Master Herpetologist Field Trip: Search for Marbled Salamanders in Atlanta!

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We had another successful October field trip to Constitution Lakes (Dekalb County, GA), this time with the Master Herpetologist students. Constitution Lakes is a fantastic urban site for an autumn field survey. Future Master Herpetologists, Anthony, and myself shared pictures for this article.

#DipnetSelfie
We found many adult Marbled Salamanders, but not as many nests as last year. Perhaps we haven't had enough rain yet in Atlanta to trigger a full migration.

Most of the Fall 2019 Master Herpetologist group — geared up and ready for amphibian surveys.
Alan had the distinction of finding the first Marbled Salamander of the survey.
Marbled Salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) are a common species throughout most of their range, but not in Atlanta, where they were undoubtedly once common. Now, our community science surveys have only detected one population of the species in metro Atlanta, and that is at Constitution Lakes. For more information on Marbled Salamanders, and the AF community science program (MAAMP) see the program website: www.maamp.us

A Marbled Salamander in the dry pond basin. The basin was so dry that the terrain was cracked.
Ambsytoma opacum is a particularly beautiful species, with 'marbled' patterning of whites and greys on a black background.

Rain during the survey is only a positive when your goal is to find amphibians.
Anthony showing off a Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) to Alice and Oliver.

Kacey holding a male Marbled Salamander

Anthony showing off a beefy Narrowmouth Toad

A great shot by Kacey of a female Marbled Salamander guarding a nest of eggs.

In an urban wetland, it is not uncommon to find amphibians making use of what is available. In this instance, 2 female salamanders are guarding their nests under a discarded car tire.
Tina and Katie showing off a Marbled Salamander detected in the pond basin.


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