Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Secret Life of Tiger Salamanders: How Do They Live Underground?
On the land of North America, there is a rare creature hidden - the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). In addition to being charming, this creature has many unknown properties. In this article, we'll take a closer look at tiger salamanders' habits, habitats, reproductive behavior, and their role in the ecosystem.
Appearance and features
Tiger salamanders are usually about 15 to 20 centimeters long and can live up to 12 to 15 years. They have various colored markings on their backs, ranging from brown to greenish-yellow, and their backs are usually black or dark brown.
These salamanders have smooth bodies with ribbed grooves on their sides that help them control moisture.
Males are typically larger than females and have longer tails, a trait that indicates sexual dimorphism. Some tiger salamanders even maintain their juvenile state, do not undergo complete metamorphosis, and still have gills and live in the water.
Habitat
The tiger salamander's habitats include wooded forests and open grasslands. These secretive creatures spend most of their time underground in caves, making them difficult to detect.
They have a high need for loose soil in order to dig burrows. Adult tiger salamanders are almost always terrestrial, returning to water only during the breeding season.
Tiger salamanders breed in cattle ponds, seasonal pools and flooded swamps. Their distribution is widespread, stretching from New York to Florida, and small populations can be found in other parts of North America.
Reproductive behavior
Female tiger salamanders are very loyal to their birthplace and will travel long distances back to their breeding grounds. Empirical studies indicate that females tend to travel further than males.
The breeding season is usually between late winter and early spring, when the ground becomes warm and the waters thaw.
During the breeding process, the male will gently touch the female with his sharp snout to encourage them to mate, and leave a sperm mass on the bottom of the water for the female to collect. It is worth noting that body size does not affect mating success, but females prefer males with longer tails.
Disease and ecological impact
Although tiger salamanders themselves are immune to some diseases, they are still vectors for the spread of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a major disease threat to most frog species.
In addition, tiger salamanders also carry viruses that can infect reptiles, amphibians and fish and are closely related to their role as bait when fishing.
Position in culture and society
Tiger salamanders also have a place in society and culture. In 2005, Illinois representatives introduced a bill to make the tiger salamander the state's official amphibian, and it was approved by the state.
Tiger salamanders are not only an important part of the ecosystem, but also the subject of many research and conservation projects. How many unsolved mysteries are hidden in the secret lives of these cute creatures underground?
