An Analysis of Sex-Based Movement Patterns in California Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) Using Individual Spot Pattern Identification
The California tiger salamander (CTS), Ambystoma californiense, is an endangered amphibian endemic to northern and central California which relies on vernal pools for breeding. We analyzed individually unique spot patterns on these salamanders to identify recaptured specimens during the 2018-2019 breeding season (November-March). Through this analysis we compared the patterns of movement to and from breeding pools between male and female adult CTS. Individuals were captured in pitfall traps surrounding the largest vernal pool on Alton Preserve in Santa Rosa, CA, which has a recorded CTS breeding population. Captured individuals were photographed, had their capture date, trap number, and direction of travel recorded, and had tissue samples removed from their tail tips for analysis. Recaptures were noted by blunted tail tips, and did not have additional tissue removed. Individual photos were later run through I3S software in order to track movement patterns of recaptured individuals.