Salamanders

Mount Lyell Salamander, endemic to the Sierra Nevadas. PC: Amy, via Encyclopedia of Life

Salamanders are very unique creatures. They’re amphibians, so they spend their life moving between water and land, always staying close to a water source. While they look like lizards, with a long body and tail and two pairs of legs coming off the sides of their body, they have no scales, and are smooth and moist to the touch. Most salamanders are opportunistic predators, and will feed on anything that’s about the right size for them. Because of their life strategies, salamanders live near water and can’t travel very far from a water source, making it difficult for a population to move to better habitat. For salamanders native to the dry regions of the American west and southwest, this can be harder than it sounds. Many salamander species in these regions are threatened or endangered due to several factors pertaining to their habitats. Habitat degradation, through logging, overgrazing, and the draining of wetlands can devastate a population of salamanders by disrupting the creeks, plants, and animals of their home. Populations are often separated by roads, which can be a source of mortality when salamanders try to cross these roads and are struck by cars. Salamanders are also injured or killed when water sources are modified, either physically or chemically. The construction of dams, introduction of pollution, human recreation, and creation of canals can all hurt a salamander population and kill individuals. So what can we do to protect these animals? Here are three easy things we can all do to help salamanders:

1. Use road salt alternatives. Road salts are washed into local wetlands and waterways and are extremely damaging to salamanders because their skin absorbs whatever is in the water. Cat litter and sand are both reasonably priced, environmentally safe alternatives to rock salt.
2. Stay chemical free when in salamander habitat. Chemicals from conventional bug spray and sunscreen can be damaging to salamanders and other amphibians. Instead, use DEET free sprays or wear clothing that protects you from bugs and sun damage.
3. Avoid handling salamanders. Salamanders are cute and squishy and have weird little hands, I know, but the more you touch them, the more they absorb your oils and salt from your skin, which can be very damaging. Animals also just don’t like being picked up by giant strange beings. Look with your eyes, take pictures, and draw a picture, but leave them where they are.

Practicing these habits can help save salamanders in our communities, helping us keep our wetland and riparian ecosystems healthy and happy.

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