Kern Canyon slender salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kern Canyon slender salamander |
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The Kern Canyon slender salamander (Batrachoseps simatus) is a special type of salamander. It is known as a plethodontid salamander because it does not have lungs. Instead, it breathes through its skin!
Where It Lives
The Kern Canyon slender salamander is found only in one specific area. This means it is endemic to California in the western United States. You can find it in Kern County.
This unique salamander lives in the forests of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. It prefers areas south of the Lower Kern River. A lot of its home is inside the Sequoia National Forest. This forest is located between the cities of Bakersfield and Lake Isabella.
What It Looks Like
The Kern Canyon slender salamander is usually dark brown. It has pretty bronze and reddish spots all over its body. This salamander is quite small, growing to about 2 inches long.
Since it's a lungless salamander, it needs to keep its skin wet to breathe. It often lives in damp places like under wet leaves. When it's humid or raining, you might see it out and about. During dry times, it hides underground in holes and cracks. This helps it stay cool and moist. It looks a lot like another salamander called the Tehachapi slender salamander.
Protecting This Salamander
The Kern Canyon slender salamander, Batrachoseps simatus, needs our help. It is listed as a threatened species in California. The IUCN Red List also considers it a Vulnerable species. This means its population is decreasing, and it could be in danger if we don't protect its habitat.
