| Coeur d'Alene Salamander | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Genus: | 'Plethodon' |
| Binomial name | |
| Plethodon idahoensis Slater & Slipp, 1940 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Plethodon vandykei idahoensis |
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The Coeur d'Alene Salamander is a species of woodland salamander (Plethodon) in the family of lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae). This species was once known as Plethodon vandykei idahoensis, a subspecies of Van Dyke's salamander localized in northern Idaho.
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P. idahoensis specimens are slender salamanders from 2-4 inches in length. Adults have a nasolabial groove, parotoid glands and parasphenoid teeth. Coloration and markings that are key in characterizing this species include a dark ground color with a yellow-gold dorsal stripe that extends the length of the organism as well as ventral yellow patches on the throat. The toes of the Coeur d'Alene salamander are shorter than those of the Long-toed salamander, which aids in distinguishing the two species.
The eggs of the Coeur d'Alene salamander have a unique physiology as well. They are unpigmented and occur in grape-like clusters, attached via a single thread.
| Common Name | Binomial Name |
|---|---|
| Central Long-toed Salamander | Ambystoma macrodactylum columbianum |
| Dunn's Salamander | Plethodon dunni |
| Larch Mountain Salamander | Plethodon larselli |
| Van Dyke's Salamander | Plethodon vandykei idahoensis |
| Western Red-backed Salamander | Plethodon vehiculum |
While the majority of this species is localized in northern Idaho, there are some instances of capture/sighting in western Montana and southeastern British Columbia. Approximately 95% of observed populations in Idaho and Montana have been verified extant since 1987; the remainder may have [extirpated], however there is a general lack of knowledge on the population trends of the Coeur d'Alene salamander.
The majority of known data has been observed in the St. Joe and North Fork Clearwater River basins, but occurrences are also seen in the Selway, Kootenai, and Moyie drainages.
The preferred territory of P. idahoensis is in the corridors of stream riparian zones, in the splash zone of waterfalls, near seeps and springs, or in streamside scree. Specimens are usually associated with fractured rock formations in moist environments, often localized around fresh, moving water.
Generally, these salamanders only come above ground during the night when the temperature is above 45 degrees F. Coeur d'Alene salamanders are known to eat aquatic insects and other invertebrate, which are also active during the night.
In northern Idaho, P. idahoensis emerges from winter hibernation in late March and is active near the surface through April and May; this surface activity is negatively correlated with both high daytime temperatures and the number of days since last rain. From June until mid-September, Coeur d'Alene salamanders retreat underground to aestivate. A second period of activity continues with September through early November rains, followed by a period of hibernation that lasts until spring.
Mating suitable and opportune time. Clutch size varies from a small cluster (~4) to 13.
Due to lack of research and rarity of sightings/capture, population trend data for the Coeur d'Alene salamander is spotty at best. There are thought to be small sites where the species is abundant and capable of observation, but without an implemented monitoring program few data is available with which to evaluate population trends. It is precisely this lack of information that puts the Coeur d'Alene salamander on both Idaho and Montana's Species of Special Concern lists.
This listing could initiate efforts to evaluate population trend could be part of a regional amphibian monitoring program and minimally should involve monitoring site occupancy rates. It could also initiate habitat protection efforts, which are needed to maintain water quality and protect riparian habitats of occupied and observed sites.
| System | Status |
|---|---|
| Rangewide | G4 Apparently Secure |
| Statewide | S2 Imperiled |
| ESA | No status |
| US Forest Service | Region 1: Sensitive |
| Bureau of Land Management | Type 3 Regional/State Imperiled |
| Idaho Department of Fish and Game | Protected Nongame |