Flatwoods salamanders are endemic to the Gulf & Atlantic coastal plains where they occurred in what were historically Longleaf pine flatwoods & savannas. Declines
Flatwoods Salamanders have suffered a 90% reduction in population since 2000, placing them at imminent risk of extinction in the next 5-10 years unless we are able to reverse the declines and recover these species. We need to save this beautiful species before it is too late! Habitat
Flatwoods Salamanders are temporary wetland breeding amphibians, and breed in fish-less wetlands that dry out periodically throughout the year. They are Longleaf Pine ecosystem endemics. This ecosystem has been reduced to 3% of it's original range in the southeastern coastal plain. Threats
Major threats include loss of habitat and fire suppression. Flatwoods Salamanders need open canopy pine savannahs with wiregrass and this habitat disappears when naturally occurring wild fires are suppressed. Because of this, Flatwoods Salamanders are even disappearing from protected lands. Recovery Plan
The Amphibian Foundation is working closely with USFWS, USGS, GA DNR, and others to establish captive propagation colonies of Ambystoma cingulatum. We hope to breed this species in the next year and produce offspring which can then be released into properly managed habitat in GA, SC and FL. The captive propagation colony resides in our outdoor conservation lab: the Amphibian Research and Conservation Center (ARCC).
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