It has been several months since my last blog. In that time I have been very busy doing outreach education events to promote salamander conservation and stewardship. Along side these efforts, I have been spending a great amount of time
Pelee Island's Rare Salamander
In May 2016, I embarked on a 7 hour road trip to extreme Southern, Ontario. Here I would catch a ferry to the center of Lake Erie so I could reach Pelee Island. This is the largest of the Erie
Appalachian Salamanders
The Southern Appalachian Mountains Region is often hailed as the Salamander Capital of the World. In fact, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute proclaims that the Appalachian region is home to more salamander species than anywhere else in the world, making
December Salamander Encounters
December in Ontario means colder temperatures, shorter days, and the prospect of snow at anytime. Therefore, it is not a time that most people would think is good to head out to observe salamanders. However, this past weekend’s relatively mild
Canada’s rare stream dweller: The Spring Salamander
The Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) is a large species of stream dwelling Plethodontid (lungless salamander). In Ontario, the species is designated as extirpated (extinct from the province). The species was known to have occurred in the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario,
The Search For Endangered Salamanders: Jefferson and Small-mouthed Salamanders
The Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) and the Small-mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) are both large species of Ambystomatids (mole salamanders). The Jefferson Salamander occurs primarily in the northeastern United States, while the Small-mouthed Salamander ranges from Ohio south to the Gulf
Visiting The Salamander Capital of the World!
The southern Appalachian mountains region in Tennessee is considered the salamander capital of the world. This is due to the great species diversity that is present in this area. The region is also a major center of evolutionary diversification for
How You Can Help Salamanders This Spring!
During the early Spring, rains and snowmelt create temporary flooded pools on the forest and woodland floors. These are known as vernal or ephemeral pools. As these bodies of water are created new each spring, they lack fish and other
A Year Rich in Hemidactylium: Meetings with the Four-Toed Salamander
The Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum), is a minute species of plethodontid (lungless salamander). It is a monotypic species, being the sole representative of the Hemidactylium genus. Their range extends from southeastern Canada down through to the Gulf of Mexico. Populations
Rendezvous with the region’s largest salamander species! The Mudpuppy!
On the evening of December 12th 2013, I headed out on a trip to observe salamanders. To see them I would have to travel to a creek and then wander around in the dark knee deep frigid water, as it