Ringed salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ringed salamander |
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The ringed salamander (Ambystoma annulatum) is a special type of mole salamander. These amphibians live in forests in the central United States. You can find them in places like the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains.
They mostly live in parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Some smaller groups have also been found in western Illinois.
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About the Ringed Salamander
Ringed salamanders are known for their unique look. They have dark bodies with bright rings around them. These rings can be yellow or orange. They are a type of mole salamander. This means they spend a lot of their time underground.
Where They Live
These salamanders love damp, forested areas. They often hide under fallen leaves or rotting logs. You might also find them in old holes dug by other animals. They like to be near shallow ponds. These ponds are important for them to lay their eggs.
Living Underground
Ringed salamanders are very good at digging. This skill is called being fossorial. Because they are so good at digging, adult salamanders often live in safe spots underground. This helps them stay cool and moist. It also protects them from predators.
Protecting the Ringed Salamander
The ringed salamander is becoming harder to find. This is because they only live in certain areas. They also need very specific places to breed. Scientists believe there are about 100,000 of these salamanders left.
The IUCN checks on animals around the world. They have listed the ringed salamander as "Least Concern." This means they are not in immediate danger of disappearing. However, it's still important to protect their forest homes. This helps make sure they can continue to thrive.
