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REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Monterey Salamander
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The Monterey Salamander ( Ensatina eschscholtzii) is a moderate-sized species ranging from 2.17-3.03 inches in length. They are reddish-brown with a lighter underside. Two characteristics of this salamander are their large black eyes and swollen tail. Monterey salamanders are most common in oak woodlands with extensive leaf litter and downed wood; however, they occupy a wide variety of other habitats as well. Downed logs and woody debris appear to be important habitat elements. Ensatina are commonly found in areas with considerable leaf litter. This litter serves as an insulating blanket to help conserve moisture and to buffer temperature fluctuations. In drier regions of southern California such as San Luis Obispo they are primarily found on north-facing slopes of deep canyons and in other microhabitats that provide cool, moist conditions. They are commonly found near creeks where soils are relatively moist, or in shaded, moist habitats where there is good canopy cover. The species is nocturnal and can be extremely difficult to locate. Juveniles and adults are most active when the ground is wet and temperatures are moderate. Ensatina remain underground throughout the dry summer in most areas of their range and can tolerate substantial dehydration. During dry weather that occur during the summer months in San Luis Obispo, they tend to frequent holes in the ground such as rodent burrows, rotted-out root channels, and openings among rocks. Surface activity is highest immediately following rains and continues while temperature and moisture conditions are favorable. Insects, spiders, crustaceans, and earthworms that also live and beneath the leaf litter serve as food for these salamanders. Most feeding occurs above ground when the surface is damp and temperatures are not too high Garter Snakes and Steller's jays prey upon Monterey Salamanders. |
