Siskiyou Mountains, Scott Bar salamanders do not warrant Endangered Species Act protection - Service concludes species not threatened by habitat loss
|
 |
Category: WildlifeType: News
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Date: Thursday, January 24th, 2008
The U.S.F.W.S. today announced that 2 species of salamander, the Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders, do not warrant Federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It was determined that neither salamander is threatened by habitat loss or other substantial threats in any portion of their ranges. The Service made the determination in response to a January 19, 2007, court order.
Both species are endemic to the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. Recent genetic and morphological research has determined that the Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders are distinct species. In addition, the Siskiyou Mountains salamander is divided into 2 genetic groups, the Applegate salamander in Oregon and a small portion of California, and the Grider salamander, located primarily in California. Roughly 440 Applegate salamander, 76 Grider salamander, and 115 Scott Bar salamander localities are currently known.
The Siskiyou Mountains salamander and Scott Bar salamander are completely terrestrial, medium-sized, slender-bodied salamanders with short limbs and a dorsal stripe. Both salamanders are found within,and are associated exclusively with, rock or talus outcrops in a variety of forest habitats where moisture and humidity are high enough to allow dermal respiration.
The salamanders appear to be associated with, or more abundant in, dense mature forest conditions, but they are regularly found in a wide range of habitat conditions. Recent studies indicate that salamander populations are reduced by intensive habitat disturbances such as clear-cutting, but then recover as vegetation recovers. Less intensive disturbances such as forest thinning do not appear to negatively affect populations.
The salamanders are secretive and spend the majority of the year underground in rock crevices, making population studies difficult. The number of known salamander locations has increased dramatically during the last decade, and large areas of suitable habitat have yet to be surveyed.
A copy of the finding about the Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders is accessible on the Internet at www.fws.gov/yreka or by calling the Yreka Field Office in California at (530) 842-5763. Questions about this finding can be sent to Phil Detrich, Field Supervisor, Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office, 1829 South Oregon Street, Yreka, CA, 96097. Questions may also be emailed to: Siskiyou_salamander@fws.gov.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife requests that any new information concerning the status of, or threats to, these species be submitted to the Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office whenever it becomes available.
New information will help the Service monitor these species and encourage their conservation. If an emergency situation develops for these or any other species, we will act to provide immediate protection.
There are currently no comments for this story. Be the first to
add a comment!
Click here to add a comment about this story.
U.S. E.P.A. awards in excess of $86,000 to Northern California tribes following major illegal dump cleanups
... forward," Scott noted. The Klamath River Basin, which covers 10.5 million acres in southern Oregon and Northern California, is home to 6 federally-recognized Tribes and several National Wildlife Refuges, parks ...
Amargosa Toad Warrants Review for Possible Protection Under the Endangered Species Act
... -depth status review of the Amargosa toad (Bufo nelsoni) to determine if it warrants federal protection as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Notice was published today in ...
Protection of Pacific Walrus Under the Endangered Species Act May Be Warranted, U.S.F.W.S. Finds
... ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) under the Endangered Species Act presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that ... or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to designate critical habitat. The petition states that ...
Endangered Species Act Protection for Ashy-Storm Petrel is Not Warranted
... seabird that lives off the California coast, does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service made this ... and Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, California 95521; telephone 707-822-7201; facsimile ...
Least Chub May Warrant Protection Under the Endangered Species Act
... chub, a member of the minnow family found in the Bonneville Basin, may warrant federal protection as a threatened or endangered species, the U.S.F.W.S. announced today following an initial review of a petition ...
CACTUS FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL MAY WARRANT PROTECTION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
... ferruginous pygmy-owl may warrant federal protection as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). ... essential to us as we determine whether Endangered Species Act protection is warranted." Today's decision, known as a 90 ...
Mono Basin Area Population of Greater Sage-Grouse Warrants Review for Possible Protection Under the Endangered Species Act
... the Mono Basin area population of greater sage-grouse to determine if it warrants federal protection as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Today's decision, commonly ...
Pygmy Rabbit May Warrant Protection Under Endangered Species Act
The U.S.F.W.S. (Service) announced today that the pygmy rabbit may warrant federal protection as a threatened or endangered species following a review of a petition seeking to protect the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus ...
U.S.F.W.S. to Conduct Additional Review for Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar Salamanders
The U.S.F.W.S. announced today that 2 species of salamander, the Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders, will gain additional review ... (ESA). Both species are endemic to the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. The ...
U.S.F.W.S. finds protections for Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders are adequate
... species of salamander, the Siskiyou Mountains and Scott Bar salamanders, do not warrant Federal protection under the Endangered ... Species Act (ESA). Both species are endemic to the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. For Q& ...
