During breeding season, the California Tiger Salamander and their short legs manage to migrate up to 1 mile to reproduce in vernal pools and wetland areas (No Room To Roam, 2015). Though this may seem like a short distance, imagine covering this distance only being 8 inches long like the salamander! Unfortunately, a staggering 90% of California’s vernal pools have been lost to drought, development such as strip malls, and agricultural land (No Room To Roam, 2015). Wetland areas have the highest Net Primary Productivity level out of all terrestrial ecosystems, meaning that they are the most biologically productive and therefore host and support a variety of species from Egrets, to Pickleweed Grass, to the California Bull Frog. Wetlands and vernal pools are ideal for a diverse range of plant and animal species, hosting over one-third of the country’s threatened or endangered species at some time in the species’ life (Economic Benefits of Wetlands, 2006). Wetlands and vernal pools also purify water, increase flood protection, stabilize shorelines, and recharge groundwater (Functions and Values of Wetlands, 2012).

      During the California Tiger Salamander’s reproductive stage, there are several limiting factors which threaten their survival such as precipitation levels, number of predators, and drought. Because of this, it is crucial that vernal pool and wetland areas are designated for critical habitat. By saving the California Tiger Salamander we will also save California wetlands and the numerous ecological contributions they provide.