Coeur D'Alene Salamander
Encyclopedia
The Coeur d'Alene Salamander is a species of woodland salamander (Plethodon) in the family of lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae). This species was once known as Plethodon vandykei idahoensis, a subspecies of Van Dyke's salamander localized in northern Idaho.
, which aids in distinguishing the two species.
The eggs of the Coeur d'Alene salamander have a unique physiology as well. They are unpigmented and occur in grape-like clusters, attached via a single thread.
The majority of known data has been observed in the St. Joe
and North Fork Clearwater River
basins, but occurrences are also seen in the Selway
, Kootenai
, and Moyie
drainages.
. Specimens are usually associated with fractured rock formations in moist environments, often localized around fresh, moving water.
In northern Idaho, P. idahoensis emerges from winter hibernation in late March and is active near the surface through April and May; this surface activity is negatively correlated with both high daytime temperatures and the number of days since last rain. From June until mid-September, Coeur d'Alene salamanders retreat underground to aestivate. A second period of activity continues with September through early November rains, followed by a period of hibernation that lasts until spring.
This listing could initiate efforts to evaluate population trend could be part of a regional amphibian monitoring program and minimally should involve monitoring site occupancy rates. It could also initiate habitat protection efforts, which are needed to maintain water quality and protect riparian habitats of occupied and observed sites.
Physiology
P. idahoensis specimens are slender salamanders from 2-4 inches in length. Adults have a nasolabial groove, parotoid glands and parasphenoid teeth. Coloration and markings that are key in characterizing this species include a dark ground color with a yellow-gold dorsal stripe that extends the length of the organism as well as ventral yellow patches on the throat. The toes of the Coeur d'Alene salamander are shorter than those of the Long-toed salamanderLong-toed Salamander
The long-toed salamander is a mole salamander in the family Ambystomatidae. This species, typically 4.1–8.9 cm long when mature, is characterized by its mottled black, brown and yellow pigmentation, and its long outer fourth toe on the hind limbs...
, which aids in distinguishing the two species.
The eggs of the Coeur d'Alene salamander have a unique physiology as well. They are unpigmented and occur in grape-like clusters, attached via a single thread.
Similar Species
| Common Name | Central Long-toed Salamander | Ambystoma macrodactylum columbianum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunn's Salamander | Plethodon dunni | ||
| Larch Mountain Salamander | Plethodon larselli | ||
| Van Dyke's Salamander | Plethodon vandykei idahoensis | ||
| Western Red-backed Salamander | Plethodon vehiculum | ||
Distribution
While the majority of this species is localized in northern Idaho, there are some instances of capture/sighting in western Montana and southeastern British Columbia. Approximately 95% of observed populations in Idaho and Montana have been verified extant since 1987; the remainder may have [extirpated], however there is a general lack of knowledge on the population trends of the Coeur d'Alene salamander.The majority of known data has been observed in the St. Joe
Saint Joe River
The Saint Joe River is a river in northern Idaho that winds through the Saint Joe River Valley, through Avery, Calder, and St. Maries. Eventually the river dumps into Coeur d'Alene Lake...
and North Fork Clearwater River
North Fork Clearwater River
The North Fork Clearwater River is a major tributary of the Clearwater River in the U.S. state of Idaho.From its headwaters in the Bitterroot Mountains of eastern Idaho, it flows southwest, north, then again southwest, and is dammed by the Dworshak Dam just above its mouth at the Clearwater in...
basins, but occurrences are also seen in the Selway
Selway River
The Selway River is located in north central Idaho in the northwestern United States within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. It is a tributary of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River in the Clearwater National Forest...
, Kootenai
Kootenay River
The Kootenay is a major river in southeastern British Columbia, Canada and the northern part of the U.S. states of Montana and Idaho. It is one of the uppermost major tributaries of the Columbia River, which is the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean...
, and Moyie
Moyie River
The Moyie River is a tributary of the Kootenai River in the U.S. state of Idaho and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Moyie River is part of the Columbia River basin, being a tributary of the Kootenay River, which is tributary to the Columbia River.-Course:The Moyie River originates...
drainages.
Habitat
The preferred territory of P. idahoensis is in the corridors of stream riparian zones, in the splash zone of waterfalls, near seeps and springs, or in streamside screeScree
Scree, also called talus, is a term given to an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders. Landforms associated with these materials are sometimes called scree slopes or talus piles...
. Specimens are usually associated with fractured rock formations in moist environments, often localized around fresh, moving water.
Lifestyle
Generally, these salamanders only come above ground during the night when the temperature is above 45 degrees F. Coeur d'Alene salamanders are known to eat aquatic insects and other invertebrate, which are also active during the night.In northern Idaho, P. idahoensis emerges from winter hibernation in late March and is active near the surface through April and May; this surface activity is negatively correlated with both high daytime temperatures and the number of days since last rain. From June until mid-September, Coeur d'Alene salamanders retreat underground to aestivate. A second period of activity continues with September through early November rains, followed by a period of hibernation that lasts until spring.
Reproduction
Mating suitable and opportune time. Clutch size varies from a small cluster (~4) to 13.Management Issues
Due to lack of research and rarity of sightings/capture, population trend data for the Coeur d'Alene salamander is spotty at best. There are thought to be small sites where the species is abundant and capable of observation, but without an implemented monitoring program few data is available with which to evaluate population trends. It is precisely this lack of information that puts the Coeur d'Alene salamander on both Idaho and Montana's Species of Special Concern lists.This listing could initiate efforts to evaluate population trend could be part of a regional amphibian monitoring program and minimally should involve monitoring site occupancy rates. It could also initiate habitat protection efforts, which are needed to maintain water quality and protect riparian habitats of occupied and observed sites.
Conservation Classifications
| System | Rangewide | G4 Apparently Secure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | S2 Imperiled | ||
| ESA | No status | ||
| US Forest Service | Region 1: Sensitive | ||
| Bureau of Land Management | Type 3 Regional/State Imperiled | ||
| Idaho Department of Fish and Game | Protected Nongame | ||
Additional Reading
- Ohanjanian IA. 2000. "The Coeur d'Alene Salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) in the operating area of Wynndell Box and Lumber Company". Ltd. Ministry of Environment/FRBC report, BC, Canada.