Lewis and Clark National Historical Park - Amphibians

 
Frogs, Newts and Giant Salamanders

An exciting discovery was made during last year’s amphibian survey of newly added park lands: two species of giant salamander were found to inhabit several remote streams. Cope’s giant salamanders were found in the park’s Cape Disappointment, Wash. unit, and Pacific giant salamanders were located in the Fort Clatsop unit on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Genetic tests have confirmed the identities of these two distinct species. These increasingly rare, large salamanders inhabit clear, coldwater streams and riparian areas of mature forests. A third uncommon forest stream inhabitant, the Columbia torrent salamander, was also found in both units during the survey. Altogether, eleven amphibian species have been documented within the expanded boundaries of the park. Surveys for amphibians and other species are a continuation of park service-wide biological inventory and monitoring efforts and assist resource managers with planning for habitat restoration projects and preservation of the park’s natural areas. These findings are only a small but exciting example of what the new park lands mean for the long-term conservation of natural resources at Lewis and Clark Natural Historical Park.