California
Ambystoma tigrinum californiense  Joyce Gross | |
| Type of Animal: | Amphibians |
|---|---|
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Ambystomatidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Ponds,Grassland,Woodland |
| Description: | California tiger salamanders are not the easiest creatures to find, but if you look under rocks and logs after a recent rain you may just spot one. These salamanders come out from their underground burrows at night to migrate to breeding sites. In California, the migrations begin during the month of November when California tiger salamanders breed. Salamanders breed in temporary or permanent water. This subspecies of the tiger salamander typically lays eggs singly rather than in clusters. The eggs are laid from December to February and the larvae transform in late spring or early summer. These salamanders eat a variety of animals, including worms, slugs, insects, fishes, and small mammals. The biggest concerns for California tiger salamanders are habitat reduction and introduced species. The necessary habitat for these salamanders is also prime habitat for development. The temporary rain pools are built on, which destroys potential breeding sites. Introduced fish species feed on California tiger salamander larvae and pose a threat to the survival of this species. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | Species account (PDF file) - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Field Office(s): | Bakersfield; Redding |