What the rains bring…

January 4, 2021

 

With the first rains of the winter season coming to the island, we are beginning to find higher numbers of the Farallon Island’s Arboreal Salamander on our surveys!

Our population of salamanders predominantly inhabits the north-facing (more damp) slopes of the island. Many years ago we placed wooden boards in these areas as removable cover objects, to simulate their habitat so that we can safely study their numbers. Once every two weeks we very gingerly pick up the boards, capture the salamanders, take careful measurements of their size and weight, and photograph every individual. If history is any indicator, as we continue to get precipitation, we expect their numbers to grow throughout the winter season.