Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings

A Project of the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University

In this issue:

• Celebrating Jefferson Salamander!
• Migration Update
• Final Reminder! Virtual Volunteer Training on February 22
• Subscribe for AM&RC Bulletins

Celebrating Jefferson Salamander

Today seemed an appropriate day to consider Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum). Described by J. Green in 1827, the salamander was named after Jefferson College, which was near the location the species was first observed. (The Pennsylvania college is named after President Thomas Jefferson.) 

Photo below of an adult Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex during migration by S. Stanne.

Jefferson salamander...

• is listed as a Species of Potential Conservation Need in the NY State Wildlife Action Plan. This designation is for “species whose status is poorly known, but there is an identified threat to the species, or features of its life history that make it particularly vulnerable to threats.” There are concerns about this salamander throughout its Northeastern range, due especially to roadkill during migration and habitat loss.
• shares a very complex biology with blue-spotted salamander (A. laterale). The two species are associated with hybrids that have an array of chromosomal combinations and are very difficult to distinguish from the pure species without genetic testing—which is why the group is appropriately called the Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex.
• is one of the earliest vernal pool breeders. Staff at the Upper Susquehanna Coalition in northern NY have reported seeing Jefferson salamanders “digging up through eight inches of wet snow to get to a pool with only the slightest water open around the edges.” Bishop (1941) reported that the species’ migrations in NY often occur when pools are still ice-covered and before the ground has completely thawed. Good motivation to check roads early in the season, even when migration conditions don’t appear ideal!
• is often confused by volunteers with the lead phase of red-backed salamander or "leadback" (Plethodon cinereus). Note that Jefferson salamander is much larger and more robust than the relatively petite red-backed salamander, and has longer toes. The AM&RC identification guidance has additional tips for recognizing the species.

Photo above of an adult "leadback" during migration by L. Heady. Note the slender body and tiny feet.

Migration Update: February 17 

Several of us checked known road crossings for migration last Thursday night, and as far south as Westchester County, there were no wood frog, mole salamander species, or spring peepers to be found (or heard). It's still very early and in many locations, the ground and wetlands are frozen. When I checked vernal pools in Ulster County below 200-foot elevation yesterday, they were solid ice (see photo, right).

Although there is a warming trend today with rain in the forecast tomorrow, I think the chance of migration is low since temperatures will drop below freezing again tonight. That said, intrepid volunteers are encouraged to look for early movement of migrating amphibians and report back! There is always local variability, so check the forecast and conditions before donning your safety vest and headlamp.

Final Reminder! Virtual Volunteer Training on February 22

If you are a new AM&RC volunteer or a former volunteer in need of a refresher, please join us for a virtual training tomorrow at 5-6:15pm. Click here for more information and to register. There are also lots of resources for volunteers on the project webpage.

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Thanks in advance for taking safety measures during migration surveys and for your ongoing interest in conserving Hudson Valley biodiversity!

Best,
Laura

Laura Heady
Conservation and Land Use Program Coordinator
Hudson River Estuary Program/Cornell University
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Check out our website! Conservation Planning in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed

The Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings project is part of a larger Hudson River Estuary Program initiative to partner with local communities to conserve natural areas and habitats that sustain the health and resiliency of the entire estuary watershed.