October 17, 2018 at 4:40 pm
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A spring salamander is quite recognizable due to its large size and color.[/caption]
By MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Phillip deMaynadier and MDIFW's Mark Latti
If you happen to see a spring salamander, you won’t soon forget it. These chunky, salmon-pink salamanders are the largest of the streamside salamanders in Maine, reaching lengths of 6 inches or more. They live almost exclusively in the oxygen- rich, crystal clear water of forested mountain streams in central and western Maine.
The high-octane, oxygenated conditions provided by shady, cool streams are a necessity, as unlike most other Maine amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) that have lungs, these aquatic salamanders only absorb oxygen through their skin and membranes in their throats. Along with brook trout, spring salamanders are the top predators in many headwater streams where they prey on crayfish, snails, insects, and even other salamanders.
Phillip deMaynadier, the head of our Reptile-Amphibian-Invertebrate Group, is pictured here conducting a recent stream survey for spring salamanders in the mountains of Somerset Co. Specialized surveys like this one help the Department better understand the distribution and habitat needs of some of Maine’s rare and at-risk wildlife species.
Maine’s spring salamanders are listed as a species of Special Concern because of their restricted range and specialized headwater stream preferences -- habitats that are vulnerable to threats from residential development, right-of-way clearing, and certain intensive forestry practices.
To learn more about Maine’s species of Special Concern, please visit: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/endangered-threatened-species/special-concern.html#amphibians
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MDIFW's Phillip deMaynadier searchs a mountain stream for spring salamanders. (Photo by Trevor Persons)[/caption]
A spring salamander is quite recognizable due to its large size and color.[/caption]
By MDIFW Wildlife Biologist Phillip deMaynadier and MDIFW's Mark Latti
If you happen to see a spring salamander, you won’t soon forget it. These chunky, salmon-pink salamanders are the largest of the streamside salamanders in Maine, reaching lengths of 6 inches or more. They live almost exclusively in the oxygen- rich, crystal clear water of forested mountain streams in central and western Maine.
The high-octane, oxygenated conditions provided by shady, cool streams are a necessity, as unlike most other Maine amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) that have lungs, these aquatic salamanders only absorb oxygen through their skin and membranes in their throats. Along with brook trout, spring salamanders are the top predators in many headwater streams where they prey on crayfish, snails, insects, and even other salamanders.
Phillip deMaynadier, the head of our Reptile-Amphibian-Invertebrate Group, is pictured here conducting a recent stream survey for spring salamanders in the mountains of Somerset Co. Specialized surveys like this one help the Department better understand the distribution and habitat needs of some of Maine’s rare and at-risk wildlife species.
Maine’s spring salamanders are listed as a species of Special Concern because of their restricted range and specialized headwater stream preferences -- habitats that are vulnerable to threats from residential development, right-of-way clearing, and certain intensive forestry practices.
To learn more about Maine’s species of Special Concern, please visit: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/endangered-threatened-species/special-concern.html#amphibians
[caption id="attachment_3158" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] MDIFW's Phillip deMaynadier searchs a mountain stream for spring salamanders. (Photo by Trevor Persons)[/caption]Categories