Salamanders of Santa Clara Valley

It’s salamander season! Although similar in shape, salamanders are not the same as lizards. In fact, they are amphibians, which means their skin is moist, and they are typically found in dark, damp environments. Although these creatures are quite gentle and non-aggressive, there are a few good reasons not to pick them up – including the fact that they are slimy and highly toxic. Keep reading for some interesting information about salamanders found in Santa Clara Valley:
What kinds of salamanders live in the South Bay?
More than 40 percent of salamanders in the US are threatened with extinction, including the California tiger salamander. Protecting its habitat is critical to prevent extirpation (extinction from a specific area) or extinction entirely.

What do they look like?
They’re often lungless! The California newt does have lungs, but the California tiger salamander, slender salamander, and arboreal salamander are all lungless, and breath through the pores in their skin. This is another reason not to pick these critters up, as lotion or sunscreen can harm them.
All newts are salamanders, but not all salamanders are newts, and there are a few key differences. For example, newts have webbed feet and a paddle-like tail, while salamanders typically have longer and more rounded tails with well-developed toes.
Key Characteristics
- The California tiger salamander is black with bright yellow spots, and is highly endangered.

- The California newt varies in color, from a yellowish brown to a dark brown color skin, with a pale yellow or orange belly. This newt is the most poisonous of the bunch.

- Slender salamanders, as their name suggests, are very thin, almost worm-like. They leap away from their predators to then try and hide.

- Arboreal salamanders are dark brown or gray, usually with yellow or white spots. These buddies have sharp teeth and can bite.

- The yellow-eyed ensatina evolved its yellow eyes and brightly colored orange belly to resemble the more toxic California newt - as a way to discourage predators! You can distinguish them from California newts as the newts have bumpy skin and clearer eye color definition.

What do salamanders eat?

Where do they live?
Many think of salamanders as aquatic species, but California tiger salamanders found in Santa Clara Valley are only found in ponds during breeding season. Ideal habitat for them are seasonal ponds near upland areas of healthy grasslands and oak woodlands.
The slender salamander prefers moist areas on lands instead of ponds.
The arboreal salamanders prefer dense, moist forests, as they can climb trees up to 60 feet above the ground!
The California newt prefers slowly moving streams for breeding, and moist areas for its adult habitat.
Ensatinas spend most of the dry season underground in burrows and beneath rotting logs and leaf litter. After the first rains, they make their way above ground.

Are salamanders poisonous?
California newts are quite poisonous because their skin secretes tetrodotoxin, the same toxin found in puffer fish, making them deadly to animals that eat them.
If you see salamanders out on the preserves, like with all wild animals, we ask that you please keep a respectful distance.
Though they are small and gentle by nature, getting picked up can stress them out and cause them to lose energy unnecessarily.

How do salamanders reproduce?
Seasonal ponds are better for the California tiger salamanders because ponds that are dry most of the year grow less vegetation than ones that are wet year-round – which means fewer places for predators to hide!
They typically travel 1-3 miles to get to their breeding destination, and they visit the same breeding pond every year.
Can I keep a salamander as a pet?
Similarly, never release a pet salamander into the wild. This can introduce diseases that are harmful to native wildlife populations, and exotic species may outcompete native species. If you need help rehoming your pet salamander - please reach out your local shelter or animal care center.
How can I help local salamanders at home?
Taking shorter showers, turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth and between washing dishes are just a few simple ways you can reduce your water usage.
To reduce your carbon usage, try taking public transportation instead of driving to your next destination, eating more plant-based meals, or composting your food waste.
And feel free to do more research to find ways to conserve water and carbon that work best for you!
Salamanders are just one of the many animals that depend on open space in Santa Clara Valley. These delicate creatures are sometimes referred to as "indicator species" because they are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. This means local population numbers may be linked to the health of local watersheds. They also play a valuable role in the ecosystem, contributing to the larger food chain and promoting biodiversity.
Thank you for doing your part to respect and protect these creatures and the places they call home.