Little is known about the amphibians that are present in Salmon Creek. A few surveys have been conducted in the Gilham Butte area but there is still much to learn about the species that may be present here.  Amphibian numbers are declining all over the world and scientists

have many theories about this phenomena. Due to their highly sensitive permeable skin, they are an indicator species for water quality and environmental toxins.  As a child I remember finding large Pacific Giant Salamander larvae in many of the pools of the small blue line creeks here in Salmon Creek. Twenty years later it has become rare to see one. Stories like this have become increasingly common all over California and abroad. Some species seem to be stable like the Pacific Treefrog and Rough Skinned Newt, while others may be declining in numbers. Any observations you might have about the presence or absence of amphibians in our watershed would be helpful.
   Due to our high rainfall, temperate climate, and diversity of habitats, especially moist coniferous forest and riparian habitats, the possibility of having a watershed rich in amphibian species exists.  Salamanders are by far the most diverse group of amphibians in our watershed and can be found almost anywhere. The Arboreal Salamander has been found as high as 50 feet in trees! Most salamanders will be found in areas of moist forest or decaying woody debris. Wood rat nests often become the shared home of salamanders.
   We have three known native species of frogs in Salmon Creek. The Pacific Tree Frog, who's chorus is often the background sound of our winter and spring seasons. The Foothill Yellow Legged Frog, who is famous for it's kamikazee dives from stream bank rocks and ledges. The Northern Red Legged Frog, which is listed (state and federal) as a species of special concern, and was found in a tributary of Salmon Creek last summer during fish surveys. The Tailed Frog, (also state and federal listed) has not yet been observed in Salmon Creek but most likely is present in the Gilham Butte area.  The Bull Frog is an introduced species who has a voracious appetite for anything that moves, including native amphibians.  It's numbers have increased along with the building of man made ponds in our watershed. The Western Toad is our only toad that lives in Salmon Creek and is mostly present in the riparian areas of main stem and south fork Salmon Creek.
   The following is a list of amphibians that are present in Salmon Creek.  Amphibians with a (*) have not yet been identified but are most likely present based on the existence of appropriate habitat types for species within our geographic range. Happy salamander hunting! Kyle