Imperiled Species highlight: The Siskiyou Mountains salamander
We are so wild about the Siskiyou Mountains salamander, it is the KS Wild mascot! We continue to advocate on behalf of this species that is only found in the Klamath-Siskiyou region. Learn more about our efforts to protect this species through advocacy that dates back over two decades here.
First, a little refresher: Siskiyou Mountains salamander (Plethodon stormi) is a lungless salamander. They breathe through their skin, which must always be wet for respiration to occur. Due to their need for moist climates, these salamanders live in talus or rocky hillsides in the shade of older forests with closed canopies. They surface from their subterrestrial homes during the fall, winter, and spring rains and feed upon spiders, pseudoscorpions, mites, ants, and collembolans (or ‘springtails’) on the surface at night. Because they require moist habitat, they are extremely sensitive to forest disturbances such as logging that dry out their habitat.
Some history: In 2000, we completed a status review for the Siskiyou Mountains salamander. We follow new genetic research which has the potential to warrant protection for distinct populations under the Endangered Species Act. ESA protection for these populations could result in a significant reduction in logging and road building on both public and private lands.
In 2004, KS Wild and a coalition of groups filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requesting protection of the Siskiyou Mountains salamander as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The salamander was formerly protected under a provision of the Northwest Forest Plan called the “Survey and Manage” Program, which required the Forest Service and BLM to conduct surveys of the salamander and protect its habitat.
In 2005, genetic research led to the discovery of a new species, Plethodon asupak. The populations of this species are in northern California’s Scott Bar Mountains and formerly thought to be Siskiyou Mountains salamander locations.
In 2016, the BLM withdrew from the Northwest Forest Plan and no longer surveys for salamander habitat. Also, the nearby Klamath National Forest has ramped up its post-fire logging program, including areas within salamander habitat. So, on both sides of the Siskiyou Crest, the salamander is facing increased threats from federal management.
In 2018 we again petitioned for an ESA listing of the Siskiyou Mountains salamander, but the Trump administration denied the petition in 2019. While our efforts led to the establishment of a Conservation Agreement between agencies, the protections of the Endangered Species Act are needed to ensure the persistence of this rare and at risk species.
What’s happening today: The salamander species is still at risk. The most prevalent threats to Siskiyou Mountains salamanders are clear-cutting or regeneration harvests on known or suitable habitat, road building, quarry development, and development for recreational use. Studies have shown that two years after clear-cutting hams this species. Add to this the increasing impacts of climate change, and the Siskiyou Mountain salamander is in real trouble. KS Wild, along with our allies, are prepared for a long-term struggle to protect salamander habitat.
You can help us protect for imperiled species like the Siskiyou Mountains salamander by donating to our Wildlife Defense Fund. When you donate to the fund, you are directly giving to our advocacy and litigation to keep species like this one alive within the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion.