By: Ashley Rogers, Former NJSOC Education Intern
This month, we are spotlighting the Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) as part of our Wildlife At Risk blog series. This amphibian has a black body with markings that differ in color based on its sex (gray for females and white for males). Residing in moist forested regions, this solitary salamander is oftentimes discovered underneath rocks or in leaf litter, and can be found throughout the entire state of New Jersey. Marbled salamanders differ from other mole salamanders because the species is a terrestrial, autumn breeder. They lay an egg mass in dry vernal pools and then stay in the area with their 50-100 eggs until wet conditions return.
Marbled salamanders are an amphibian of special concern in New Jersey because of risks, including climate change, habitat fragmentation, and the illegal pet trade. Degradation of quality habitats for this amphibian has also played a role in impacting the species, as they are sensitive to water quality changes caused by increased runoff, insecticide spraying, and other pollutants. This species could be assisted through forest regeneration, heightened protections for vernal pools that are important breeding sites, and the implementation of wildlife corridors to help them move safely from one place to the next. To learn more, review posts from the IUCN Red List, Animal Diversity Web, and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
References:
https://conservewildlifenj.org/?species=ambystoma-opacum
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/59065/56540581
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ambystoma_opacum
https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/marbled_salamander.pdf