Spotted Salamander introductions at a new recipient site in Atlanta
Right here in Atlanta, we have huge black-purple salamanders with bright yellow spots — the Spotted Salamander! Background Spotted Salamanders are an incredible and secretive species, and even though they live right here in Atlanta, most people have never seen one. We are right in the middle of Spotted Salamander breeding season, so now is your chance ! Spotted Salamanders ( Ambystoma maculatum ) are an ephemeral wetland breeding amphibian, meaning they breed in seasonal pools (or puddles) that do not hold water (typically) for more than a few months. Most of them (as high as 90%) breed in the same puddle they were born! Unfortunately, there are not many of these puddles left in Atlanta, and we at AF have only been able to find 2 remaining populations inside the 285 perimeter. Spotted Salamanders are incredibly sensitive to habitat alteration and require a suitable ephemeral wetland, as well as upland habitat to persist. If there is a road or other obstruction in between where...
