Tiger Salamander

Common Name: Tiger Salamander
Scientific Name: Ambystoma tigrinum
Size: 6-13 inches (15-34 cm) long
Habitat: Underground burrows, meadows, forests, and shady canyons near sources of water.
Diet: Earthworms, large insects, small rodents, amphibians, snails, and small crustaceans (shrimp and crayfish)
Predators: Birds, snakes, ring-tailed cats, and foxes

 

Tiger Salamander

NPS

General Biology: Tiger Salamanders are amphibians, meaning they can live both in the water and on land. These salamanders have striking tiger-like markings across their backs that vary in color from a murky brown to vibrant yellows. Young salamanders, or larvae, have gills and fins that shrink and disappear as the larvae reaches maturity. Mature salamanders will live in underground tunnels, but can be found swimming in springs and near other water sources.

Behavior: Tiger salamanders migrate to breeding ponds that are devoid of fish in late winter or early spring. The male and female salamander mate by circling and nudging one another. The female will eventually follow the male and pick up the spermatophore that the male deposits. The female will lay eggs that will hatch about four weeks later. Larvae will stay in the pond until they become adults in 2.5 to 5 months. After that, they will dig tunnels underground to live in during hot days and emerge at night.

Conservation: Tiger Salamanders are not a threatened species, but habitat loss is the greatest threat to them. As wetlands are filled in and destroyed, tiger salamanders must search longer and farther to find good breeding ponds that are devoid of fish. Also, as the climate warms, water sources may dry up and become scarcer, eliminating this crucial environment for the Tiger Salamander.

When To See: Tiger Salamanders are rare in Bryce Canyon. These reclusive creatures tend to only emerge and travel at night to avoid predators. Some have been found in Swamp Canyon and at springs within the back country trails. The best chance of seeing a Tiger Salamander is after a heavy rain, near twilight, or during the night.