Jefferson Salamander
(Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
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Species Description
**Description:** A long-toed, grayish-brown salamander with a long, slender snout. They are among the earliest amphibians to emerge each year.
1. Habitat in the ANF
A rare find on the plateau. They live in upland deciduous forests but migrate to fish-free "vernal pools" in late winter (February/March) to breed.
2. Conservation Status
**Rare / Species of Concern.** They are highly sensitive to the drainage of small forest wetlands. They are known to hybridize with Blue-spotted Salamanders, making "pure" Jeffersons even rarer.
3. Identification
Look for the very long, thin toes and the overall "dusty" gray-brown color. They lack the brilliant spots of their cousins, appearing much more drab and camouflaged.
1. Habitat in the ANF
A rare find on the plateau. They live in upland deciduous forests but migrate to fish-free "vernal pools" in late winter (February/March) to breed.
2. Conservation Status
**Rare / Species of Concern.** They are highly sensitive to the drainage of small forest wetlands. They are known to hybridize with Blue-spotted Salamanders, making "pure" Jeffersons even rarer.
3. Identification
Look for the very long, thin toes and the overall "dusty" gray-brown color. They lack the brilliant spots of their cousins, appearing much more drab and camouflaged.