California, famously known as the Golden State, is one of the most biodiverse regions in North America. Its varied landscapes, from coastal marshes to towering mountain streams, are home to an incredible array of plant and animal life. Among this rich biodiversity, the salamanders in California stand out as some of the most fascinating and diverse amphibians, with many species found nowhere else in the world.
With at least 25 species found across the state, California is a hotspot for salamander diversity compared to many other states. These unique amphibians inhabit a wide range of environments, from the damp shade of redwood forests to the rocky terrain of high-altitude lakes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most remarkable salamanders you might encounter in California.
9 of California’s Remarkable Salamanders
From the vividly colored California Newt to the tree-climbing Arboreal Salamander, these fascinating amphibians come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and habitats. Many of them are endemic, making California a true haven for salamander enthusiasts.
Below, we’ll introduce you to nine common species you might encounter while hiking or exploring the state’s parks and natural areas. Each species showcases the incredible adaptability and uniqueness of California’s salamanders.
1. Arboreal Salamander
Scientific Name: Aneides lugubris
Size: 4–7 inches (10–18 cm)
Habitat: Coastal live oak woodlands, redwood forests, and Douglas fir forests; also found in the Sierra Nevada and down to Ventura County.
The Arboreal Salamander is a skilled climber, thanks to its adhesive toe pads, which allow it to scale vertical surfaces like tree trunks and branches. These salamanders are often spotted high in redwoods and Douglas firs, foraging for small invertebrates such as spiders, mites, and insects.
This species is nocturnal and thrives in moist, shaded environments. Arboreal Salamanders are known for their territorial behavior and can deliver a strong bite when threatened. Their range extends along California’s North Coast and into parts of the Sierra Nevada, as well as on San Miguel Island.
2. Rough-Skinned Newt
Scientific Name: Taricha granulosa
Size: 5–8 inches (13–20 cm)
Habitat: Damp forests, logs, rocks, and areas near streams; commonly found in northern coastal areas and the Sierra Nevada.
The Rough-Skinned Newt gets its name from the bumpy texture of its dark brown or black skin, which contrasts sharply with its bright orange underside. These amphibians are often found crawling on logs or rocks near water sources. They are well-known for their potent toxin, tetrodotoxin, which is highly toxic to predators and can even be lethal to humans if ingested.
When threatened, the Rough-Skinned Newt will display its bright orange belly as a warning to potential predators. This behavior, coupled with its powerful toxin, makes it one of California’s most fascinating amphibians.
3. Sierra Nevada Ensatina
Scientific Name: Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis
Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
Habitat: Coastal regions, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Sierra Nevada forests.
The Sierra Nevada Ensatina is a subspecies of the Ensatina salamander, known for its constricted tail tip that secretes a milky, toxic substance when threatened. This toxin is a defense mechanism against predators, causing irritation and swelling on contact.
These salamanders are typically found in moist, shaded environments such as under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. Their coloring varies, but they often feature gray, brown, or reddish tones with irregular spots. While not harmful to humans, their toxin is effective at deterring predators like snakes and birds.
4. Mt. Lyell Salamander
Scientific Name: Hydromantes platycephalus
Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Habitat: Rocky slopes and crevices around Mt. Lyell in Yosemite National Park.
The Mt. Lyell Salamander is a lungless amphibian that relies entirely on its skin for breathing, a unique adaptation that allows it to survive at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. These salamanders are gray with brown or black spots along their backs, blending perfectly with their rocky surroundings.
Found only in a small area near Mt. Lyell, this species is a skilled hunter, feeding on small invertebrates like insects, spiders, and snails. Their rarity and specialized habitat make them a true gem of Yosemite’s diverse wildlife.
5. California Giant Salamander
Scientific Name: Dicamptodon ensatus
Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Habitat: Coastal redwood forests and streams in northern California, including Humboldt, Mendocino, and Marin counties.
