2 

 Status 



Based on information suggesting vulnerability due to limited 

 distribution and small population size, the Coeur d'Alene 

 salamander was listed as a Category 2 candidate for threatened or 

 endangered status by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1983 

 (Federal Register 1984). Two ecological studies (Lynch 1984, 

 Lynch and Wallace 1987, Wilson and Larsen 1988), and a number of 

 field surveys (Diller and Wallace 1985; Wilson and Simon 1987; 

 Center et al. 1988; Groves 1988, 1989a; Groves and Cassirer 1989; 

 Wilson 1990, 1991, 1992) were conducted to provide further 

 information on the biology and distribution of the species. As a 

 consequence of interim surveys, the species was down-listed to 

 Category 3 in 1989 (3C - more widespread or abundant than 

 previously believed) (Federal Register 1989) , and subsequently 

 removed from the candidate list in 1991. 



The Coeur d'Alene salamander is cxirrently listed as a 

 sensitive species by Region 1 of the U.S. Forest Service and the 

 Idaho state office of the Bureau of Land Management, because of 

 its limited range (it is known only from northern Idaho, 

 northwestern Montana and southern British Columbia) , and its 

 specific habitat association (seeps, streams and waterfalls) . It 

 is also a state Species of Special Concern in Idaho and Montana 

 (Moseley and Groves 1992, Center 1992). 

 Taxonomy 



The Coeur d'Alene salamander has been the subject of taxonomic 

 controversy nearly since its initial discovery. Upon first 



