CALIFORNIA TIGER
SALAMANDER (ambystoma californiense)
The USFWS has determined that the Sonoma County California Tiger Salamander is a
distinct population segment threatened by loss of habitat.
CTS LIFE HISTORY
CTS is a large salamander with a black body and pale yellow
spots that may live more than a decade. Adult salamanders spend most of
their life underground in small mammal burrows in grasslands and woodlands.
Adults can migrate over land as far as 2 km from their subterranean refuge to a
breeding pool, although shorter distances are more common. Breeding occurs
during winter in vernal pools or other seasonal wetlands. Eggs hatch within a
few weeks and larvae require at least 10 weeks to metamorphose into terrestrial
salamanders.
SITE ASSESSMENT
A "Site Assessment" is the first step in this process.
After
USFWS reviews the site assessment, they will make a determination whether
surveys are required. The Biological Assessment includes a discussion of
historic occurrences within 5 km (3.1 miles) of the project area, descriptions
of habitat within 2 km (1.2 miles), and an evaluation of habitat on-site.
All data is collected and mapped on an orthophoto according to USFWS protocol.
SURVEY METHODS
BioConsultant
LLC's reports are conducted in accordance with guidelines provided by
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service entitled Draft Standard Protocols for
Site Assessment and Field Surveys for Determining Presence and Absence of the
Sonoma Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander, dated
November 8, 2002.
