Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are robust amphibians with striking patterns. As mole salamanders, they spend a significant portion of their lives underground, emerging primarily for breeding or foraging. Their adaptable nature has made them one of the most widespread salamander species across North America.
Geographic Range
Tiger salamanders exhibit an expansive geographic distribution, making them the most broadly distributed salamander in North America. Their range extends from southern Canada, through much of the United States, and into parts of Mexico. They can be found across the Great Plains, into the Rocky Mountains, and throughout the eastern and southwestern states. Their vast range highlights their adaptability to various climates and ecological conditions.
Preferred Terrestrial Environments
On land, tiger salamanders inhabit diverse terrestrial environments. They are commonly found in deciduous and coniferous forests, seeking out moist leaf litter and loose soil. Prairies and grasslands also serve as important terrestrial habitats, providing ample burrowing opportunities and insect prey. Even semi-arid regions are home to these salamanders, provided sufficient moisture and underground refugia are available.
Adults spend most of their lives in subterranean retreats. They prefer areas with soft, workable soil that allows for easy burrowing or access to existing underground tunnels. Consistent soil moisture prevents desiccation due to their permeable skin. Terrestrial cover, such as logs, rocks, and dense vegetation, provides protection from predators and helps maintain a cooler, more humid microclimate.
Aquatic Breeding Grounds
Adult tiger salamanders rely on specific aquatic environments for reproduction. They migrate to temporary or semi-permanent bodies of water to breed, typically in late winter or early spring. These breeding sites often include vernal pools, small ponds, or cattle tanks. Slow-moving ditches and flooded fields can also serve as suitable breeding habitats.
These breeding grounds are characterized by the absence or very low population of predatory fish. Temporary pools that naturally dry out are preferred, as they prevent fish from establishing permanent populations. This provides a safe nursery for their aquatic larvae, which eventually metamorphose into terrestrial adults.
Burrowing Behavior and Underground Living
Tiger salamanders are fossorial, adapted for digging and spending considerable time underground. Burrowing provides refuge from environmental extremes and predators. They often utilize burrows created by other animals, such as rodents like prairie dogs or ground squirrels. If existing burrows are unavailable, tiger salamanders are capable of digging their own tunnels using their sturdy limbs.
Underground living offers several advantages. It provides protection from predators. The subterranean environment also provides stable temperature and humidity levels, shielding them from harsh surface conditions. This lifestyle allows them to conserve moisture and energy, enabling survival in diverse terrestrial habitats.