Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum
Ecological Value
picture
Why i'm Important
The Santa Cruz Long-Toed salamander is important because of its role in the food chain. It is in the middle of the food chain, so it is both a predator to insects and prey to larger species. If the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander was to go extinct, there would be a massive increase in insects like pesty mosquitos in the San Francisco and Santa Cruz areas. The Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander is also prey to birds, rodents, and snakes, so if it goes extinct, these animals will lose a main source of food. (FWS, 2019)
Ecological Values
The Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander has a very specific habitat. These species live in wetlands in the Santa Cruz and San Francisco areas, specifically near ponds big enough to support the salamanders and their prey (Hobbs, 2013). One of the main reasons the Salamanders are in danger due to a lack of habitat and breeding grounds. Many of the ponds are close to the ocean, making it prime real estate for urban and agricultural development. The salamanders need clean freshwater, so if seawater overflows on a high tide into the pond, it could be lethal for the animals living in it.
What's At Risk
If we were to lose the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander it would result in an increase of insects and invertebrates that is because the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamanders’ main food source is both invertebrates and insects. Also, birds, rodents, and snakes eat the salamander so without them there are fewer food options for the predators (FWS, 2004). If the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander was to be extinct there would be less of control in the population of invertebrates. That would result in less control of decomposition and the nitrogen cycle (FWS, 2019).
What can be done to save me
We can save the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander if we protect its habitat and educate others on what the Santa Cruz long-toed Salamander is. Many of the habitats are near or on the coast of California which is one of the biggest real estate locations in the world. Many property owners simply hire developers who want to build houses and other businesses on the Salamanders habitat. But without educating them on the Salamanders these people will build houses and structures right on their habitat. A way to protect the habitat is simply taking the real estate off the market and not allowing people to buy and build houses and structures on the Salamander’s habitat, making it a protected area. (elkhorn slough, 2017)