Tag: vernal pools

This post is the second in our “super salamander (and frog)” series in which we’re exploring some of the unique adaptations exhibited by local amphibians that would seem more appropriate within the confines of a comic book than out and about in our Garden State landscape. Today’s focal species is the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), our benevolent Poison Ivy. Full disclosure, this topic has nothing to do with plant, though salamanders themselves are not sensitive to the compounds that make humans itchy and have been known to use “leaves of three” as sources of shelter.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the DC Comic Universe, Poison Ivy is a villain who often opposes Batman (and occasionally Superman) during her crusade to protect plants and rid the world of environmental destruction. Though her goals may seem in line with ours here at CWF, her methodology differs dramatically and she is often defined as an eco-terrorist. A former botanist, Poison Ivy, AKA Pamela Isley, was poisoned by her professor. Though she survived the experience, the toxins drove her insane and transformed her into a human-plant hybrid. And that is where our connection lies…

If you’ve ever seen an egg mass deposited by a spotted salamander, you may have noticed that the casing often appears green. This is caused by an association with a very particular kind of green algae called Oophilia amblystomatis. The connection between salamanders and algae has been recognized for > 130 years. For most of that time, it was thought that the algae just occurred within the egg. This is a sensible mutualism- it is auspicious to both species involved. Spotted salamander eggs develop in vernal pools. These temporary wetlands may have relatively low concentrations of dissolved oxygen, so the introduction of algae, which can create oxygen through photosynthesis, into eggs can certainly benefit growing larvae. Under experimental conditions where salamander eggs containing algae were cut off from sunlight, growth and development was delayed and resulting individuals were smaller than those exposed to natural circumstances. On the other side, larvae produce CO₂ and nitrogenous wastes, which can be used to the advantage of the algae. Studies have shown that Oophilia are most successful in water that has been exposed to spotted salamander eggs, even if they are not within the eggs themselves. Case closed, right?

Wrong. In 2011, a team of researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, discovered that the relationship between these two organisms is, literally, skin deep… The algae don’t just infiltrate the salamander’s egg masses. They are also found within the salamander’s tissue cells. This type of connection is called an endosymbiosis- one cell living inside another cell. Coral reefs and their associated algae are the poster children for this phenomenon, but it is not uncommon among invertebrates. Vertebrates, however, tend to have much more active immune systems that are programed to recognize a cell growing within another cell as a health threat. We can be grateful for that, as dangerous pathogens (e.g., malaria), can spread this way. In the case of salamanders and algae, the above-mentioned team discovered that the amphibians were actively suppressing their immune systems to allow for the success of the algae, which indicates that they must continue to benefit from this association. The algae show signs of stress when encapsulated within the body of salamanders; sunlight becomes harder to access, so rather than creating energy through photosynthesis, they switch to the process of fermentation.

The endosymbiotic mutualism between spotted salamanders and green algae is totally unique among vertebrates. No other amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, or bony fish are known to support a similar relationship. Research on the mechanisms and the meanings of this “partnership” are ongoing, but scientists are hopeful that the discovery could yield novel techniques for medical advancement.

While spotted salamanders are certainly not hybridizing with their algal associates, in a way, they walk the animal-plant boundary as they incorporate both types of cells within one compact package, therefore making them the amphibious analogs of DC’s Poison Ivy.

Our final installment will shift the focus to frogs and, in particular, one that doesn’t mind the late winter chill…

by Christine Healy, Wildlife Biologist

I felt confident, after the mild conditions that we experienced in January and much of February, that March would skip the “lion” phase of the well-known adage and come in and out like a lamb. I was clearly incorrect…

In anticipation of the amphibian migration, I thought it would be fun to write about some of the most unique adaptations displayed by three early-breeding vernal pool obligates that we target during our Crossing program. These species require access to temporary wetlands in order to complete their life cycles and are thus at greater risk of motor vehicle collisions than other amphibians that don’t rely on these resources. As I started drafting this, I kept thinking about parallels between the behaviors that I chose for each species and superheroes/villains whose background and abilities relate. And so, I’m kicking off this series with our very own Wonder Woman, the Jefferson Salamander.

Continue reading “New Jersey’s Amphibious Amazons”

by Christine Healy, Wildlife Biologist

Every January, once the confetti has settled from the new year’s celebration, I start thinking a lot about amphibians and preparing for their springtime migration. That behavior, however, is not collectively adopted by all of our local frogs and salamanders. Different species have found different ways to adapt to the challenges of a complex lifecycle that relies on environmental factors to inform physiological changes. Wood frogs, as well as spotted and Jefferson salamanders, have conformed to an early spring breeding strategy. Once the ground thaws and snow melt has raised the water level in vernal pools, they are on the move. Since amphibians in temperate climates hibernate (or more correctly, brumate – the “cold-blooded” equivalent), you might think that their appearance in February and March means that they lead the pack. While this seems a reasonable assumption, it’s actually incorrect.

