EASTERN TIGER SALAMANDER
The Tiger salamander has dark brown to black skin with yellow or olive colored spots or blotches. Their underside is yellow. They have a broad head with small, ‘buggy’ eyes, and a rounded snout. These salamanders also have a long tail. The tiger salamander’s skin has granular glands that secrete mucus to prevent moisture loss. If its skin dries out, the salamander’s respiratory system will fail. The mucus also helps maintain the salamander’s body-fluid level, as amphibians can absorb moisture through their skin. These salamanders can also secrete a toxic substance that deters predators. Adults are prey for snakes, skunks, badgers, raccoons, and owls. The eggs and tadpoles are eaten by fish, water birds, insects, frogs, and other salamanders. Reproduction: • Mating season: March and April; they will breed in temporary pools or ponds lacking fish. • Incubation period: 2-4 weeks • Clutch size: up to 100 eggs (eggs do not have a shell and are deposited on twigs, grass stems, and leaves in the water) • Development of young: The hatched tadpoles go through metamorphosis to become air-breathing adults. After developing legs and lungs, they will leave the ponds and move underground. • Sexual maturity: 4-5 years The eastern tiger salamander is the largest land-dwelling salamander. They are named for their striped pattern (although some of the salamanders appear to have spots instead of stripes). Tiger salamanders do not drink; instead, they absorb water through their skin. They are mostly nocturnal and spend most of their time underground. Their burrows are often 2 feet below the surface, which helps avoid extreme surface temperatures. During the winter, these salamanders do not hibernate. Instead, they lower their body temperature so that it is closer to the ambient environment. If there are periods of extended subzero temperatures, however, the salamander will have to move to a warmer location or it will freeze. Tiger salamanders are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss in addition to acid rain and pollution of waterways. Many are also hit by cars. Although they are not federally listed, they may be listed in areas of their range. For example, these salamanders are listed as endangered in the state of New York. On exhibit in Learning Center.