Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda)
Earlier this summer I caught my first glimpse of this handsome salamander, appropriately named the Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda). A species of Special Concern in New York State, this uncommon salamander is at the northern fringes of its range and can be found along much of the southern Allegheny Plateau. Long-tails prefer cool woodland seeps and streams, but can occasionally be found along river banks under flat rocks or logs. As the temperatures continue to drop these salamanders will work their way deeper into rock cracks and crevices in order to protect themselves from...
Read MoreCosta Rican Webfoot Salamander (Bolitoglossa tica)
Here’s a nice excuse to photograph exquisite lichen-covered sticks: the endangered Costa Rican Webfoot Salamander (Bolitoglossa tica), a species that has not been recorded in quite some time, found during a recent research trip for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MorePeepers Peeping
Have you heard the Spring Peepers calling lately? These little frogs seem to be a bit confused as breeding season was over months ago! Although we are entering autumn and the frogs will soon be going into torpor (an amphibian’s form of hibernation), the current conditions closely mimic ideal breeding conditions in the spring. Low overnight temperatures, warm days, more frequent rainfall and a similar photo-period send the signal to the males to belt out their loud, high-pitched peeps in hopes of attracting some females. However, these little males will be disappointed pretty quickly as...
Read MoreStrawberry Poison-dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio)
Sean says there’s nothing like walking through the tropics at night with little red vibrant jumping beans darting in and out of the trail path. The Strawberry Poison-dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio) is one the most well known symbols of the tropics, and seeing them instantly makes you think of tropical nights with the sights and sounds that go along with it. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Costa Rica while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreHellbender Surveys Continue
While the summer season is winding down, our survey work certainly isn’t! As stream conditions allow, we will continue surveying for the elusive Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in the French Creek watershed and beyond. Working closely with the University of Buffalo and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we have found habitats within the area that may support hellbenders. Test results and hands-on surveys will reveal whether these sites may support a viable population, so we have our fingers crossed and will share more details soon!
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