Del Norte Salamander

Overview

Species Common Name Del Norte Salamander
Species Scientific Name Plethodon elongatus
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Coast Range

Oregon’s Coast Range, known for its dramatic scenery, is extremely diverse, with habitats ranging from open sandy dunes to lush forests and from tidepools to headwater streams. It follows the coastline and extends east through coastal forest to the border of the Willamette Valley and Klamath Mountains ecoregions

Klamath Mountains

The Klamath Mountains ecoregion covers much of southwestern Oregon, including the Umpqua Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains, and interior valleys and foothills between these and the Cascade Range. The Rogue watershed has the largest population of any coastal watershed in Oregon (Jackson County, Josephine County, and a portion of Curry County). Several popular and scenic rivers run …

Special needs

Del Norte salamanders are found in closed-canopy coastal forests with mixed hardwood/conifer. They are generally associated with moist talus and rocky substrates, often among rock rubble, old riverbeds, or under bark or logs on the forest floor. This species prefers late-seral forests but does occur in recently harvested forests in coastal regions.

Limiting factors

This fully terrestrial species is highly sedentary. Individuals typically remain within 7.5 square meters in a given year.

Data gaps

Assess distribution. Increase knowledge of life history and population ecology, including phenology, dispersal and seasonal movements, and longevity. Evaluate genetic diversity.

Conservation actions

Identify important habitat for conservation using species' habitat requirements and movement patterns. Minimize alteration and disturbance to talus and stream substrate. Minimize habitat alteration and disturbance at occupied sites. Consider animal movement needs in planning and management activities.