Eastern tiger salamander

Distribution and Habitat

Their current range is limited to Cape May and southern Atlantic and southeastern Cumberland counties. Cape May County serves as a population stronghold.

Tiger salamanders require both upland and wetland habitats that contain suitable breeding ponds, forests, and soil types appropriate for burrowing. These salamanders reside in underground tunnels or beneath logs for much of the year. Loamy sand and sandy loam soils are preferred for burrowing.

As natural breeding ponds have been lost, old gravel pits and farm ponds have come to serve as breeding sites for the eastern tiger salamander. These ponds must contain clean water free of sediment. Tiger salamanders require pools that contain water long enough to allow for metamorphosis, but dry up late in the summer. This cycle prevents the establishment of predatory fish populations. Consequently, breeding ponds are typically only 2 to 4 ft. deep.

Vegetation around and within the pond, provide cover for salamanders. Ponds may have gravel, mud, sand, or clay (bottoms) and pH levels ranging from 3.5 to 7.9.

Diet

Adult tiger salamanders are opportunistic feeders. They feed on a variety of invertebrates such as insects and their larvae, worms, and spiders. Tiger salamander larvae feed on fairy shrimp, plankton and other small invertebrates.

Life Cycle