The California Giant Salamander is the largest terrestrial salamander in North America and is known for its striking size and distinct brown and black marbled patterns. These nocturnal creatures thrive in moist, shaded areas, often hiding under logs or rocks near streams.
This salamander has both aquatic and terrestrial stages, with juveniles possessing gills that are lost during their transformation into adults. While their skin secretions can cause irritation if handled, they are not considered dangerous to humans.
6. California Tiger Salamander
Scientific Name: Ambystoma californiense
Size: 10–14 inches (25–36 cm)
Habitat: Grasslands, vernal pools, and seasonal ponds throughout central California, except in desert regions.
The California Tiger Salamander is a striking species with bold yellow or cream-colored spots and stripes on a dark brown or black body. Endemic to California, this salamander spends most of its life underground in burrows, emerging only during the rainy season to breed in seasonal pools or streams.
Listed as a federally threatened species in some regions, the California Tiger Salamander faces habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture. Despite these challenges, it remains one of the most iconic amphibians in the state.
7. Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander
Scientific Name: Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum
Size: Up to 5 inches (13 cm)
Habitat: Coastal ponds, wetlands, and grasslands in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander is a nocturnal amphibian, most active at night and during the rainy season. Recognized by its elongated toes and striking black body with bright yellow or orange markings, this species is a true standout among California’s salamanders.
Endemic to a small area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. These salamanders feed on small invertebrates, such as worms, slugs, and insects, making them an important part of their ecosystem.
8. Inyo Mountains Slender Salamander
Scientific Name: Batrachoseps campi
Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Habitat: Rocky areas, crevices, and damp soil near water sources in the Inyo Mountains.
The Inyo Mountains Slender Salamander is a tiny, agile amphibian with smooth skin and a long, slender body. Its coloration ranges from silvery brown to reddish-black, with a lighter belly, providing excellent camouflage in its rugged mountain habitat.
This salamander is non-poisonous and feeds on small insects, mites, and other invertebrates. Restricted to the isolated Inyo Mountains, it is considered a rare and fascinating species adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of its environment.
9. Monterey Ensatina
Scientific Name: Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii
Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
Habitat: Moist woodlands, oak forests, and shaded areas in coastal regions, especially around Monterey.
The Monterey Ensatina is a subspecies of the Ensatina salamander, known for its vibrant orange or reddish-brown coloring and its ability to secrete a milky toxin from its tail when threatened. This toxin is harmless to humans but serves as an effective deterrent against predators.
These salamanders prefer hiding under logs, rocks, and leaf litter in damp, shaded habitats. They are entirely terrestrial and lay their eggs in moist soil, bypassing the aquatic larval stage typical of many other salamanders.
More About Salamanders in California
California’s salamanders include many fascinating species beyond those commonly encountered. The Limestone Salamander (Hydromantes brunus), for instance, is found exclusively in the Merced River Canyon and is a state-listed threatened species. Its dependence on limestone outcrops makes it highly specialized and vulnerable to habitat changes.
Another intriguing species is the Kern Canyon Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps simatus), a tiny amphibian endemic to Kern County. This salamander thrives in moist, rocky areas but is rarely seen due to its secretive nature and limited range.
Additionally, the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica), with its striking golden eyes, inhabits coastal forests and oak woodlands. Unlike other salamanders, it exhibits unique color variations across its range, showcasing the incredible adaptability of this genus.
Other Salamanders in California
Here are a few more salamander species found across the state:
- Clouded Salamander (Aneides ferreus): Found in damp forests along the northern California coast.
- San Gabriel Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli): Endemic to the San Gabriel Mountains, thriving in shaded canyons.
- Tehachapi Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi): Limited to the Tehachapi Mountains, adapted to rocky, arid habitats.
- Black Salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus): A hardy species found in forests and rocky areas across northern California.
- Yellow-Blotched Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii croceater): Known for its vibrant markings, found in the southern Sierra Nevada.
These species further highlight the incredible salamander diversity in California, making the state a true amphibian hotspot.
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