Eastern Tiger Salamander 
Scientific Name: Ambystoma tigrinum
Species Ambassador:
Montecore
Our female Eastern Tiger Salamander came to Blandford in 2006. She had been discovered with a cut and swollen eye. Our staff treated her with antibiotics so that she wouldn’t die from the infection in her eye spreading throughout the rest of her body. She recovered, and was a great ambassador for 6 years. Unfortunately, she passed away on July 16, 2012.
Status of Tiger Salamanders in Michigan
This species does not have a protected status at this time.
Habitat
Baby Tiger Salamanders live in small ponds where they were born until they change into their adult form at 2.5-5 months old. Adults live on land in forests, grasslands and marshy areas. They require soil that allows them to burrow in order to keep their skin moist.
Diet
Adult Tiger Salamanders eat insects, worms, snails, frogs and baby snakes. Baby or “larval” Tiger Salamanders eat insect larvae, tadpoles and small crustaceans.
Importance of Tiger Salamanders in Our Ecosystems
-Tiger Salamanders help keep insect populations in check by eating both adult insects and those still in their larval form.
-Salamanders, and amphibians in general, are very sensitive to pollution and serve as indicators of the health of an ecosystem.
Threats to Tiger Salamanders
-Deforestation and loss of wetland habitats have caused populations of this species to decline in some areas.
-Pollution of wetlands and other Tiger Salamander habitats.
-Many Tiger Salamanders are hit and killed by cars while they are crossing roads.
How We Can Help Tiger Salamanders
-Don’t pollute! Also, try to limit the use of fertilizers and other chemicals near waterways.
-Help to keep our wetlands healthy and intact.
-Keep an eye out for these little guys and other amphibians crossing roads.
Interesting Facts
-Adult Tiger Salamanders live underground for most of the year.
-Some Tiger Salamanders remain in their aquatic larval stage for their whole lives!