Continue reading “Crossed One Off the Bucket List”

By Allegra Mitchell, CWF Biologist

 

Waterloo Village in Byram Township, Sussex County is more than a tourist attraction and local gem, it is also home to the largest cross-road amphibian migration in New Jersey. Each spring, frogs, toads, and salamanders stir from their hibernation to make their way to their breeding sites. Some of these sites, like the one at Waterloo, are vernal pools – small, temporary bodies of water that appear in early spring as snow melts and rain and groundwater gathers, and disappear throughout the summer as they evaporate. The ephemeral nature of these pools can’t support fish, which would prey on amphibian eggs and larvae. Vernal pools therefore provide some protection for amphibian offspring, with many species such as wood frogs and spotted and Jefferson salamanders – both of which are listed as New Jersey species of Special Concern – relying exclusively on these vernal pools for breeding.

 

 

The greatest challenge for amphibians breeding at Waterloo Historic Village is crossing Waterloo Road. Living in the most densely population state takes a toll on many species of wildlife in the form of habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Each year, many amphibians become victim to vehicular collision as they move from their hibernation sites across Waterloo Road to the vernal pool in which they reproduce. Amphibians may be disproportionately affected by vehicle-caused road mortalities compared to other wildlife because of their tendency to migrate en masse to breeding sites. These annual road mortalities can have devastating effects on amphibian population sizes, especially for the local at-risk salamander populations. In fact, as little as about 10% annual risk of road mortality in spotted salamanders can lead to the local extinction of an entire population.

 

To address this problem, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) and the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) organized amphibian rescue efforts. Since 2002, dedicated volunteers have assisted frogs, toads, and salamanders across Waterloo Road during the busiest migration nights. This aid has proven effective in reducing amphibian road mortalities, but it is not a permanent solution to the problem. Efforts are underway to construct under-road tunnels to help guide amphibians safely across Waterloo Road. These tunnels will provide safe passage for these critters throughout the breeding season, including on their migration back into the woods where they will hibernate. Since this return migration is more sporadic and less weather-dependent than migration to the vernal pool, it is much harder to protect amphibians as they make their way back to the forest.

 

 

This year, CWF scientists have begun the initial phases of research to understand current amphibian population sizes and the impact of vehicle traffic on these animals at Waterloo. Scientists and volunteers have been out 7 days a week since amphibian migrations began in late February to tally daily roadkill on Waterloo Road. This study will be used to evaluate changes to frog, toad, and salamander populations as the under-road amphibian tunnels are installed. CWF scientists have also conducted egg mass counts in the vernal pool at Waterloo Village to estimate the current population sizes of the different amphibian species in the area. Having this knowledge will allow CWF to improve on future projects to minimize road-related human-wildlife conflicts.

 

Along with improving conditions for amphibians in this location, CWF’s work at Waterloo Village will serve as an example of New Jersey statewide initiatives to reconnect wildlife habitat as a part of the Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) program. The goal of CHANJ is to make our state landscapes more permeable to wildlife movement so that all of New Jersey’s residents – human and wildlife – will have the space they need to thrive.

 

In an effort to bring people and wildlife together in a positive way at Waterloo Village, CWF scientists are leading educational walks for the public and local schools. Through hands-on interaction, local residents can learn about and appreciate the remarkable wildlife right in their own back yards and what they can do to support conservation efforts.

 

All New Jerseyans can help wildlife this season by planting native plants for their gardens, building bat boxes where bats can roost, and, of course, by keeping an eye out on the roads, especially on warm, rainy nights when amphibians might be migrating.

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LEARN MORE

• Amphibian Conservation
• Amphibian Crossing Project

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Allegra Mitchell is a biologist for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

 

Volunteers Survey For This Rare and Elusive NJ Salamander.

by: Larissa Smith, CWF Wildlife Biologist

On a cold December evening I met up with ENSP biologists and dedicated Tiger Salamander project volunteers to survey for Eastern Tiger Salamanders. The group had been out surveying all day in Atlantic County without spotting any tiger salamanders and were cold but still raring to go. The pool we surveyed has been a successful tiger salamander breeding pool, within a complex of enhanced vernal pools. We weren’t disappointed as we quickly found adult salamanders in the pool and egg masses.

Another great find was a neotenic (gilled adult).  This was a larvae, most likely, from last season that didn’t metamorphose and still had external gills. It had not yet left the pool, whereas most larvae metamorphose and leave the pools in June to July of their hatching year.

We surveyed a second pool in the complex, but found no sign of adults or egg masses. We found fish in the pool, which is an indicator that there won’t be salamanders since the fish eat the eggs and larvae.

