detect the slightest change in barometric pressure.
| Yellow-Eyed Ensatina Salamander (Monterey Subspecies) |
|
| Felled trees, rotting logs are common debris on forest floors. |
|
| Decaying tree limbs and trunks are often hollow inside. |
|
| Perfect habitat for native salamanders like the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina. |
|
| Lungless, the Ensatina breathes by absorbing moisture through its skin. |
|
| It's body swells as it absorbs moisture until it nearly resembles a water-filled balloon. |
|
| The Yellow-Eyed Ensatina's eye and skin coloration is a survival adaptation. |
|
| To ward off predators, it evolved to resemble the poisonous California Newt. |
|
| But unlike Newts, the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina is nocturnal and exceedingly shy. |
|
| Avoid handling. Residue on hands can be toxic to this fragile creature. |
|
| Extremely sensitive, Ensatinas retreat far underground if they detect the slightest change in barometric pressure. |
| Return to Top |