Siskiyou Mountains salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siskiyou Mountains salamander |
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The Siskiyou Mountains salamander (Plethodon stormi) is a special type of salamander. It lives only in a few places. You can find it near the Klamath River. This river is in northern California and southern Oregon. It's a close relative of the Del Norte salamander. Some scientists who study amphibians think it might even be a type of that salamander.
What Does the Siskiyou Mountains Salamander Look Like?
The Siskiyou Mountains salamander has a rich brown color. It also has small white speckles. It is about 9 cm (4 in) long. This measurement does not include its tail. Its tail can be different lengths.
Like other plethodontids, this salamander does not have lungs. Instead, it breathes through its moist skin. It is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. It likes cool, wet places. You will see it most during rain or when the air is very humid. It stays underground when it is hot or freezing cold.
Why is the Siskiyou Mountains Salamander Endangered?
The Siskiyou Mountains salamander is an IUCN Red List endangered species in California. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Its home is shrinking. This is because of logging (cutting down trees) and building dams. These activities reduce the wet, cool places where it can live.
Other Amphibians in the Area
In 2005, scientists made an interesting discovery. They used genetic analysis to study salamanders. They found that a larger, darker salamander was actually a different species. This new species was named the Scott Bar salamander (Plethodon asupak).
Another important amphibian living near the Siskiyou Mountains salamander is the rough-skinned newt. Its scientific name is Taricha granulosa.
