California Tiger Salamander in California's Central Coast Region
Contents
Summary
The California Tiger Salamander (CTS) of the Central Coast Region is a genetically distinct subgroup of the Central California Distinct Population Segment (DPS), one of three DPS in California. In 2004, the Central Coast DPS was federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and in 2010 received the same listing from the State of California under the California Endangered Species Act. In 2017 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a recovery plan specific for this DPS.
Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Urodela
Family Ambystomatidae
Genus Ambystoma
Species californiense
Description
CTS is a large and stocky terrestrial salamander with a broad, rounded snout. Adults range in length from approximately 6 to 9.5 inches and have a black body with white or yellow markings. This color pattern may serve as a warning to potential predators, as adults produce noxious skin secretions from the dorsal surface of the tail. CTS larval coloration can vary, but larvae are generally pale colored. Larvae are fully aquatic with external gills and a fin along the length of their back. Upon metamorphosis, the gills and fin disappear and lungs and four legs are fully developed.
Habitat
Central Coast Region CTS primarily inhabit coastal grasslands and open woodlands that contain vernal pools and ponds. Vernal polls likely provide higher quality breeding habitat because they are less likely to contain predators that feed on salamander larvae such as aquatic insects, fish, bullfrogs, and non-native salamanders. However, CTS have begun to more frequently occupy livestock ponds and perennial ponds, perhaps due to habitat fragmentation. This species is not known to breed in streams or rivers.
Large tracts of upland habitat are necessary for the survival of CTS. They require areas that are occupied by small mammals such as the California ground squirrel and Botta's pocket gopher because they build underground tunnel systems that are used by the CTS through the year. Large, continuous areas of scattered breeding pools that also contain terrestrial habitat that contains these burrows are ideal to ensure that recolonization can occur if a population at an individual pool is wiped out.
Life History
Breeding
Diet
Predators
Threats
Conservation
Links
References
Disclaimer
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.
