The Tiger Salamander
Tiger Salamanders are the largest land dwelling salamanders in North America and the ones with the greatest range. They live in forests, grasslands, and marshy areas, as long as there’s enough soil for them burrow about two feet deep. Tiger Salamanders can grow to 14 inches in length, but the average size is 6 to 8 inches.
Salamanders consume worms, insects, frogs, and other salamanders. As both predator and prey, salamanders help control pest populations and are food for other animals.
Salamanders are very sensitive to environmental changes, including toxins, pollution, and drought. Because of this, they are known as an indicator species. Indicator species can be very valuable in measuring the health of the environment. Healthy ecosystems mean healthy humans.
“If we lose salamanders, we lose an important part of what keeps many of our forests and aquatic ecosystems vital, along with the benefits those ecosystems provide for the American people.”
-Jason Goldberg, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biologist.
Our Tiger Salamander was bred in captivity, is 11” long, and has resided with Reflection Riding since joining us as a juvenile in 2009.
Salamanders are ectothermic, which means they can’t regulate their own body temperatures. So, when winter approaches, salamanders begin brumation, which is loosely referred to as the reptile form of hibernation. Our Tiger Salamander will sleep most of the winter, buried in substrate, and will not eat. He will awaken when temperatures get warmer..
See you in the spring, Tiger!
