Alberta Herps
Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum krausei)
Distribution
- southern half of the province; from Montana border to Jasper National Park; at elevations of approximately 1,000-2,800 m, northern populations may occur at lower elevation; absent or scarce in wooded areas; scattered in northern portion of its range.
Brief Description
- relatively slender bodied; snout blunt; limbs slender, elongate, and unwebbed; males with longer limbs and tails than females; much variation in color pattern.
Habitat
- usually moist - near water; fossorial; overwinters underground as adult form and in water as larval or neotenic form.
Feeding
- predaceous both as adult and larva; mainly feeding on invertebrates, also tadpoles and small fish.
Reproduction
- mating in early spring in temporary water bodies; pectoral amplexus; fertilization via spermatophore.
Status in Alberta
-
- isolated populations in mountain riparian areas; vulnerable to potential alteration and destruction of critical habitats
Other Internet Resources:
References
- Anonymous. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Wildlife Management Division Report. Alberta Environmental Protection, Govertment of Alberta.
- Russell, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. in press. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. University of Calgary Press. 2nd Edition.
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Website created: 21 January 1998
Last modified: 4 February, 2000
Website maintained by Mrinal Das
© Mrinal Das 2000