Overview

Species Common Name Larch Mountain Salamander
Species Scientific Name Plethodon larselli
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

Special needs

Larch Mountain salamanders inhabit basalt talus slopes of the Columbia River Gorge and northern Cascade Mountains. They are adapted to well-drained, gravel to small cobble-sized talus with a significant component of fine litter and debris. They require moist microclimates and may occur in late-successional forests, especially those with gravel or fractured rock in the soil.

Limiting factors

Larch Mountain salamanders have specialized habitat requirements (talus slopes), low dispersal capabilities, and relatively small clutch size. Pesticides or fertilizers can negatively affect these salamanders and their food supply.

Data gaps

Assess distribution and trends. Evaluate response to silviculture practices and response to recreational activities at cave sites. Increase knowledge of general life history and dispersal. Evaluate the effects of chemicals and disease on this species.

Conservation actions

Avoid alteration and ground-disturbance of talus, which can cause local extinctions. Avoid use of pesticides adjacent to talus, and manage lands adjacent to occupied sites with species' requirements in mind as these areas may be important dispersal or foraging areas. Improve habitat connectivity between breeding sites.

Key reference or plan

Conservation Assessment for the Larch Mountain Salamander (Plethodon larselli)

Life History Traits