SANTA CRUZ LONG-TOED SALAMANDER Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum (Russell 



and Anderson) 

 Order: CAUDATA Family: AMBYSTOMIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A long-toed ambystomid salamander, black above with 

 metallic orange or gold spots down the middle of the back; belly sooty. 



Present distribution : Known from only two localities in Santa Cruz County California: 

 Valencia Lagoon near Aptos, and Ellicott Pond 4-miles west of Watson ville. 



Former distribution : Same . 



Status : On the verge of total extermination. Listed as endangered by California Dept. of 

 Fish and Game. In 1969 construction of a four-lane highway, associated excavation, and 

 construction of a "Borrow Ditch" at Valencia Lagoon drastically reduced the size of this 

 breeding area. Proposed trailer park threatens Ellicott Pond. 



Estimated numbers : At Ellicott Pond, 6 , 000 to 8 , 000; at Valencia, unknown. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : A post-pluvial remnant, threatened by subdivision and other land 

 developments . 



Protective measures already taken : At Valencia, California, Department of Highways has 

 constructed a salamander pond (250 x 50 feet) to restore part of disturbed habitat. Fully 

 protected by California law. 



Measures proposed : Establishment of a wildlife refuge or ecological reserve at Valencia 

 Lagoon and Ellicott Pond including sufficient adjacent land to protect upland habitat. Both 

 are also waterfowl habitat. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Successful courtship and insemination has occurred. It 

 may be possible to rear the animals in captivity. 



Remarks : Submitted by Robert Stebbins . 



References : 



Bury, R. B. 1972. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. 



Inland Fisheries Administrative Report 72-2. California Dept. of Fish & Game. 

 and S. B. Ruth. 1972. Santa Cruz long-toed salamander: Survival 



in doubt. Herpetol . Rev. 4(l):20-22. 

 Leach, H. R. and L. D. Fisk . 1972. At the crossroads — a report on California's 



endangered and rare fish and wildlife. California Dept. of Fish & Game. 

 Lostetter , C. Report of field trip to area of species occurrence, October 27, 1969. 

 Marlow, R. W. (Pers . Comm . , 1972). 



Russell, R. W. and J. D. Anderson. 1956. Herpetologica, Vol. 12, pp. 137-140. 

 Ruth, S. B. (Pers. Comm., 1972). 

 Wallow, R. W. and S. B. Ruth. 1972. Administrative Reports . Calif. Dept. 



Fish & Game . 



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