Identification
The
most distinguishing characteristics of this long slender salamander are its
green or yellowish-green lichen-like pattern and its square-tipped toes. The
ground color is dark brown to dark gray, and the belly is a plain light gray.
The eyes of the Green Salamander are large and noticeable, and the limbs are
thin and long. Hatchlings look like adults with shorter tails. Adult Green Salamanders
may reach lengths of 8.3-12.5 cm (3.25-5 in), with 14-15 grooves along the sides
of the body (costal grooves).
Distribution and Status
The range of the Green Salamander extends from extreme southwestern Pennsylvania
and southern Ohio southwest through extreme northeastern Mississippi. Disjunct
populations are also found in central Kentucky, northeastern Virginia, and in
an area spanning extreme northeast Georgia and adjacent northwest South Carolina
and southwest North Carolina. Within the Midwest the Green Salamander is found
in Ohio and Indiana. It is listed as State Endangered in both states.
Ecology
Living in rocky outcrops with deep crevices, the Green Salamander must remain
in areas that are moist but not wet. Often seen climbing on rock surfaces, they
can be found hiding in crevices, as well as under bark or rocks. They also claim
home territories, and males will defend their rock crevice against other male
Green Salamanders.
Threats
and Management Issues
The living requirements of the Green Salamander are both unusual and specific,
and as such this animal is becoming increasingly rare throughout much of its
range. Timber harvesting operations around rock outcrops can be detrimental
to salamander populations. A buffer area should be maintained around these outcroppings
to provide for suitable foraging and nesting sites.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499