Distribution of the Long-toed Salamander in Northwestern Alberta
Author(s)
Ken D. Wright and Cynthia A. Jones
Summary
Long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) populations in Alberta are isolated and discontinuous, and appear to be vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Although the species is currently designated as a species of concern, very little information exists on its distribution and abundance in the province. This study was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the extent of the range of the long-toed salamander in the northwest region of Alberta.
Sampling sites were located on woodland ponds and dugouts closely associated with drainages connecting to the Peace River. Net sweeps and minnow traps were used to sample for salamanders at 46 sites along the breaks of the Peace River, and in associated uplands, from the Fairview area to Fort Vermilion, Alberta.
Long-toed salamanders were found at two of the 46 sites sampled; both sites were located in the southern portion of the study area. Most salamanders were caught in minnow traps, and both adult and larval life stages were captured. In addition, wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) were captured at eight sites, and boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata) were captured at nine sites.