Frosted flatwoods salamander
Ambystoma cingulatum
Overall vulnerability:
Conservation status:
Federally ThreatenedGeneral Information
The long and slender frosted flatwoods salamander is limited to a small range in the eastern panhandle. This species is dark silvery gray or black with white spots, a small head and a jet-black belly. The animal’s silvery hue and small white spots over its dark skin give the appearance of frost, for which it is named. The frosted flatwoods salamander feeds on a diet of earthworms and spiders and migrates to small ponds and puddles during the late fall to breed. Larvae metamorphose into salamanders after 90 days.
Habitat Requirements
The frosted flatwoods salamander inhabits slash and longleaf pine flatwoods. It seeks out areas with wiregrass ground cover and scattered ponds or ephemeral wetlands.
Habitats:
Habitat area:
- 27,675 hectares within Florida (modeled)
- 16,439 hectares (59%) is located on public lands
Habitat impacted by up to 3 meters sea level rise:
Climate Impacts
As a species with a small range, the frosted flatwoods salamander is highly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and loss. Additional habitat fragmentation could trigger widespread dramatic population loss. While not directly linked to climate change at present, additional habitat fragmentation is likely to intensify in many areas as a changing climate begins to drive shifts in land use. This species is also highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation patterns and hydrology. This threat is also magnified by the salamander’s small range – one or two seasons of intense drought and loss of ephemeral wetlands could spur significant population decline.
More information about general climate impacts to species in Florida.
Vulnerability Assessment(s)
The overall vulnerability level was based on the following assessment(s):
Standardized Index of Vulnerability and Value Assessment
Vulnerability: Slightly vulnerableThe primary factors contributing to vulnerability of the frosted flatwoods salamander are minimal habitat protection and habitat fragmentation.
Adaptation Strategies
- Conservation and restoration of existing wetland habitat is critical to increase habitat and species health and resilience at the onset of intensifying climate change.
- Monitoring population levels and hydrological conditions is important for this species. Strategies such as lining breeding ponds and wetland areas to maintain hydration in the event of a significant period of drought and drop of the water table, may help the frosted flatwoods salamander adapt to harsh conditions triggered by climate change.