Blotched Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma mavortium melanostictum

Status

Endangered (Federal)
Red Listed (Provincial)

Description

Blotched Tiger Salamanders are 14 cm to 22 cm in length, have unwebbed, pointy toes, and a variety of yellowish-green brown mottled skin colourations.

Habitat

Key habitat features include loose soil for burrowing, semi-permanent to permanent fish-free water bodies for breeding, and possibly small mammal burrows for daily cover and suitable over-wintering sites.

Blotched Tiger Salamanders can be found from Osoyoos to Summerland.

Threats

-Predation and disease transmission from invasive species (e.g. American Bullfrogs)
-Stocking wetlands/ponds with non-native fish
-Loss of wetland habitat through destruction, modification, draining and channalization
-Wetland degradation and choking from invasive plants
-Water contamination from pesticide use and other contaminants and pollutants
-Habitat fragmentation, causing species isolation and an increasing risk of road mortality
-Livestock trampling and erosion of banks around wetlands
-Swimming pools with unprotected circulation pumps
-Compaction of soil through urban development, agricultural practices (eg grazing and tilling), and recreational activities (ATV).

You Can Help!

Never move amphibians or fish from one pond to another to prevent disease spread.
Protect natural wetlands from livestock and fish stocking
Remove invasive frogs that may carry disease or be predacous (e.g. Bullfrogs, Goldfish)
Reduce wetland exposure to contaminants and pollution (e.g. increase vegetation buffers)
Protect remaining wetlands and terrestrial habitat (e.g. grasslands and forested areas)
Conserve water - over irrigation lowers the water table, and dries up small ponds
For swimming pools install floating ramps for escape, and pump filters to help keep amphibians from getting trapped
Maintain natural sandy soils and vegetation instead of installing sod, gravel, or pavement
Prevent over-grazing, which causes soil compaction, and prevents the salamander from burying itself in to the ground