California Tiger Salamander
Ambystoma californiense
Silhouette: Matt Reinbold (modified by T. Michael Keesey) · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderCaudata (Salamanders)
- FamilyAmbystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)
- GenusAmbystoma (Mole Salamanders)
- SpeciesAmbystoma californiense (California Tiger Salamander)
About the California Tiger Salamander
The California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) is a vulnerable amphibian native to California. It is a mole salamander. Previously considered to be a subspecies of the tiger salamander (A. tigrinum), the California tiger salamander was recently designated a separate species again. Historically, they were endemic to the San Joaquin-Sacramento river valleys, although their range has now contracted into three distinct population segments that are geographically isolated and genetically distinct from one another. The California tiger salamander distinct population segment (DPS) in Sonoma County and the Santa Barbara County DPS are listed as federally endangered, while the Central California DPS is listed as federally threatened. The Sonoma County, south San Joaquin, and the Santa Barbara County DPS have diverged from the rest of the California tiger salamander populations for over one million years, since the Pleistocene and they may warrant status as separate species.
The California tiger salamander is a relatively large, secretive amphibian endemic to California. Adults can grow to a total length of about 7–8 inches. It has a stocky body and a broad, rounded... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of California Tiger Salamander in Channel Islands National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Channel Islands National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Channel Islands National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.