New Tiger Salamander breeding pools have been found by the TS volunteers, in Cape May and Cumberland Counties. It is encouraging to know that these salamanders continue to live and breed in New Jersey and that gives me hope for the future of all NJ wildlife.

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Learn More

• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Online Field Guide: Eastern Tiger Salamander
• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Blog: Salamanders Arrive at Enhanced Vernal Pool Complex at Cape May
• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Blog: Headstarted eastern tiger salamanders released in constructed pool in Cape May!
• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Blog: Protecting Eastern Tiger Salamanders in New Jersey

 

CWF Vernal Pool Walks Connect New Jersey Residents with Rare, Seasonal Marvel

by Lindsay McNamara, Communications Manager

We all know that “April showers bring May flowers,” but the earlier rains of March stir up beauties of a different kind. When the first spring raindrops hit the barely-thawed ground and night falls on the forest, frogs, salamanders, and toads emerge from their winter burrows. These amphibians – the spotted salamanders, wood frogs, spring peepers, and others – are anxious to get to their breeding pools and lay their eggs. The waters that they choose are called vernal pools because they fill with rainwater, snowmelt, and rising groundwater in early spring but then dry up as summer advances. The pools are thus temporary and cannot support fish, meaning fewer predators for the amphibian eggs and young.

In the northeastern United States, vernal pools are home to over 500 species. In New Jersey, these pools are critical habitat for amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, migratory waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. All 14 of New Jersey’s frog species use vernal pools to breed and two endangered salamander species breed exclusively in vernal pools, including Cape May’s eastern tiger salamander.

The new generation of amphibians must race to complete metamorphosis and leave the vernal pool before the water does. Under perfect conditions of warm, thawing, nighttime rains, there may be hundreds or even thousands of amphibians moving at once toward the same breeding pool. The darkness and the rain allow them to move stealthily over the landscape, hidden from predators like the owl and raccoon.

 

CWF’s Kelly Triece organized a series of walks through the vernal pools of Waterloo Village in Sussex County, New Jersey, and showed residents the unexpected creatures swimming in the pool’s shallow waters. Kelly led the exploration of an ecosystem that most people will never see! Participants listened to the songs of Spring Peepers and discovered salamander eggs, fairy shrimp, and other unique creatures as the evenings set in. Here are photos from her walks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn More:

• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Amphibian Crossing Project
• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Calling Amphibian Monitoring Project (CAMP)
• Amphibian Conservation

 

Lindsay McNamara is the Communications Manager for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

Biologists and volunteers survey for New Jersey Eastern Tiger Salamanders

by Larissa Smith, biologist/volunteer manager

 

It’s the time of year when Conserve Wildlife Foundation biologists and volunteers along with Endangered and Nongame Species biologists start to survey for New Jersey’s “tigers,” and by tigers I don’t mean the big striped cats, we’re talking about the Eastern Tiger Salamanders. These large mole salamanders spend most of their life burrowed under the ground and in December begin to emerge to migrate to vernal pools and breed. Eastern Tiger Salamanders are endangered in New Jersey and only found in 15 pools in the most southern part of the state.

 

Last week dedicated volunteers Wayne Russell, John King and myself went out to check on a few known breeding pools.  The water level in the ponds was lower than usual due to the lack of rain, but John found an adult male in one of the pools.

We were delighted to find a male in the pool so early in December. At another known breeding pool we found the partial remains of two Eastern Tiger Salamanders that had obviously been eaten by a predator. But the good news was that we also found two tiger salamander egg masses in the same pool.

 

Predation is just one of the challenges that these salamanders face. Tiger Salamanders themselves are targeted by collectors for the pet trade which is why their breeding locations are kept a secret. Their habitat is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation, development, pollution, changes in hydrology, and climate change.

 

Learn More:

• Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s online field guide: Eastern Tiger Salamanders
• Habitat Protection: Vernal Pools

 

Larissa Smith is a wildlife biologist and volunteer manager for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

 

Eastern tiger salamanders are starting to move to their breeding pools. The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, the State Division of Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and a dedicated group of volunteers will be surveying the pools over the next few months to determine populations.

Learn more about Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s amphibian projects:

• Calling Amphibian Monitoring Project (CAMP)
• Amphibian Conservation
• Amphibians Crossing!

 

Conserve Wildlife Foundation along with Atlantic City Electric, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and a number of dedicated volunteers planted 150 plugs and 60 quart containers of Baptisia, a native perennial plant last week in Cape May County. Baptisia is the host plant of the state threatened butterfly the Frosted Elfin.

The perennial was planted in upland areas surrounding vernal pools, which had been previously constructed as Tiger Salamander habitat. In the spring, native shrubs had also been planted around the three vernal pools.

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