endangered species in your area. First and foremost, you can be
aware of your personal habits and how your habits affect the ecosystem. This includes
disposal of your trash and litter, your methods of transportation, and your use
of water and electricity. You can minimize your waste output and take public
transport or carpool. This also includes simpler things such as knowing the
conservation laws in your area and leaving wildlife in its natural habitat.
There are
ways you can be more proactive as well. You can volunteer at your local
wildlife refugee center. Organizing and participating in clean up days will
also greatly benefit the wildlife in your area. (U.S. FWS)
With conscious effort from every day
regular people, species such as the California Tiger Salamander will have a
fighting chance at survival and prosperity.
Other Sources
https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Accounts/Amphibians-Reptiles/es_ca-tiger-salamander.htm
http://www.els.net/WileyCDA/ElsArticle/refId-a0021904.html
https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ES/Recovery-Planning/Santa-Rosa/Documents/Executive_Summary.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Accounts/Amphibians-Reptiles/Documents/What_You_Can_Do.pdf
Sources
“California
Tiger Salamander.” U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service. 3 October, 2016. Web.
Didham,
Raphael K. “Ecological Consequences of Habitat Fragmentation.” Wiley. November
2010. Web.
“Executive
Summary.” U.S. Fish & Wildllife
Service. Web.
“What You
Can Do to Help Wildlife and Plants.” U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service. Web.
Your blog was set up in a very clear way that was easy to understand and clearly presented all your information. I liked the pictures and the graphs shown as well as the use of 'habitat fragmentation' and how you defined it within your blog in case anyone reading it may not know what it means. Everything was very informative. However, I don't see the recovery plan for the California Tiger Salamander included anywhere in the blog. Other than that, overall you did a good job!
ReplyDelete-Amy Solari
You did a good job on your blog. I think the formatting may have gotten a little messed up when it was posted so it looks a little strange in some places, and some more clarification is needed for your in text citations since three of your articles are from the US fish and wildlife service. Overall, though, it was well written and informative.
ReplyDelete-Theresa Stewart