Species Potentially Present on the Kootenai National Forest 



Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 



Description: Adults have a smooth moist skin without scales and the color pattern is highly 

 variable; usually the background color is dark, with lighter blotches of yellow, tan or green. 

 The adult is large and heavy-bodied with a snout-vent length of 3-6". Adult tiger 

 salamanders can be separated from other Montana species by: 1) their large sized and heavy 

 body; and 2) two prominent tubercles on the bottom of each hind foot. Egg masses are 

 typically laid in small clusters of 5-120, but may be laid singly (Nussbaum et al. 1983, 

 Leonard et al. 1993). Larval tigers are typically pale green or brown-colored, though some 

 are nearly white in bentonite clay ponds. They are found in lakes and ponds, have external 

 gills, and are relatively large (0.75-4" snout- vent) and heavy-bodied. 



Habitat and Habits: Tiger salamanders in Montana are primarily associated with prairie or 



agricultural habitats in eastern Montana. They breed in ponds or lakes, usually those without 

 fish present. In arid areas they may also be found in springs, intermittent streams and stock 

 ponds. In the Pacific Northwest adults go to the breeding ponds soon after snow-melt. 

 Following breeding, adults may remain in the pond or may move to upland areas and live in 

 burrows of their own or in those of other animals. Eggs hatch in 2-5 weeks in Colorado and 

 metamorphosis takes 2-24 months (Hammerson 1982a). In some locations larval 

 salamanders never transform, but rather become sexually mature and breed while still 

 retaining external gills. This process is referred to as neoteny and these salamanders are 

 often referred to as "axolotls" or "water dogs." 



Surveying: Larvae can seen in ponds during the day and may be sampled with a dipnet. During 

 the breeding season adults are often seen moving to or away from the water or breeding in it. 

 Pitfall traps may be used at this time to capture adults. In areas where larvae transform, 

 migrations of hundreds or thousands of newly transformed adults are occasionally seen in 

 mid-late summer or early fall. 



Status: The most common salamander in eastern Montana. They have not yet been found in the 

 KNF, but there are scattered reports from elsewhere in western Montana. They should be 

 surveyed for in low elevation ponds and lakes, particularly those without fish and within 

 grassland habitats. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. 



