Ohio Species Spotlight: Green Salamander
Species: Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus)
Conservation Status: Endangered in Ohio
Green salamanders are a fascinating species native to Ohio, and in fact are the only salamander of the genus Aneides found in the eastern United States. They are small (just 3-5 inches) with a green and black mottled or speckled appearance, which provides effective camouflage against the mossy rocks and trees they inhabit. Like other lungless salamanders, green salamanders rely on their skin for respiration, which means they are very sensitive to environmental changes, particularly moisture and air quality.
These animals prefer a quiet, peaceful life and are highly habitat-specific, favoring rocky outcrops, cliffs, and tree bark in moist, shaded, and forested areas. Their ideal environment is usually found at higher elevations, where they can seek shelter in damp crevices and among the rocks. Green salamanders are excellent climbers. They often use vertical surfaces, such as tree trunks or rock faces, where their camouflaged coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings. To reproduce, female green salamanders lay eggs in hidden, moist locations, such as under rocks or within crevices in tree bark. After hatching, the young salamanders look like miniature versions of the adults and undergo a relatively quick growth phase. Green salamanders are also nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night.
Spotting a green salamander might be tricky: they are secretive and remain hidden during the day, making sightings rare. It is believed that green salamanders are more habitat-specific than other species of salamanders in Ohio, which highlights the importance of protecting the rocky habitats they prefer.
Today, populations of this species are limited to just a few counties in southeastern Ohio near the Ohio River including Adams, Scioto, and Lawrence. Green salamanders are threatened by habitat loss due to human development, aggressive logging, rock quarrying, over-collecting and over-harvesting, disease, and drought. Climate change could also alter the moisture levels and temperatures in their high-elevation habitats, making them more susceptible to desiccation and habitat destruction.
How to Help Green Salamanders:
Protect Habitat: Support organizations and initiatives working to preserve the rocky, forested habitats that green salamanders rely on. Advocate for conservation, restoration, and protection of the natural areas where green salamanders thrive.
Avoid Disturbances: If you're in areas where these salamanders are known to live, be careful not to disturb their natural habitats. Stay on trails, avoid disturbing rocks and trees where salamanders may reside, and help reduce the impacts of human activity on their environment.
Educate Others: Raising awareness about green salamanders and their role in the ecosystem can help generate support for their conservation. Share information about their habitat needs and the importance of preserving these species.
Report Sightings: If you spot a green salamander, especially in areas where they are rare, report the sighting to local wildlife or conservation groups. This can help with monitoring their populations and identifying important habitats.
Green salamanders are a unique species with specialized needs, and protecting them requires ongoing conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public education. By taking these actions, you can help protect green salamanders and contribute to their long-term survival.
