Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification
Guide
California Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma californiense
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| The California Tiger Salamander was until recently
considered a subspecies of Ambystoma tigrinum (A. t. californiense),
but is now regarded as a separate species, Ambystoma californiense.
This species can reach a maximum length of 8.5 inches. Like the some
of the Tiger Salamanders further east, its color pattern consists of
a dark background with a gray belly and light, yellow to cream colored
spots. However, the spots are fewer and smaller on average than in the
Tiger Salamanders (A. tigrinum spp.)
that have a dark background dominating over light colored spots. The
California Tiger Salamander is a winter breeder, migrating to the breeding
site after sufficient rain has fallen. They utilize temporary ponds
or fish free permanent ponds. Larvae require 2.5 - 3 months to reach
metamorphosis. |
| Populations of the California Tiger Salamander in Santa Barbara
County are federally listed in the USA as endangered.
Habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization, excessive use of pesticides
and the introduction of fish are the major causes of this species decline. |
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